5 simple ways to spring clean your health

Spring has finally arrived, and if you’re anything like us, shaking off the cold coat of winter has you motivated to jumpstart your spring cleaning. But if it’s not just your house that could benefit from a clearing of the cobwebs, here are five simple ways you can spruce up your health, too.

As the days get longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to get outside and replenish the Vitamin D you may have lacked during winter. Vitamin D is a hormone that helps your bones, muscles and overall health, and sunlight is the best natural source of it. Use the warmer weather as an opportunity to get outdoors and plant some herbs in the garden, eat your lunch in the park or go for a swim when temperatures get high enough. Just remember that spring’s sunbeams are more potent than winter’s, so make sure you’re wearing sunscreen anytime the UV index is 3 or above.

Spring is a great time to set yourself a health challenge, and upping your step count is one way to boost your physical activity without completely overhauling your lifestyle. Organise a lunch-time walking club with your colleagues, do a lap of the park after work, or get off a few stops early on your commute. Plus, AIA Vitality members will earn 50 AIA Vitality Points per day for taking between 7,500 and 12,499 steps, or 100 AIA Vitality Points for taking 12,500+ steps.

September brings with it seasonal springtime veggies like peas, asparagus, avocado, and fennel. Keep an eye out for any specials or cheap prices on fresh produce as it’s safe to assume these items are in season, and try basing your meals and recipes around what you find. Try this spring risotto with asparagus, avo and pea smash or spring salmon with minty greens. AIA Vitality members who are hitting their weekly activity targets can choose to select a Woolworths AIA Vitality Active Benefits voucher (up to $260 per year) to put towards your grocery shopping.

If you have any overdue health issues, tests or vaccinations you’ve been putting off – let spring kick you into gear. Prevention and maintenance are two of the best things we can do to take care of ourselves in the long-term, so make sure to talk to your doctor about anything that’s troubling you, whether that’s your family’s health history, a skin check or your cholesterol levels.

AIA Vitality members can also earn AIA Vitality Points by completing a number of online health assessments (on things like nutrition, mental wellbeing and a skin self-examination), and through preventative health checks and vaccinations.

A recent study from the Sleep Health Foundation found that inadequate rest was causing daytime consequences (like decreased work productivity, driving when drowsy, or feelings of irritability) in 33–45% of Australian adults. With the longer daylight hours, now is a great time to work on your sleep hygiene and reset your circadian rhythm. To set yourself up for rejuvenating rest, cut down on screen time before bed, create a bedtime routine, or try engaging in some mindfulness techniques to relax.

Plus, AIA Vitality members can earn up to 2,000 AIA Vitality Points a year for improving their sleep (that’s 10 Points per night when you track seven or more hours of sleep on an AIA Vitality-connected fitness device).

This article is brought to you by AIA Vitality, a personalised, scientifically-backed health and wellness program that supports you every day to make healthier choices.

AIA Vitality

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.