By WIN Provider: Dr. Laura Custode, Chiropractor
March – the weather outside is no longer frightful but rather just gross. Dirty, grey, cold, damp. March is post-winter pre-spring and truly is a season of its own. This is the time of year when the days drag on and you can’t help but feel more tired. Then, out of nowhere – a really nice, warm day that reminds you of the beauty and joy that’s just around the corner.
Spring is the season of new beginnings – where the dirt and snow wash away and nature blooms back to life.
Spring is the perfect time of year for a fresh start. This year, capitalize on the newness of the season to improve your health.
1. Get outside: during the Winter, the only time many of us spend outside is cleaning snow off of our cars and driveways. Spring is a great time to get fresh air, vitamin D and back into outdoor activities like walking and biking. We get more sunlight in the evening, giving us more opportunity to be outside even after a day at work. Don’t forget to wear SPF!
Tip: If you haven’t been very active this winter, start with short 15 minutes walks outside, building up in time as your week goes on.
2. Declutter and clean: a clean and organized space can help keep our minds at ease and make day to day life run more smoothly. Spring is the perfect time to look at your space, whether its your home or work, and organize it so it works better for you.
Tip: Set small goals to get this job done over time instead of trying to do it all at once. For example, after work on Monday you might choose 1 or 2 drawers to organize and declutter.
3. Schedule health tune-ups: Chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists can help you get back into your outdoor activities safely.
If you haven’t seen your family doctor, dentist or eye doctor since before the pandemic – it’s been 2 years and you are overdue!
Spring is a great time to schedule check-ups, and to follow up about concerns you may have. If you received any mail this winter asking you to schedule routine tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies or pap, now is a great time to make those calls.
Tip: Schedule your follow-ups for the spring can help optimize your performance and avoid injuries.
4. Reconnect with others: the pandemic has made socializing challenging, especially during the winter months. With nice weather on the horizon, it’s a great time to reconnect with people. Invite your friends or family to get outside with you, try a new activity, or just visit and enjoy the sun together. Feeling connected with people is one of the most important indicators of our overall health (yes, you read that right).
Tip: It’s okay if socializing feels more challenging or tiring right now, it’s been a strange 2 years. Schedule short activities and set boundaries for yourself to avoid burnout.
Spring is my favourite season and I’m looking forward to it! If you have other ideas about how to capitalize on the change of season for your health, please let me know in the comments section below!