Spring is the best. I couldn’t be happier to see the flowers, the grass, the baby bunnies, the sun, and my allergies. For me, spring is when life seems to pick up the pace and start hurdling forward at a super sonic speed. I’m going to blink and fall will be here. As life speeds up, it always feels like my immune system slows down. I become more prone to little sniffle bugs, aches and pains, and anything else that seems to be lurking around the gym. I don’t have the time or patience to be sick, so here are my five favorite ways to stay healthy in spring.
Water
My number one suggestion for anyone who is feeling tired, sad, happy, blue, red, purple, or sick is to drink more water. Staying hydrated can affect every aspect of your life.  If your body is dehydrated (most people operate in some state of dehydration regularly), you are more prone to illness, injury, and soreness.  You will not be able to recover as quickly, train as proficiently, or run for lengthy amounts of time.You should average 8-12 cups of water on a regular day with modification depending on the weather, your activity level, and the needs of your body. My favorite idea for helping someone drink more water is to have them find a cute water bottle. It seems to make drinking water more fun and distracts them from the task of chugging water.
Fresh Food
I have a confession to make. I’m not very good about eating my fruits and veggies. Don’t get me wrong, I eat them but it isn’t something I always look forward to doing. I have my favorite and not so favorite foods but that doesn’t stop me from finding ways to make getting my nutrition easier. I have found that when I am right on track with my food habits, everything else in my life seems to come together. I am healthy, my face is clear, I sleep well, I can work harder for longer, I am less tired in the morning, and I don’t crash in the afternoon. For those of us that have trouble with nutrition, there are always options. I am a huge advocate of juicing and making smoothies out of both fruits and veggies to get a powerful combination of nutrients that taste delicious. My Nutri-bullet has become my best friend and has been instrumental in keeping my diet on track. Eating healthy foods does not mean we have to eat raw kale just to survive. Food can taste good and be healthy at the same time.
Sleep
This is my favorite suggestion for staying healthy. Who doesn’t love to sleep and wouldn’t want another reason to do it more? Sleeping is one of the most important factors in our health. If we aren’t sleeping enough we probably don’t have the energy to make healthy meals, exercise, or even drink enough water. When our body becomes starved for rest, every other important health aspect in our lives takes the back burner. When is the last time you slept a full eight hours? I understand life is busy and there are things to be done, but your health should always be your number one priority. Life can not be lived to the fullest if you are yawning and craving another energy drink. Your family, your co-workers, and your body will thank you for making sleep a priority.
Exercise
Our lives have become incredibly sedentary and as a result our health has been steadily declining. Obesity and other diseases are starting to run rampant and affect all ages. Exercise is the largest piece of the healthy living puzzle and the part that is most commonly left out. Everyone has to eat, drink, and sleep but not everyone chooses to be active. When you exercise the body is able to burn calories, release endorphins, boost your immune system, prevent heart disease, prevent bone density loss, improve heart and lung health, prevent weight gain or promote weight loss, and improve your mood. You don’t have to participate in the most intense workouts to see the benefits of activity, all you have to do is move. It isn’t hard to do and the results are far better than the consequences of not moving.
Fresh Air
Life has evolved over the centuries and we have slowly become creatures of the indoors instead of out. We went from sleeping under the stars every night to sleeping in a comfy bed under a roof. Not saying evolution is a bad thing, but it has been proven that we need fresh air. Life inside can be stale, stinky, and filled with germs. Life outside can be fresh, full of dirt and sunshine, and help us stay healthy. Try an experiment and spend just a little time outside everyday and see how you feel. Take time to reconnect with nature, get some Vitamin D, and put a little mud on your shoes. My favorite way to get fresh air is to go for a walk or a run with Lilly. Checking out of reality and into ourselves while enjoying the great outdoors can make all the difference when it comes to our health.