Spring into health

LiveWell's Sara tells us why spring is her favourite seasons: there's so much warmth and daylight to look forward to, bringing a refreshing burst of energy.

Sunshine: the wonder drug

With the arrival of spring, the increased sunlight and longer days helps improve our mood by boosting serotonin levels. Serotonin, often called the "feel-good" chemical, plays a key role in keeping our mood, anxiety, and overall mental wellbeing in check. It's like nature's way of making us happier and more content! 

Sunshine also helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, known as the "sunshine vitamin." This amazing vitamin not only lifts our spirits but also helps regulate mood, ease depression, and keep our minds sharp. As the weather warms up, we naturally spend more time outside, soaking in fresh air, which improves our lung function and gives us more chances to connect with nature. 

Start new routines

Spending time in nature is like hitting the reset button for our minds and bodies. It helps us relax, lowers stress, and brings a wonderful sense of peace. Spring is the perfect time to make small, easy changes that can really boost your health and happiness. Why not get outside more and enjoy the lovely weather? Go for walks, have picnics, do some gardening,

visit the beach, stroll along a promenade, meet friends for lunch, or simply sit outside soaking up the sun while reading a book.
 

With lighter mornings, it's a great chance to start a new morning routine. Try some gentle stretches, take deep breaths, have breakfast in the garden, and go for a quick walk. These little things can help you start your day feeling more energised and positive.

Eat seasonally

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies. There's so much amazing seasonal produce to choose from, like asparagus, spinach, radishes, lettuce, peas, fennel, spring onions, strawberries, cherries, apricots, and pineapple. These delicious foods help you eat a healthy and fresh diet that's great for your wellbeing. Plus, by enjoying these seasonal goodies, you're also supporting local farmers and sustainability. It's a win-win! 

Time for a spring clean? 

Spring is also a great time for a good old spring clean. Decluttering your space can help clear your mind and make you feel more focused. It's a perfect chance to organise those emails or files and finish tasks you've been putting off during the winter.

We've all heard of "spring cleaning," but you might not know how many benefits it has for your wellbeing. It helps create order, reduces mental clutter, and makes your environment less stressful and more calming. Plus, cleaning your home removes dust, allergens and germs, which improves air quality and reduces the risk of allergies or respiratory issues. It can even help you sleep better. 

Do something new!

Spring is the perfect time to try fun new activities like yoga, hiking, cycling, meditation, or mindfulness. These can really boost your mood, energy, and fitness, especially when you do them outside. It's all about fresh starts, so it's a great time to reconnect with friends and family, build positive relationships and enjoy quality time together outdoors. 

Even small changes can make a big difference in your health and happiness as you soak up the fresh energy of spring.

 

 

 

How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

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