Spring: Time for Change

Now, spring is often seen as a time for new beginnings. So what health related changes or intentions do you consider at the start of the spring? I've become more active physically, just because I'm able to get outside more. I like walking, hiking. I live in an area where the winters tend to be a little harsh and rainy, so it's easier just even going to the gym and things like that are much more pleasant in the spring, so I tend to be much more physically active. Excellent. And are there any personal goals you hope to start or restart as the season changes. What I mean is, you know, any activity, diet or mindset or daily habits that you think that you transition into? I, you know, usually I, you know, I tend to try, I tend to eat a little better when the weather's nicer. That does, that does contribute. Cause you know, if I'm going to the gym, want to get the benefits. So I tend to, you know, lose a little bit of my winter weight, I think, during the spring. I like to cook for myself more rather than ordering out or eating out during the spring and summer as well. Sure. And have you ever made a health resolution in the spring that really worked for you? And what helped make it a success for you? I don't necessarily have a specific resolution other than trying to be more active and maintain weight, making a plan, I'm a planner so making a plan helps, you know, putting things on my calendar, you know, making an appointment or putting, you know, making it something that is on a checklist that I can check off, that's always very key to keep me on track with goals of any kind. And on that note, if you were to encourage someone in your community, or in your circle of friends, relatives, associates, so if you were to encourage them to take a positive step for their health in the spring, what would you say to them in terms of motivation or support? Um, I would probably, I mean, if I had somebody that wanted my advice, um, you know, I would just say focus on being as active as possible, like to, to focus on activity as opposed to like the number on the scale. Um, you know, I, I know when I diet, I usually, I don't give up foods that I like. I tend to add better foods. Um, you know, so if I, if I fill up on a salad and water, then I tend to eat less of something, you know, like cheeseburgers. So, you know, I, I don't deprive myself of the things I like, but I try to add in healthier options so that it's, a better balance, that that works for me. You know, it's good every day. Thank you very much. And thinking about the kinds of behaviours and attitudes that support good health. Is there one that really speaks to you in the spring? And why? As far as positive attitude, I guess what works for me is focusing on doing it for myself. I don't go into, when I'm getting older, I don't go into any kind of exercise routine or anything really to fit this thinking that I'm going to look like, you know, great at the beach or I'm going to impress somebody else, I'm doing it for my long-term health. So you know, I want to be, I want to have good health, I want to be flexible, I want to have strength as I'm getting older, I don't want to have to give up things that I enjoy doing as I age until I absolutely have to. So having, you know, flexibility and good balance and all those kind of things, that's why I do it, not for, you know, external reasons. Sure. And what support do you think helps people stay on track with their health goals in the spring? I mean, family, community, reminders, planning, mindset, what do you think? I think all of it. I think I know in the past, I've had friends that, you know, we've done challenges or, you know, we've been workout buddies together. That is, that's huge. That's a big help. I think that sometimes that's why I backslide is because I don't really have someone to go to the gym with or other people that are eating healthy. I have friends that say, let's go get ice cream. So, you know, so having people with a healthy mindset when...