I remember spring cleaning time at my grandmother’s house. She’d enlist whoever was around, arming us with cleaning supplies and doling out assignments like a drill sergeant. The house was cleaned from top to bottom, the dust bunnies run out of town and the windows so clean you could barely tell they were there.

It was hard work, but you knew it was worth it at the end of the day because all the old, stale dust that had been building up all winter was gone, leaving you with a feeling of starting anew.

It’s like that for me with my health. By the end of the winter, I’m feeling uninspired and lazy. I need something new and fresh, something that will lure me back to healthier living. A sort of spring cleaning for my wellness routine–top to bottom!

If you feel the same, here are some tips on how to give your body and mind a spring overhaul.

For me, the mental aspect of starting something new is the hardest part. How do you get your brain to start leading the charge to improve your health and wellness? Try making a list of everything you’re considering and narrow it down to a few things you want to explore. Then, read inspirational articles, listen to podcasts or talk to friends and family who are doing something you’d like to try. In addition, there are lots of free classes for first-timers, instructional YouTube videos, and books to get you started.

One of the best ways to feel like you’re starting fresh is to clean up your diet. A gentle cleanse can give you a good start, but make sure you don’t do anything too crazy. Excessive cleansing can alter your gut bacteria and cause more problems than it solves.

If you’re someone who shuns vegetables, try adding them little by little into your routine. Start with the more palatable ones—carrots, lettuce, spinach, sweet potatoes—and look for recipes that “hide” veggies in sauces or soups. Work your way up to four or five servings, or more, per day. 

If you already love vegetables, maybe changing over to a more plant-based diet would be for you. Download recipes from online, or buy a used cookbook of recipes to try before you commit to changes in your diet, just in case your body doesn’t like it.

Are you tired of your same old workouts? Making changes to your exercise routine can be a good way to clear out the cobwebs, too. Call around to see if there are any free trial classes, short-term classes at your local community center, or challenges you can join online to see if a new physical activity is right for you.  If you aren’t someone who exercises regularly, now could be the time to start!

Wellness isn’t just physical. Maybe you could use a new hobby, a more active social life, or a more satisfying vocation. Or, perhaps it’s time to embark on a deeper spiritual journey, become more mindful, or give time to a charity. 

Whatever “wellness” means to you, there is always room for improvement. Always a way to make things fresh.

On my list this year: weaving, goat yoga, kickboxing, and a meditation session with Tibetan singing bowls. Can’t wait for spring!

Until we meet…

Donna