Shake off your winter slumber. It’s time to get up and get moving! The air has a different feeling as the temperatures begin to warm, not just for the melting snow, but for our mindsets. The winter doldrums can be replaced by a new sense of energy as we embrace the spring season. This year seems particularly poignant as we are seeing pandemic restrictions lift and the timing just feels right to invest time in health and wellbeing.
So, how can you make the most of this time? Here are 8 ways to improve your health this season and set 2022 on a new trajectory!
1) Get Moving!
Spring is a great time to start getting active again. That means it’s time to lace up those shoes and go for a walk, jog, or bike ride. If you’ve been hibernating all winter, start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. We encourage you to check in with your physician or ask us questions during your next massage therapy session about what is the best level of activity for you.
2) Eat healthier & Drink More Water
One of the best ways to feel better is to fuel your body with healthy foods. Try to make more meals from scratch and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Spring is also a great time to experiment with new recipes. If cooking isn’t your thing, consider signing up for a meal delivery service or cooking class to expand your repertoire.
Pro-tip: Meal prepping can be your best friend. An hour or two spent in meal prep on a Sunday afternoon can set up your whole week for success. As an added bonus, when bringing your entire family on board in meal prep sessions, you’ll be encouraging healthy habits for your entire family.
Water is essential for life and it’s also essential for good health. If you find drinking plain water boring, add slices of fruit or fresh herbs such as mint or basil to make it more interesting. And don’t forget to hydrate during workouts!
As you’re looking at your diet, consider areas of your life that could use a “detox”. As long as you’re incorporating more healthy foods into your daily routine, go the extra step and make sure they are organic and pesticide-free. Ditch the processed and convenience foods.
Consider scheduling an Infrared sauna session with us at Rupp Massage. Our sauna manufacturer has put together a wonderful resource on detoxification and sauna usage.
3) Get your z’s
We all know that getting enough sleep is important, but it can be hard to make time for it in our busy lives. Consider going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Avoid watching television or using electronic devices within an hour or two before going to bed.
At Rupp Massage, many of our clients attest that therapeutic massage and/or Infrared Sauna therapy helps to improve their sleep quality. Consider booking a massage appointment for yourself to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.
4) Laugh more
It’s true what they say – laughter is the best medicine. Laughter releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to reduce stress levels and can even boost your immune system. Watch your favorite comedy movie, read a funny book, or go out to see a stand-up comedian.
When you’re in pain, it may feel like there’s not much to laugh about. This is why our Certified Therapeutic Massage Therapist will work with you to help isolate root causes of your pain so that you can find more time to laugh and smile even when you’re not in a workout or training session.
5) Hit the gym
We’re seeing people reengage in the sports and activities they have loved. And, we’re seeing people recommit to their rigorous training schedules for spring and summer marathons, triathlons and off-season sports training. Even the Indy Car race season is in full swing, and we’re HERE FOR IT, helping athletes prepare for and recover from training sessions that are pushing them to their limits. Being able to stay on-track when it comes to your health and fitness goals can be a challenge. But, it’s not impossible!
Investing in the time for regular therapeutic massage sessions can be a wonderful way help reduce pain and stiffness caused by injury but also to provide pre-event support.
6) Get extreme!
This suggestion may seem, well….extreme! But, consider where we’ve been. We’ve been dealing with a global pandemic for two years; we’ve juggled work from home, distance learning with our children, lost jobs, had job interviews, experienced lock downs, masks mandates…the list goes on – we’ve heard it ALL from our clients. But, you’ve made it this far! Why not try something entirely new?
Get active outdoors in activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, or extreme sports. The fresh air and sunshine may do wonders for your mood and overall health. And, accomplishing a task you never thought possible is a great way to boost your self-confidence.
7) Plan ahead for bumps in the road
When training and working out, it’s inevitable that you may hit a wall, experience pain, or have a roadblock in your training path. We’re here to help.
From our therapeutic massage sessions, which are very intentional and focused on your recovery, to services which can be paired with massage to supplement training schedules and injury recovery, we’re focused on athletic grade healing.
In addition to therapeutic massage, we offer the following:
- Essential oils and CBD
- Oxygen Bar
- Cupping Therapy
- Hot Stone Therapy
- Infrared Sauna
Know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you stay on your path to performance.
8) Commitments can be better with a friend
Maybe this is just too much and you’re not sure where to begin. Or, maybe you’re tired of being on your journey to wellness on your own. Having a workout partner can help improve your accountability to your commitment.
Consider giving a gift of health to a friend or workout partner to keep them encouraged along the way, too. We offer gift certificates for any occasion and for any amount. *Must be used within 12 months of purchase.
So what is your next step?
At Rupp Massage, we specialize in the care and recovery of athletes in the greater Indianapolis area. Through intentional and focused massage applications, athletes and those recovering from injuries may achieve better body performance.
Whatever you decide to do, we wish you the best of luck and encourage you to embrace spring with open arms! At Rupp Massage, we’re here to help you improve your health and well-being in any way we can. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Image credits:
Professional biker: Jun / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Participants in obstacle course: doble-d / iStock / Getty Images Plus
*Note: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.