Spring has finally arrived and many of us are excited for the warmer weather coming our way

During the winter months days are shorter which results in us getting significantly less sun exposure. This can lead to an increase in the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. This means that we are more likely to feel tired, lethargic and lack motivation.

Now that it’s spring; the weather is starting to warm up and there is more daylight. You may also notice your energy is increasing again but if you don’t it may be because you’ve become used to the feeling of “hibernation”.

Let’s be honest, it is not easy to get moving again after hibernating all winter long. As a result, we feel “blah”!  This may look like binging on TV shows, snacking more than usual or kind of feeling that you are walking around aimlessly. It can also take the form of feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed. You may notice you want to do something to fix this but are not quite sure what it is that you want to do.

Does any of that sound familiar to you?

If so, spring can be a great time to start implementing new habits because it’s time to start using the energy that we are getting back and get rid of that “blah” feeling. 

In addition, did you know, in many cultures spring represents a new start? For example, in Persian culture, New Year (Nowruz), is not on January first but instead on the first day of spring. Let’s join together to bring in Nowruz with new, healthier habits. 

Now, I get it! Implementing healthy habits is not easy because it is so much easier to just fall into our old comfortable patterns. 

However, being healthy doesn’t necessarily need to mean going to the gym five times a week, bulking up on protein and waking up at 4 am to run seven miles. 

Living a healthier lifestyle can be fun and easy. We are much more likely to stick with habits that we like and have fun with than habits that we force ourselves to do. 

In addition, getting healthier can be a really great couples activity as it can create shared meaning, a sense of unity in your relationship and increase feelings of positivity because the two of you have a common goal you are working on together. Getting healthier together can even bring in more play and laughter into the relationship. Who wouldn’t want that?

So, you may be wondering how to jumpstart a new healthier lifestyle with your partner when you’ve become used to the same routine that you’ve been comfortable with.

That’s what I’m here to help you with!

Below are 5 tips on how you and your partner can begin getting healthier as a team: 

1: Identify your individual goals: I would encourage you to create achievable goals such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Another great option is to run a mile in 12 minutes. Your goals don’t have to be exactly the same, but it’s always a plus if you both are interested in accomplishing them together. Make sure the goals you create are realistic and not too challenging to accomplish. You can always create more difficult goals later down the road.

2: Think outside the box: Being healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up all of the things you love. You and your partner can create a little competition to keep things fun. Maybe you can both join a volleyball team together. Another great idea is to have a walking challenge to see who can achieve the most steps each day. Whatever you decide, make it fun and unique to your interests.

3: Increase your knowledge about nutrition: There is tons of literature about healthy eating on the internet whether that’s through blogs, documentaries or even a simple youtube search. Take the time to learn up on healthy nutrition and then implement those findings into your daily routine.

4: Get physical together: This can look like going to the gym together or simply getting extra steps in through walks around the neighborhood. Maybe a one on one basketball game is more your speed. Whatever it is, get your bodies moving with one another to burn more calories.

5: Try out new, healthy recipes by cooking together: This is a great date idea! Whether you research some new recipes online or take a trip to the bookstore to pick up healthier eating cookbooks, cooking healthier meals together can be a fun way to spend time with one another and get healthy all at the same time.

Doing a combination of the above, in any order, can easily help you both improve your lifestyle and get you out of the winter month blues!

It’s not easy to break bad habits, but by taking small steps together with your partner to begin living a healthier lifestyle will not only allow you to spend more time with your partner in new ways, it will also help improve your overall physical health which is a bonus in every way!

If you are having trouble getting yourself out of the winter blues and notice yourself feeling anxious, irritable or depressed, you do not have to go at it alone. Solid Foundations Therapy is here to help! Visit our website at www.solidfoundationstherapy.com or give us a call at 630-633-8532 today!