Despite the cold and snowy weather some of us are having, spring is here! With spring comes spring cleaning. Something about the arrival of the season makes us want to clean and purge. We often think of old clothes, toys and household wares that we don't need any more and can be given or thrown away, but I would like to look at spring cleaning from a different angle.
The colder the season, the more we carry, literally and figuratively. We carry extra weight because we turn to heavier comfort foods and it's also harder to move. Between the cold temperature, the piles of snow, the kids home for snow days and the gray, dreary skies, there is little motivation to get out and exercise or find time to do it at home. We tend to turn to comfort foods during the cold months like loaded casseroles and hearty chilis. After many months, we feel heavy, tired and, dare I say, toxic. It's not just the parents, either. Kids are anxious to get outside and get moving, too!
It's time to lighten your load. Sure, there is the physical weight but let's not focus on that right now. Let's work on feeling less heavy, tired and toxic. It's amazing what getting fresh air, sunshine (even if it's cold out) and just moving your body does for your mood. And when your mood feels better, so does your body! It's also a good time to change up your workout routine. Get out of the house and get outside or, if you go to a gym, try some new classes, a different cardio machine and some different weights. They all work your body and mind differently and you may find something new that you love.
As I always preach, make your sleep a priority. You will be amazed by the benefits that consistent, quality sleep has on your body. Your body will thank you in amazing ways! Side effects may include better concentration, more productivity, better mood, better food choices and maybe even a smaller waistline. Sleep is magic!
Now that you have your fresh air, sunshine and sleep, let's look at your kitchen. I'm going to guess that over the summer you have amassed a lot of convenient comfort foods. What is more full, your pantry or your refrigerator? With the bounty of the season that is about to spring (pun intended) upon us, let's get rid of those chips, crackers and cookies and focus on the freshness of fruits, vegetable and grains that our great Earth gives us every spring and summer. When you fill your body with fresh, whole foods your body rejoices and says, "thank you!" by digesting better, eliminating easier and making you feel great.
Putting all of these things together will lighten your mental and physical load. Say goodbye to that heavy, toxic feeling and hello to feeling great!
