Thumbnail image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
With springtime comes an urge to reinvent ourselves. Most of us feel this at the beginning of January and take action to change our lifestyles for the better. Then come spring, we need another push to keep up with the positive changes we’ve implemented (or given up).
Spring is an opportunity for rebirth in every sense. Those with green thumbs shake the frost and dust off their gardening tools to dive back into yielding another crop of flowers, vegetables and even herbs. We can look ahead to summer and dream up ideas of how best to spend the days drunk on sunshine and the company of those we hold most dear. We’ve pushed through winter and can look forward to the rest of the year—who doesn’t love summer, fall and then the holiday season?
If you’re looking for a way to reinvent or explore other facets of yourself, March is a great month to start. Take some time to connect with any Irish heritage you may have by celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. Or, learn a bit more about women’s history for National Women’s History Month. Try your hand at poetry in honor of World Poetry Day on March 21, then submit it for our monthly Creative Corner! There’s no shortage of ways in which you can explore new avenues for yourself this month.
Below are a few ways that you can refocus on your health and wellness this month:
Your feet are made for walkin’
I know we regularly encourage exercise and movement, but it’s for a good reason. Walking for just 30 minutes every day can help improve and strengthen your cardiovascular system and boost your endurance for daily physical activities. Start with a distance you’re most comfortable with, even if it’s just a quick 5-minute dog walk. You’ll build up your endurance and stamina in no time!
Enjoy a picnic in the park
Believe it or not, just a few minutes outside in the sun can help melt away stress and anxiety. Sunshine time can also strengthen your immune system and bones thanks to the concentrated natural vitamin D. Pack some sandwiches, cheese, fresh fruit or even take your morning coffee to go and share some time with your significant other or friends. Nothing beats quality time in the fresh air.
Eat local in-season crops for spring
The best part of spring and summer is the in-season produce. Florida’s in-season crops during March include strawberries (go to the Florida Strawberry Festival for the best ones!), grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, broccoli, collard greens, lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, mushrooms, radishes, snap beans and squash. Make salads, casseroles or enjoy these crops fresh for maximum benefits.
No matter how you spend this month, take care of yourself. We’ll see you in April!
