Spring has sprung! Finally. We have endured another Michigan winter and can now look forward to beautiful sunny skies and warm weather- it should be right around the corner!
This year, not only will I clean out all closets, drawers, dust every inch of the house, wash all floors and clean all windows; I will also take care of myself by scheduling my physical and mammogram.
Have you scheduled your yearly mammogram yet? How about your wellness physical? Teeth cleaning? Spring is the perfect time to get yourself ready for the busy summer months.
According to Dr. Kare Lyche, in her article titled Spring: A Time of Renewal and Growth, we should all try these seven tips to kick off the approaching Spring in a positive way.
Start an exercise program. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Being physically active will help reduce your risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Choose in season, local produce. Seasonal produce is flavorful and budget friendly. Visit your local farmers market. It is good for the community and good for you!
Drink more water. As the weather heats up it is harder to stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water, especially if you will be outside. Although opinions on how much water an individual should consume vary, many sources use the 8X8 rule. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Schedule screenings and doctor’s appointments. Whether you are due for your annual physical, mammogram, colonoscopy or prostate exam, it is important to make your health a priority. As adults, we often think that we are too busy to take time to care for ourselves and we prioritize caring for our loved ones. Invest in your own care so that you will be around for your family for years to come.
Get outside and explore. A nice brisk walk will help you clear your mind and provide a cardiovascular workout. According to Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking can help you:
- · Maintain a healthy weight
- · Strengthen your bones and muscles
- · Prevent or manage various conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- · Improve your mood, balance and coordination
Make a conscious effort to unplug. We spend so much time attached to our email, phones and Facebook but studies show it is really important to unplug. Unplugging helps with rest and recovery and allows us to reboot.
Focus on people and your own wellness. Make human connections and be good to yourself. Relationships and good mental health have the most impact on our happiness. Make time for the ones you love.
Basic information-but it’s always good to be reminded that we need to take care of ourselves.
Where am I on this wellness journey…
I had my biannual teeth cleaning yesterday, wellness physical last Thursday, my mammogram last Tuesday, and bone density test on Monday. Eye exam this Friday. Lots of tests, but needed as we strive to take the best care of ourselves.
Happy Spring cleaning friends!
Karen
Keeping it real at DAK living 🙂
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