Spring Has Sprung!

Hurray! Spring has sprung – the days are longer, the temperatures are rising and it is time to come out of hibernation.

Now the worst of the cold is out of the way, it is an ideal time to focus on your wellbeing, to energise yourself for the new season and the coming summer.

Freshen up your diet

During the winter months, it is easy to slip into bad habits, stay indoors and eat more, exercise less and generally lurk about.

Often illnesses spike at the change of seasons as there is a lot of activity in the air. Take precautions to keep yourself healthy and avoid the spring colds. It is time to increase your fitness and take advantage of the new seasonal produce.

Start each day fresh. One easy way to help your system cleanse itself is to start the day with a cup of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Should you develop a cold or sore throat, add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of cider vinegar to soothe your throat.

Salads are back

Delicious and nutritious as soups are during the winter, it's nice to change things up a bit. If you have roasted vegetables for dinner, do a few extra pieces of pumpkin, parsnip, carrot or kumara and keep them to toss over salad greens for lunch. Don't forget to add a crumble of goat's cheese and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for a power packed meal.

Modify your winter favourites; turn roasted meat into interesting sandwiches for picnics, search out recipes for chilled soups and pack away the sugary slice recipes in favour of fruity muffins, packed with nuts, seeds and wholemeal flour.

Try chopped nuts with some fresh fruit and a dollop of yoghurt for breakfast instead of porridge, or opt for a bircher muesli for a healthy change.

Smell the roses

Walking is a delight in the spring. The streets are a riot of colour and perfume and there is such a sense of anticipation in the air – things are growing again, there is new life everywhere, it is an inspiring season. You may like to form your own small walking group to get some exercise, social contact and ideas for your own garden.

Get some sun

Health professionals agree, sunlight is good for the soul, to combat depression and to strengthen the immune system. Go outside, find somewhere comfortable and bask in the sun with a good book for half an hour.

Break out the brighter coloured clothing too, it will give you a lift and do wonders for any lingering winter blues.

Check it out

Plan ahead. It is now only a few short months until the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins. Book any checkups you have may need (dentist, molemap, cholesterol) and get them out of the way.

You may even like to start making a Christmas list. Imagine how relaxing December could be if you have all your shopping finished by the end of October…?