Rediscovering Wellness

Don’t you just love spring? After a cold winter, you get to enjoy longer days and warmer temperatures again. However, here comes the stress. Let’s see.. holiday debts are starting to show up on the credit card statement. Check. Taxes are due. Ugh, check. Spring break means you’ll have a house full of kids. Check depending on the number of kids (and I mean it in the most loving way!) These are just a few reasons why you may find yourself unimaginably frazzled.

But everyone deserves to feel happy and refreshed as they say goodbye to yet another winter season. That includes you (yes, you!). So, as spring rolls in here are yet again a few tips for reducing stress that can help you truly enjoy this season of renewal. Pick one and go for it!
Start the Day with a Healthful Breakfast

You are what you eat. Over half of Americans skip breakfast once per week, and more than ten percent never have it at all. While it may save a little time initially, just some of the benefits you miss out on all day include:

Blood sugar regulation

Jumpstart to the metabolism

Increased energy levels

Neurological stimulation

Promotion of a healthy heart

Note to self:  Always make time for something healthful to eat at the beginning of each day for maximum energy and endurance.

Make Time for Spring Cleaning

We’ve all heard of spring cleaning. With the renewal of the season, many choose to use this time to refresh their living spaces. It makes sense. The yucky winter months drag in all sorts of dirt and grime. Now’s the time you can open the windows, aerate the home, and apply finishing touches to get everything looking and smelling fresh.

During your spring cleaning, take some time to remove clutter you don’t use. Just looking around at the extra space will help reduce stress.

Get Some Movement

I call it movement, not exercise. The reason why is I want you to do something that aligns with you or make you happy and energized, that way it’s easier to stick with it. Exercise does not always excite everyone. For me, it’s pole dancing 🙂 Point is, even though it’s only for a half hour per day, movement is a great way to boost your mood, increase energy levels, and enjoy a more restful sleep. If you have cardiovascular issues or other health problems, please. Speak with your doctor to determine the level of physical activity that’s safe for you.

Take a Moment to Breathe

Yes. Breathe. How many of us take time to pay attention to our breathing? I’m guilty of not doing it more often than I should! But deep breathing can lower your heart rate and reduce stress. After you’re done with your chosen movement , this can be a great time to go somewhere private and just spend ten minutes focusing on your breath and allowing yourself some time to forcefully forget all your worries. If your community offers a Yoga class, why not check it out?

Spring is a time for renewal. By following these helpful tips, you can be on your way to reducing your stress levels and truly enjoying the season.

So there. Simple and doable. I hope you find time to do one or two from the list. Also, I hope you are enjoying my spring health and wellness series! What else are you doing to reduce stress?