Spring cleaning doesn’t necessarily have to refer to completing chores around the house. Let’s pay a little more attention to our physical and mental health to “spring clean” our wellness this season!
After what’s felt like a long winter, it’s time to refresh, recharge and experience the new beginnings that come along with the spring season. Warmer temperatures, longer days, a fresh start and a renewed sense of positivity are just a few of the benefits that the new season can bring. Best of all, there are plenty of COVID-19-friendly, healthy and safe ways to spruce up your well-being this spring!
Below are three tips to help you spring clean your health routine.
- Give Your Fitness Routine a Refresh
Instead of sticking to the same old routine, shake up your fitness by trying something new, like exercising outside! Take advantage of the warmer weather and fresh air. There are plenty of ways to get your body moving outdoors, but here are a few that can be done locally:
- Take a light jog or walk your dog along the Greenbelt. Bonus idea: if you don’t have a dog of your own, offer to walk a friend’s dog.
- Ride your bike along the North Redondo Beach Bike Path.
- Go for a hike and take in the views on the Palos Verdes Coastline Trail.
- Go for a brisk walk near the beach – perhaps along The Strand.
- Grab a mat and practice yoga at Polliwog Park.
If you prefer to stay home, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) provides a wide range of at home exercise videos on its Center for Health & Fitness YouTube playlist and various monthly challenges that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Try one today!
- Focus on a Healthy Diet by Incorporating Spring Produce into Your Meals
Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? What better way to kick off the beginning of spring than revamping your diet and focusing on nutrition! Good nutrition is often overlooked, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who follow healthy eating patterns tend to live longer and are at a lower risk for developing serious health conditions. It is also reported by the CDC that fewer than one in ten children and adults consume the recommended daily amount of vegetables, and only four in ten children and fewer than one in ten adults consume enough fruit. This spring, incorporate delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals such as cherries, kiwis, strawberries, spinach, asparagus or carrots!
Consider taking a visit to one of these local farmers’ markets and check out the best fruits and vegetables that this season has to offer! According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers’ markets are a great place to shop because they offer fruits and vegetables that are at the peak of their growing season, meaning the produce is fresh and ready to eat. In addition, these foods are typically grown close to where you live, allowing you to support local farmers and reduce emissions due to shorter product travel time. Check out a local farmers’ market today:
- Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers Market
326 13th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Open Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Redondo Beach Certified Farmers Market
309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Open Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Hermosa Beach Friday Farmers Market
1035 Valley Dr., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Open Fridays, 12 – 4 p.m. - Riviera Village Certified Farmers Market
1801 S. Elena Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Open Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Looking for more tips on how to have a healthier diet? Look at some of our additionalnutrition resources below:
- Try some of our tasty, nutritious and kid-friendly recipes here.
- Check out our Healthy Eating Guide to learn more about healthy nutrition here.
- This year’s National Nutrition Month theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors” – try our baked flauta recipe here.
- It’s Time to Spring Ahead! Make it a Priority to Adjust to Daylight Savings
Remember that on Sunday, March 13 at 2 a.m., we “Spring Forward,” meaning we lose an hour of sleep due to the time change. Adjusting to daylight savings can be difficult for some, as the time change may disrupt our circadian rhythms and our sleep schedules. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help your body make a smooth transition. Here are some tips suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
- The week before the time change, try to go to bed and wake up 10-15 minutes earlier each day. These gradual shifts will help your body slowly adjust.
- On Saturday night (March 12), set your clock ahead by one hour in the early evening, then go to sleep at your regular bedtime.
- On Sunday morning, head outside for some early morning sunlight. The bright light will help set your internal clock to regulate your sleep schedule and alertness.
- On Sunday (March 13), stick to your normal bedtime to get plenty of sleep for the beginning of the workweek on Monday.
Implementing these healthy tips is a surefire way to enhance your personal well-being this spring season. Oftentimes, we place too much emphasis on physical spaces and tangible items when it comes to spring cleaning, but let’s be sure to take care of ourselves as well.
