How to Enter Spring Feeling Fresh and Energised
It’s Spring and we are coming up on lovely holidays like Easter. Spring is a season of hope, renewal and light. It’s a time of out with the old and in with the new – and many of us will spring clean our homes (don’t you just love the positive, fresh energy you get after cleaning out all the gunk?) and will be looking for new ways to improve our health and lifestyle. With that in mind, here are some easy ways you can improve your health:
Introduce seasonal supplements
During the cold winter months, it’s normal to feel less energetic because of the shorter days and limited sun exposure, which deprive you of that natural vitamin D. While some extra rest can’t hurt us, it’s good to recognise when our lack of vitamin D might affect us in other ways. Low vitamin D can lead to issues such as a weakened immune system – which could increase your chances of getting sick.
So, consider eating more vitamin D-containing food like orange juice, oily fish and eggs, or introducing a low-dose vitamin D supplement alongside food in the morning to combat seasonal deficiencies, improve energy levels and support immunity.
Restore gut health
After a winter of indulgence, now is a great time to start focusing on improving your gut health. Probiotics are the best way to support digestion as they help to balance the bacteria in your gut, so adding fermented foods or a probiotic supplement to your diet can aid digestion, reduce bloating and prepare the body for a healthier spring.
You may also consider taking over-the-counter remedies like peppermint oil capsules to ease digestive issues. However, if you have persistent symptoms, consider seeking medical advice.
Consider sleep aids
Shorter days can often be disruptive to your circadian rhythm, which can make the winter months seem even more unbearable.
But sleep aids like melatonin can be sought via prescription, or herbal remedies like valerian root supplements or lavender spray, might help to regulate your sleep pattern and get you to sleep easier.
Similarly, adding a cup of warm milk or chamomile tea to your bedtime routine can help sleep trouble.
Written by Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist of Oxford Online Pharmacy