Employee Health and Wellness: Adjusting to Seasonal Changes

Spring started on March 20, so why not use this time of transition to begin new healthy habits, activities and routines. A little less screen time could make for more quality time spent doing outdoor activities or exercising. Start now by setting achievable fitness goals to include walking, running, biking or any other type of exercise you may enjoy. 

Just taking in the fresh air is time well spent. Early spring is a great time to start planting a garden whose benefits run the gamut. Gardening helps to reduce stress levels, provides a boost of vitamin D as you spend time outdoors and that can help to improve strength and stamina. If you grow fruits and vegetables in your garden, healthy food options are then readily available. 

Another way to transition into spring is through a visit to the local farmers market. It is a great place to find fresh flowers, plants, produce and local products like honey or jam. Besides, it is a way to enjoy being outdoors while supporting small businesses.

Springtime is also ideal for reducing the clutter in your life by spring cleaning. You can start by organizing storage space. Go through your closets and consider donating gently used items you no longer need.  

Decluttering can also have the following positive effects on your mental and physical health:

• Getting rid of clutter can help give you a more relaxed state of mind.
• Unorganized living spaces may lead to difficulty focusing on the task at hand while a clear space just may help you become more efficient and productive.
• The decision-making skills used to decide what to keep and what to get rid of can also be a liberating experience, giving you control over your environment.
• Reducing clutter may also help reduce the risk of tripping hazards, preventing falls.

Spring is a great time of year for renewal and growth. As you get out and increase energy levels, it just may boost your motivation and level of creativity too.

*This information was provided courtesy of UnitedHealthcare and Brown University Health.