Spring is officially here! That means it's time to start thinking about Spring Cleaning. Why do we Spring Clean? Dirt and grime in the house and yard waste has piled up over the winter, so we clean our homes and yards and do some maintenance to keep everything in working order. While you're thinking about your Spring Cleaning projects that you have to tackle around your house, it's also very important to think about what kind of Spring Cleaning you can do for your body and your health.
It’s time to come out of hibernation. People tend to be less active in the winter which can take its toll on the spine and body. Maybe you’ve let some grime build up in your body over the winter. Maybe you’ve strayed from your New Year’s Resolution or didn’t make any. It’s the season of new life and new beginnings so it’s the perfect time for some Spring Cleaning for your body.
Imagine what your house would look like if you didn’t clean it for a couple of weeks or months- not too pretty, right? The same goes for your body. If you regularly see the chiropractor or get massages, you can definitely tell when it's time to make an appointment. Your body lets you know! So use this Spring to do a "clean up" or assessment of your health.
Get outside and Exercise- The weather is getting warmer so take advantage of it and get active outside. Go for a walk, go for a hike, run, ride your bike, and soak up that Vitamin D!
Clean up your Diet- Spring is the time when some great produce starts to come in season. Produce that is in season is not only cheaper, but tastes a lot better, too. Find your local farmer's market and stock up! On this helpful website, you can enter your state and the month and find out what local produce is in season!
Visit your Chiropractor- Here at A Therapeutic Effect, Dr. Andrew is happy to not only help you get rid of pain, but help you with many other ailments that you might be experiencing. Just like you clean out an overstuffed drawer that isn't functioning properly, your chiropractic adjustment can get your spine back in line and get your body functioning properly. Just like you clear away dust and cobwebs that have built up, your chiropractor can clear away interferences with the nervous system. Even if you don't have any major pains or injuries, people who keep a "tidy" spine have better immune system function, reduced injury, faster healing time from injuries, and an improved state of mind.
Get a Massage- Throw those winter blues away and relax with a massage! A massage is a great way to get rid of stress and loosen up those muscles that might not have been very active all winter. Massage can also help with seasonal allergies and sinus problems that are brought on by all of those Spring flowers blooming. A Therapeutic Effect even offers a Sinus Massage that can really help open up your sinuses and clear away congestion.
Detox- Over time, toxins build up in your system, so it's good to clear those toxins out! A Therapeutic Effect offers Colon Hydrotherapy which can eliminate the accumulated waste and toxic materials from the bowels. Infrared Sauna Therapy is another service we offer that can safely penetrate your tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. Individual sessions or full detox packages are available.
To help you with your Spring Cleaning, we wanted to provide a Spring Cleaning Checklist for you to print out and also give you some tips so you don't injure yourself during your cleaning efforts.
Sometimes Spring Cleaning can be strenuous and require certain movements that your body may not be used to. Follow these tips to stay injury-free while you are Spring Cleaning!
Warm up and cool down!
If you’re going to be lifting boxes or yard waste, mulching, pushing wheelbarrows, moving furniture, opening windows that might be stuck- Lift with your legs and not your back!
If you’re going to be gardening, cleaning baseboards, scrubbing the floor- avoid staying bent over for too long, use pads to protect your knees, and take frequent stretch breaks.
If you are cleaning out a closet or trimming high branches- Don’t over reach. Reaching can strain your back. Use a sturdy step ladder and take caution if reaching for a box- it might be heavier than you think!
If you are cleaning windows, scrubbing walls or floors- Use both hands and alternate when you can so your dominant side doesn’t get over used.
Enjoy the Spring, get outside and get moving, get your cleaning done, and don't forget to do a little Spring Cleaning of your body and your health!