April! Is there a springy-er month? I think not. The weather here in Orlando has finally settled into a steady “hot during the day, cool at night.” It’s been pleasant.
Why is it that we feel so much better when the weather is nice? Do we just like the feeling of of sun on our skin? Is it because the smoothies and salads seem so much more appealing in the heat? Because let’s be so real, it’s way easier to take care of mental and physical wellness during spring and summer.
Goodbye seasonal depression!!
I recently learned that April is physical wellness month. Even though every month should be physical wellness month, I think it’s great to dedicate a month to learning about wellness and trying to improve our health. There is nothing more important than your own well being. Health is everything.
And spring is a great time to do some spring cleaning of your habits to create a life that supports your health.
So that being said, please enjoy some items / lifestyle habits that I’ve either recently integrated or have been really appreciating this season:
For the Mind:
Gratitude Journaling
I have been gratitude journaling for a few years and always use the same journal: the 5 minute journal – it really does take me 5 minutes or less. In that short time, I’m really able to relax into the moment. This spring, I’ve been doing my journaling every morning out on the balcony.
I write 3 things I’m grateful for, 3 things that would make today great, and a daily affirmation. I also don’t pressure myself to fill out all the sections if I’m not feeling it, but I find once I am writing, it’s easy and really helpful for me to fill out all the sections.
It’s just a couple minutes of my morning that help me get centered and get my mind right for the day.
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Replacing Scrolling with Reading
This is mainly before bed. Instead of scrolling through my phone, I’ll read. I actually started a book on Kindle (through my phone, I don’t own an actual Kindle) so there’s no excuse for scrolling. I don’t even need to put down the phone and pick up a book because it’s on the phone.
One great recommendation if you’re having trouble putting down the phone is to read a book or article on it. It’s like a positive gateway to just putting the phone down.
Note: I am in no way saying that physical books are better than digital books 🙂
Whenever I catch myself starting to scroll, that’s when I switch over to the book I’m reading. Reading relaxes me so much versus the ever-overstimulating doom scroll.
If you’re interested in keeping up with what I’m reading, follow me on Goodreads! (Currently reading “The Wedding People,” by Alison Espach and it’s hilarious!!!!!)
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Daily Sunlight
It’s pretty much the first month of the year that it has been hot and sunny every single day (for at least a portion of the day). As the school year winds down, I also find myself having a little bit more free time in the evenings. I’ve started to make daily sunlight a huge priority. During my day as a school librarian, I don’t technically get a break or a lunch where I can leave the building.
Sometimes I can poke my head outside for a couple minutes but that doesn’t happen most days. So between the hours of 9 am and 4:30 pm I’m “trapped” indoors, which is okay! It’s a reality for most of us. Since it gets dark later now, I can still get some sunlight in. I am usually home before 5:30 pm, so after cooking dinner, I’ll eat outside. I don’t have a timer or anything, but I like to be out there for at least 20 to 30 minutes. On the weekends I get way more sunshine, but it’s something I think I really need every day.
Just the other week, I got smoothies after pilates with my girlfriends and we sat outside and just talked about how GOOD it felt in the sun. It feels good because it’s actually good for us! Our bodies send us those signals for a reason.
For the Body:
Omnilux Light Therapy Mask
This is the crowning jewel of my skincare routine!!
My fiance’s sister was kind enough to gift us this LED mask to share. I had an LED mask from Amazon that I got for under $50 but to be honest, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Omnilux mask.
We have the “men’s” version but I’ve been told this doesn’t matter and that it is even stronger than the “women’s” version. I use the mask 4 to 5 times a week and it has a 10 minute timer so it really doesn’t take up too much of my time. I usually put it on as I’m getting ready for my shower. Have I noticed a difference in my skin? 100%!! I used to struggle with hormonal acne around my chin and jawline and there is a noticeable difference in my dark spots and scarring in that area. I’ve been using it for about a year now and it still works perfectly; my fiance uses it almost daily too.
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Grounding Mat
Another gift! My mom got us each a grounding mat after reading about its benefits for sleep.
I use it while I sit at my desk in the mornings before work. Mine is little and fits perfectly under my desk. It has to be plugged into a specific outlet but other than that it is really portable and simple to use. I just make sure my bare feet are on the mat while I’m doing my morning journaling or Youtube viewing!
The outlet it is plugged into is supposed to mimic the magnetic field of the earth and balance the body’s magnetic energy. There are numerous benefits here such as stress relief, chronic pain relief, sleep improvement, and improved circulation.
Since my bare feet rarely touch the actual earth (except at the beach and we’re not to summer quite yet), I use the mat regularly. Even if the benefits are small, this is SUCH an easy thing to integrate into the daily routine.
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Reformer Pilates
I’ve been taking a major break from hot mat pilates. I feel so much more challenged on the reformer and usually it’ll give me a better workout than a routine I do in the gym.
Throughout March and April, I’ve been doing pilates twice a week instead of once, and I really love the community of it as well.
If you’re in Orlando, try HILI Fitness – it’s been positive experiences only!
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Beyond my favorites, I try to make choices that feel good and that I know my future self will thank me for (for the most part). Here’s to a life of wellness and making all the months physical wellness month! xo
