With the winter in full force you have little choice but to catch up on TV shows (thank God for Netflix) and work on defining that butt-shaped imprint on the sofa. It's cold outside, and the streets are lined with dirty snow.
Thankfully, spring is just around the corner. The dreary avenues of New York are about to be transformed as the mercury in thermometers begins climbing back to friendly temperatures.
It's time for a lifestyle change, to get outside and feel the warmth of the early spring sun on your face, and feel the shock of fresh air deep in your lungs. Here are 8 tips to transition to a healthy outdoor lifestyle as spring blossoms.
1. Don't Run Before You Can Walk
If you've been cooped up for weeks, try taking some brisk walks around the block or through a park before escalating to running. Get the feel back into those cramped muscles, and enjoy seeing early flowers bursting from the ground.
2. Break Winter Habits
Winter cold forces changes in patterns. All you want to do is go to work, commute home as fast as possible, and get out of the cold. Spring is far more freeing. Take lunch outside for a change. Avoid fast food that has added pounds during the inactive winter, and eat a fresh salad.
3. Replace Hot Beverages with Cool, Healthy Drinks
Another bad habit that's a comforting companion through the dark chill is a hot cup of coffee. The bitter beverage keeps you alert with an infusion of caffeine, but coffee is a stimulant. Instead, enjoy a daily blend of iced herbal tea, a caffeine-free fluid injection of healthy herbs that tastes refreshing while invigorating the entire body or a fresh organic juice from your local juice bar.
4. The Vigor of Cycling
A spin class is a healthy exercise, but it's a static experience that lacks true connection to nature. Dig out your bicycle and consider cycling to work. Who knows, you may get hooked on the wind pulling at your hair and want to leave the car at home, opting to bike all the time. You might even want to check out Citi Bike.
5. Wake Up Early and Greet the Sun
The bright sunshine of a spring morning has the opposite effect of a winter morning. Instead of lying in darkness, trying to keep warm, you want to wake early. This is a great time to start a morning yoga routine, stretching in preparation for a jog or find a sunny spot in your home and meditate. Eat a healthy breakfast that includes a slice of grapefruit or some fresh berries.
6. Socializing for Fun
It's time to contact friends and colleagues again. You've been hibernating like a grumpy bear, too intent on avoiding flurries of freezing snow to keep up with life. Meet friends for a walk through the park or at a cafe and catch up with everything you've been missing. Meeting at a café might not be an exercise for the body, but socializing sure feeds the soul.
7. Spring Clean Your Surroundings
Prepare your environment for stretching exercises by cleaning your personal space. Store warm blankets and replace them with airy sheets. Turn off the heating and open a window, sweeping out the dust that causes congestion of the lungs. Take it to the next level by swapping out your wardrobe, throwing the heavy overcoats in the cupboard. Replace them with light cotton shirts and gear meant for outdoor activities.
8. Play Around with Fitness
Spring reminds everyone that health and fitness isn't a chore. Get outside and invite some friends to the park or beach. There might still be a late winter chill to the air so pick up a Frisbee or a baseball bat and play some games. Take healthy snacks along to feed everyone during a break and remember to bring water!
Spring is around the corner, and hopefully the warm weather is too. Get prepared for spring produce and try some new fruits and vegetables from your local farmer's market. If you aren't already in love with these few, give them a shot with some easy methods of preparation- *artichokes, asparagus, beets, fava beans, lettuces, spinach and strawberries. Seasonings to try- mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme, chives, marjoram, dill, and cilantro. Start to check your local farmer's markets in March.
