Reduce Stress And Mental Clutter This Spring Season

The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning

As we enter spring cleaning season, experts say this process can benefit your well-being in addition to the state of your home. “Spring is a great time to start fresh in your home and mentally,” says Mayo Clinic nurse practitioner, Heidi Stenerson. In fact, taking the time to tidy up your space can provide the following mental health benefits:

• An organized space can reduce stress levels and boost your mood.
• In a clean home, you may feel more productive and creative. For many, it can be difficult to focus while living amongst disorganization or mess.
• Deep cleaning or sorting through your belongings can provide a sense of accomplishment. You will feel great once you’ve achieved your goal!
• Once you’ve achieved your spring cleaning, you may feel motivated to work on other goals. This accomplishment can be a catalyst for eating better, exercising more often, and working toward better habits.

7 Ways To Self-Care And Stress Less

Throughout April, Stress Management Month sheds light on healthy ways to cope when life feels overwhelming. Excessive stress can have a negative impact on mental, emotional, and even physical health. Elevated stress levels can lead to high blood pressure, heart issues, depression, and other illnesses. Since stress is a part of life for everyone, it’s important to know the best ways to handle these feelings (CDC):

1. Take time to unplug – Moderate the time you spend scrolling social media or watching the news. Make an effort to unplug.
2. Exercise regularly – An active lifestyle can help reduce stress and make you feel better overall.
3. Eat healthy meals – Eating the right foods can help you stay focused, energized, and feeling your best.
4. Get enough sleep – Lack of sleep can negatively impact your mental health and productivity. Strive to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep per night.
5. Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption – These quick-fix stress relievers do more damage than good to your physical and mental well-being.
6. Take time to unwind – Carve out time to meditate, read, do yoga, or enjoy another calming hobby.
7. Connect with others – If you are feeling stressed, consider talking to loved ones.

Watch this video from Mayo Clinic for additional ways to de-stress and improve your mental well-being.

4 Healthy Foods To Keep In Your Freezer

Stocking your freezer with nutritious meals can make weeknight dinners easier. Here are four frozen staples to keep in your kitchen:

1. Vegetables – Stock up on peas, green beans, broccoli and other veggies that can quickly be added to any meal.
2. Fruits – Frozen fruits are great to keep on hand, especially when it’s a fruit that is out of season. Use these for smoothies!
3. Lean Proteins – Freezing chicken, fish, or turkey makes for a low-cost and low-fat meal option.
4. Rice – You can easily store healthy rices – like brown rice or cauliflower rice – in the freezer for the perfect side dish.

Source: Healthline

11 Refreshing Recipes for Springtime

Switch up your meal plan with fresh seasonal dishes!

• Grilled Spring Pizza with Asparagus, Leeks and Pancetta
• Snapper with Kale-Orange Salad
• Pasta Primavera with Peas, Asparagus and Kale
• Grilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad
• Coconut Tofu with Snap Pea Salad
• Spinach-Orzo Salad with Shrimp
• Whole-Wheat Pasta with Sausage and Swiss Chard
• Asparagus with Roasted Red Peppers
• Tilapia with Green Beans
• Sheet Pan Spring Chicken Dinner
• Spring Garden Pasta Salad

Find these recipes on FoodNetwork.com!

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