How to Stay Healthy During Spring Break
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
Spring break is usually a welcome disruption in the routine of school, work and, hopefully, any dreary winter moods. It’s a great time to kick back, relax and give yourself a mental and physical break. However, it’s not an excuse to lose sight of those healthy habits and your overall wellness. Here are some quick tips on how to maintain your health through spring break, whether you are traveling or staying home.
1. Maintain healthy eating habits
It may be tempting to give into cravings or tempting treats over break when you are giving yourself a rest from other parts of life. In moderation, a delicious dessert or salty snack can be just the right treat, but make sure to not to lose sight of your healthy eating habits. If you are traveling over Spring Break, learn more about how to eat healthy while you’re traveling or check out these 3 vibrant and nutritious snacks to enjoy during Spring Break.
2. Engage your body in physical activity outside
Workouts can reinvigorate you after a long, cold winter. Find some fun and creative ways to get moving outside while you may have a little extra time on your hands. Spring break can be a great time to get in some physical activity together as a family with your kids or to explore these gorgeous hiking locations in Michigan.
The sun is often underestimated in the spring. Did you know that you are actually more likely to get a sunburn in the spring than in other season? If you are spending time outdoors around the house or on a spring break trip somewhere outside of the state, remember to use sunscreen, sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from sun damage. Reapply sunscreen as needed if you’re sweating or doing watersports.
3. Keep your water intake levels up
Don’t forget to maintain or increase your usual water intake levels if you are increasing your physical activity or time outdoors. You don’t want dehydration to sneak up on you while you are out enjoying your spring break. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 64 ounce sof water a day.
4. Spring cleaning
What better time to knock out some serious spring cleaning than over spring break? If you’re planning to maximize your spring break at home, it’s a great way to get a clean, fresh start on the rest of the year. Spring cleaning isn’t all chores and hard work. Spring cleaning can have remarkable effects on your mental and overall health. Make sure you don’t overlook decluttering things like your car, inbox and even your routine.
5. Catch up on some sleep
What better time than a break to catchup on some sleep or improve your sleep habits and hygiene? Feeling drowsier after Daylight Savings Time? It may be the effects of the time change and shifting seasons. Try sleeping in or taking a nap during your time off.
6. Unplug
On average, Americans spend upwards of five hours on their phones per day, according to NPR. Unplugging from the Internet, social media and responsibilities on our phones isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Spring break may provide you with time that will allow you to reassess and work on your phone habits.
7. Reflect
Spend time doing nothing but resting or recuperating. Are you feeling anxious and tense, or like you are filled with stress? Many people take a spring break to escape from daily stresses, but make sure you also know the signs of chronic stress. Spring break may give you time for self-care and reflection.
