Colder weather, holiday indulgences, and reduced daylight often give us the opportunity to hibernate from healthy habits during the winter.

With its warmer weather, budding trees, thriving flowers, and longer-lasting daylight, spring serves as the perfect backdrop to reinvest in healthy living. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages employees to use the season as a springboard to taking healthy action. 

YourTown Health offers the following spring wellness tips and how we can lean into spring’s air of renewal, allowing our health-minded behaviors to bloom.

Be Proactive During Pollen Season

While pollen has the springtime responsibility of helping facilitate the reproduction of trees and other flora, it can cause springtime allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), approximately 35 million Americans suffer from allergies to pollen and mold.

To experience spring allergy relief, it’s best to be proactive during pollen season. The AAAI says avoiding allergy triggers is key to reducing symptoms. This includes limiting outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts, keeping home and car windows closed, and showering after coming inside.

Experts recommend starting allergy medications before symptoms worsen. If over-the-counter medications aren’t doing the trick or you suspect asthma, consult your physician or allergist. 

Spring Into Movement and Nutrition

Exercising is essential when becoming the healthiest version of yourself, and spring weather helps expand exercise options. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests adults perform two and a half hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week, with the addition of strength training at least two days per week.  

When it comes to nutrition, the AHA advises an overall healthy diet. This includes whole foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, lean protein, and non-tropical cooking oils such as canola and olive. Keep sweetened drinks, alcohol, salty food, fatty foods, processed meats, butter, whole milk, full-fat yogurt, and cheese to a minimum. Always avoid trans fats. Other nutrition tips include reading and understanding food labels, portion control, and cooking healthy options at home.

Make a Mental Reset

Use springtime to your advantage by making a mental reset for maximum wellness. Increased daylight offers more opportunities for sunlight exposure, which provides vitamin D, a natural mood booster.

Utah State University recommends a list of ways to refresh your mind during the spring. This includes five to 10 minutes of daily mindfulness or meditation practice, gratitude journaling, focusing on sleep hygiene, fostering positive connections with friends and family, engaging in daily positive affirmations, and more.

YourTown Health Can Help You Prioritize Health This Spring

Consult a YourTown Health provider on how you can prioritize your health this spring and become the best you that you can be.

To make an appointment, find a location near you, or message us online.