Are you ready to make the most out of spring? Spring can bring a whole range of new health and wellness benefit. The rain and warmer weather are the perfect recipe for nature to come alive. Here are 5 tips on how you can unlock the most out of your spring and get your health and wellness blooming.

  1. Spend time in nature - Spending time outdoors has many benefits for your health and wellness. Not only can it help improve your immune system, but nature can help reduce stress and improve your mood. When being sun safe, spending time in the sunshine can also hold benefits such as increase your Vitamin D levels which in turn help to regulate your sleep cycles.

    To enjoy more time in nature this spring, you can go for a walk-in local bushland or parks, have a picnic in your backyard or take up gardening as a hobby. Anytime spent enjoying the outdoors can provide mental and physical health benefits for you and your family.

  2. Backyard exercise - Exercise can sometimes be a struggle especially if you can’t find the time to visit the gym, however, just 30 minutes of light exercising outside can have major benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing. Exercising outdoors has proven to help reduce anxiety and can also make exercise more enjoyable.

    If your short on time, setting up a circuit routine in your own backyard provides an easy, convenient, and customised workout for you and your family, while also allowing you to unlock the benefits of nature right at your doorstep. Take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy some fresh air while getting fit, healthy, and mentally refreshed. 

  3. Hiking - Hiking can be a great way to experience all that spring has to offer. Not only can it provide a great workout for your whole body, but, being surrounded by nature can provide you with endorphins making you happier and healthier, all at the same time. We know that being in nature can reduce stress, but it can also calm risks of anxieties. Hiking with friend and family can also provide a bonding experience, utilising positive mental spaces to improve bonds and create lasting memories. With plenty of hiking trails available to choose from, the choice of adventure is yours!

  4. Swimming - What else can you do with all these fresh springs and waterfalls but go for a swim! Being around water has been proven to have a naturally calming effect, reducing stress levels, and helping you relax quicker and for longer. As a low impact exercise swimming is great for not only cooling down but also for letting tired muscles relax. Combining hiking and swimming is the best of both worlds in getting in a good full body workout and relaxing cool down all whilst giving your mental health some much needed TLC.

  5. Choose healthy snack alternatives - Not only does spring bring flowing creeks, blooming flowers, and beautiful weather, it also brings a new range of fruits! It’s a lot easier to eat healthier alternatives when they taste sweeter. The season brings an abundance of healthier snack options such as mangoes, pineapples, dragon fruit, strawberries, figs, and even fresh cashews. All great option for snacking and using in various recipes. Whether it’s a smoothie, a salad or just a bowl of goodness, making healthier choices every day, particularly in the foods we consume can make for a healthier body in the long term. Eating more fruit can even lead to reduced stress.

    By making smaller choices and switching out snack with little nutritional value, for a range of fruits and vegetables, particularly the yummy ones available in spring, you can ensure your family are getting the nutrients they need for a happy and healthy mind, body, and soul.

 

For more info on Healthy recipes and how to get the most good out of your diet, see our recipes, food tips and more at Healthy Recipes and Food.

 

 

Sources

Embrace nature | Dear Mind (initiatives.qld.gov.au)

Quick Backyard Workout for the Whole Family (activekids.com)

Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercise | Miracle Recreation (miracle-recreation.com)

8 Reasons Why Hiking is Great Exercise | Piedmont Healthcare

Benefits of Hiking - Trails & Hiking (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Health benefits of swimming | healthdirect

The Effects of Water on Mental Well-being (espyr.com)

Fruit availability and storage in NT | NT.GOV.AU

Healthy food swaps | healthdirect