Actually, you should do all you can to be active all year round. It makes for a happier, healthier individual. But with the weather finally turning warmer, it’s a bit easier to find the energy and motivation for being active in spring. The cold and drudgery of winter is finally subsiding – you feel livelier and more positive. Take advantage of it! Get outside and enjoy the new growth, fresh air, and warmer temperatures.
Not only will your mood improve by enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, but you may also even experience less pain and soreness. Light exercise, Vitamin D, and a bit of fresh air are great ways to maintain an active lifestyle and boost your mood. With the warmer weather finally upon us, and snow and ice clearing (depending on where you live), let’s look at some ways to stay active.
Grandkids
If anyone knows how to enjoy the great out-of-doors, it’s your grandchildren! This spring, spend some quality time with them outside doing what they love (keeping in mind any physical limitations you may have). Build new memories with them while staying physically and socially active. Arrange an afternoon picnic, a trip to the zoo, or attend a soccer game. Before it gets too humid and hot, enjoy spring for all it’s worth.
Spring Cleaning
Though you may not look forward to a cleaning project, spring cleaning can be uplifting and invigorating. Clean your walls, floors, furniture, closets, and drawers. Let some fresh air in while you’re cleaning the windows. Ask for assistance if you need help moving furniture, reaching, etc.
Dancing
Though there are indoor dance classes and get-togethers, some do take place in the open air. Promote strong bones, coordination, and muscle strength by learning a new dance. You may even be able to attend a party or other type of social get-together once you learn a few steps. This will help keep your spirits up and provide the opportunity to make new friends.
Happy Hour
Depending on where you live, outdoor happy hours may start taking place in spring (if they haven’t happened all year long). Even if you don’t partake in alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy happy hour with others. In some parts of the country, happy hour starts as early as 1 PM! It’s all about sunshine and warm weather.
Gardening
Another way to maintain an active lifestyle is through therapeutic gardening. In spring, the best vegetables to plant include peppers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, and cucumbers. This can help you build self-esteem as well as promote daily physical activity. You can enjoy the produce and fresh herbs you’ve worked so hard on as they come to life and fill your plate. Share the extras with new friends!
Walking
For retirement-age individuals, numerous benefits can be achieved by walking. Reduce your blood pressure, help prevent osteoporosis, and strengthen your muscles through a simple walk every day. You can walk outdoors safely by keeping it slow and steady, particularly now that the weather is getting warmer. Try to do it for 30 minutes daily if possible.
Participate in Exercise Programs and More at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh!
For the residents at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh, exercise and wellness may come a bit easier thanks to the programs we offer. One such offering is our Dimensions Health and Fitness program. Here, we strive to meet the emotional, medical, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of our residents. We do this through spiritual gatherings, educational classes, water aerobics, yoga, and more. Contact us to find out more.
