The 7 Essential Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Body and Mind

The start of spring brings with it fresh blooms and a sense of new growth. It’s no coincidence that people across the world have made this season a time to start anew. Spring is for rejuvenation, and while many of us may be planning to schedule some time to spruce up our homes and yards over the next few weeks, I’d like to suggest that we take the idea of Spring Cleaning to a new level—Let’s clean up our bodies and minds! Here’s how you can begin this month with a bright new outlook.

1. Drink Water—Hydration helps our bodies flush out toxins, curbs over-eating, and has been linked to a reduced risk of disease. Despite our easy access, more than half the people in the U.S. end each day dehydrated. If you're serious about improving your physical and mental health, upping your water intake is the first step. Make hydration a habit, something you do each day regardless of circumstances. It takes 21 days to create a habit, so for the next three weeks, pack your water bottle and drink up! 
2. Exercise—Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity, 4 days a week, has been shown to significantly reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and boost your energy. If it’s not already, make a short workout an essential part of your routine this spring. You’ll be able to start each day with a sense of accomplishment and the mental energy you need to solve any problems that lie ahead. 
3. Get Organized—It turns out Spring Cleaning is an excellent way to improve your mental health! Studies show that getting organized and de-cluttering your work and home space can lead to reduced stress and increased productivity. Try bagging up the items you don’t use and donating them to someone who can put them to good use. 
4. Meditate—Even if you’re not a dedicated Yogi, setting aside a few minutes each day to be silent and breathe deeply can work wonders for your mind. Meditation has been linked to improved emotional control, diminished stress, and an overall positive outlook. Roll up the yoga mat and head to the studio, or spend 5 minutes after lunch with your eyes closed and the tech off. Clear your mind, and find the creativity and rejuvenation to make each day great. 
5. Garden—This is a perfect time of year to start an activity that will get you moving, outdoors, and provide you with fresh fruit and veggies to boot! Gardening is a stress relieving and fulfilling hobby with a serious pay-off. But even if you don’t count yourself as a green thumb, just getting outside for about 45 minutes each day can do wonders for your physical and mental health. 
6. Embrace the Prep—Fresh, locally grown foods are more available in spring than any other time of year. Pluck produce from your garden or head to the Farmer’s Market to bump up the nutrition level of your daily eating. Once you’ve got the food, do something with it! Pack your salad for lunch the next day or whip up a health conscious meal that will keep you fed for several nights that week. Being involved in your food preparation has been shown to dramatically increase your likelihood of eating nutritionally balanced, healthy portions. 
7. Reset Your Sleep Schedule—How many hours of sleep do you get each night? If your answer isn’t somewhere in the 6-8 range, it’s time to change up your daily schedule. Getting 8 hours of sleep each night can help you lose weight, stay healthy, and boost your creativity. If you’re feeling skeptical, try it out for a week. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel after your body gets the rest it needs. 

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