x
Breaking News
More () »

Spring into wellness this year

Spring is a time of renewal, including with your health

The grass is growing, the flowers have begun to bloom, and the now has turned to rain. Every year people emerge from their winter hibernation and begin to spend more time outside. It's a special time of year when even people feel a renewal after the long winter. Amy Ritsema from OnSite Wellness says, take advantage of that feeling! 

Get outside. Now that it's warmer out, you can start walking or running outdoors. If you haven't done much physical activity over the winter, start off slowly and don't overdo it. You may be motivated, but it's easy to kill that motivation by hurting yourself by doing too much too soon. You want to be active all summer, not stuck with an injury keeping you on the couch. 

The health benefits of being outside are enormous. Fresh air is good for our mental well-being. Even if you just take a short walk in the morning or after dinner, it will make you feel better. 

Yard work is a great way to stay active and be outdoors. Often we look at the work as a negative, but here is a chance to look at it in a good light. You are moving, lifting and working all while being outside. Plant a garden, the fruits and vegetables you grow will help you eat healthy throughout the summer. It's also a great opportunity to work with your kids and teach them about growing things. 

Getting outside is a great way to spend time as a family. Go on a bike ride together, take a walk as a family, and go play in the park. The benefits are the same for everyone, and it will help the kids sleep better at night. 

Spring also means more options for fresh fruits and vegetables. You can grow your own or visit a farmers market. Fruits and veggies are usually cheaper in the summer time and they are great on the grill. So are many different kinds of meats, and they are often healthier for us when grilled rather than prepared another way. 

Spring also means warmer weather so remember to drink a lot of water! 

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out