Healthy RGV Issue 113

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · APRIL 2018
SPRING
CLEAN
YOUR
LIFE
Spring is a time for renewal.
Flowers begin to bloom. Our
long-sleeved sweaters become
a bit too heavy for the season.
We’re anxious to open the
windows and let in some fresh
air before the summer heat sets in soon. Our
moods lift. Our spirits are high. As they say,
Spring is in the air. But more parts of our lives
could use a refresh button.
For starters, you can begin
with your fitness routine.
With the sun shining longer
and the weather warming up
nicely, you no longer have to
work out indoors. You can
rev up your workout routine
with a jaunt outdoors.
Go big. Sign up for a Couch to 5k or go even
bigger and gather a group of friends or
coworkers and sign up for a 10k. Set a goal
and start taking steps to make it happen.
Getting out in the elements will boost your
self-esteem, give your endorphins a jolt, and
help you get in tip-top shape for the summer.
Why not go for a little relaxation this
Spring? You’re probably in need of a little
R&R. What better way to get it than to take
some time to soothe your mind and soul with
relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation?
Meditation is the ultimate way to focus on
things that matter. It fosters positivity, love,
and light. It takes you away from the hustle
and bustle of everyday life and gives you time
to rejuvenate your soul. Yoga has many of the
same benefits, but with a bonus: Yoga helps
your physical health as well.
Rebuild or strengthen your relationships with those you care about. Take some
time to focus on your friendships and find ways to reconnect. If it feels like work or seems
overwhelming to reconnect and rebuild those bridges, springtime is the perfect time to
rethink those bonds. If that connection invites negativity into your life, let it go. Just like you
declutter your desk, you can declutter the muck in other aspects of your life.
This is a biggie. Unplug your devices.
Lock them in a drawer. Shut them off. Do
whatever you have to do to enjoy the season.
Yes, social media is fun – sometimes – but
it’s not the end all be all. You don’t need it as
much as you think you do. Reclaim your time.
You’ll be happier for it.
Spring is the perfect time of year to empty
the junk drawer, rid your closets of clothes
you haven’t warn in a long time, clean off
your desk, clean your garage and attack. It’s
just stuff after all. Do you really need it or can
you take a photo of it and let it go? In fact,
you can make some money off your old stuff.
Put it up on eBay or Etsy and make a few
bucks in the process. Or if you’re not techsavvy,
have a yard sale and let other people
take it home for a few dollars. Easy-peasy!
Are you over the calorie-laden desserts of
the holiday season? Are you ready for cute
shorts or sexy skirts? Now is the perfect
time to say goodbye to comfort food and
say hello to fresh fruits and vegetables. Try
new healthier versions of your favorite meals.
Plant a garden. Experiment with new-to-you
foods. Who knows? You might even lose a
little weight in the process.
Revamp your budget. Now that the holiday
bills are out of the way, set your budget
for the rest of the year. If you’ve already
emptied out the garage or the attic, you’ve
undoubtedly found items you forgot you
owned. That’s good news. You won’t need
to rebuy it. Give up the overspending. Wear
what you have. Give up your fancy coffee
habit. Open a savings account for this year’s
holidays. Do something to get your finances
in order.
By Claudia Portillo
28 HEALTHY MAGAZINE