5 Tips for personal renewal (As featured on www.slotomagazine.com)
Most people set sights to the New Year with resolutions that will foster positive changes in their life. But after a hectic Christmas period with its gift-hunting stress and overindulgence in fatty foods and sweets, followed by a New Year Eve’s party; most of us wake up on January 1st with a headache and desire to stay in bed for a couple of weeks.
As we enter spring, on the other hand, we are well into our work routines and feel energized by the rising temperatures and longer daylight. This is the time we can place attention to our health, habits and personal welfare.
Here are five tips that you can implement this spring for positive changes in your life:
- Go for Nature walks
The air outside is getting warmer and plants are in full bloom. Visit a nearby forest or park and go for at least one hour walk every week. Fresh air and physical activity can lower your stress-levels, improve your cardiovascular system plus you get to burn that extra ‘holiday’ fat!
- Go for local produce
Instead of purchasing imported vegetables and fruits, go for locally produced products. This has two advantages: first, you support your local farming community and second, you begin to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet that will benefit your health. - Deep cleaning
So, you have started by taking care of your body, but its ‘habitat’ is equally important. By this we mean your house! Spring is well known to induce allergies due to pollen and dust in the air. Over 50 million people in the US alone suffer from nasal allergies. Make your house allergy-proof by vacuuming and dusting all nooks and crannies in the house, disinfect surfaces, wash all your linens and blankets and shake your rugs outside and let them stand under the sun for a day or two. - Check up on your health
How long has it been since your general check-up at the doctor or dentist? Make an appointment with your GP or dentist to check up on any discomfort you may be feeling. There’s nothing like having a year without illness or injury and prevention is often enough to avoid any mishap. - Out with the old, in with the new
The concept of renewal can also apply to your personal belongings. Go into your closet, medical cabinet, storeroom and pantry and get rid of old, expired and defective products. Any clothes you no longer use can go to charity and you’ll be making a difference in the world!
