With the beginning of spring comes the perfect opportunity to return to healthier habits. This can feel especially rewarding this year as we continue to see improvements in the pandemic. Here are 6 basic ways to ease back into healthy habits to better support your well-being.
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Give your grocery list a makeover.
Reduce the packaged, salty and fatty foods and increase the fresh (or frozen) fruits and veggies to shore up every meal. Choose blueberries to top your cereal, avocados for your midday sandwich spread, broccoli or cauliflower to include in pasta sauce, stews and more. Unsure of where to start? Click here for tips to help you.
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Get your heart pumping.
Break away from your comfy couch and staring at your screens, and aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day! Do toe touches or jumping jacks during commercials, pace while talking on the phone, take extra trips up and down stairs, and so on. There are many ways to stay active that don’t have to feel like exercise—here are some everyday ways to keep moving.
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Fire up your brain.
Along with binging on your favorite comfort shows or videos, check out an audio book, try working on a crossword, doodle or color in a coloring book, or look into free language courses.
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Jot your worries in a journal.
If anxious worries are stealing your sleep or messing with your productivity, designate a specific time to write them out in a journal (list some solutions, too!) This can help train your brain to only worry at your designated time. Get tips to help you start journaling here.
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Pause to renew and restore.
Maybe take a bath or steamy shower with your favorite music or just sit quietly outside watching the clouds drift by or listening to the rustling leaves. Or, wherever you are, close your eyes and take slow deep breaths, paying full attention to the moment.
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Stay connected with others.
Follow CDC guidelines based on your vaccination status for in-person get-togethers. Click here to review the current guidelines. For people you’re still unable to see, keep up with phone calls, video chat, texts or emails and talk about the things you plan to do when you’re finally able to see each other in person!