Tuesday, March 20th marks the official start of spring. The snow will melt, and the spring buds will make their first appearances. Jackets become lighter, clothes become brighter, birds start chirping louder, and the flowers begin to sprout. As Robin Williams shared, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘let’s party!’”
Now is the time to clean up your act before the party starts!
KITCHEN CLEANSE: When’s the last time you cleaned your kitchen cabinets? Toss any expired or processed foods to organize for healthier eating habits. Donate any nonperishable items you won’t be using to the local food bank.
DITCH THE PLASTIC: Plastic water bottles and straws may contain a harmful chemical called BPA. Switching to stainless steel straws & glass or stainless-steel water bottles will protect you and your family from the possible exposure to BPA’s hormone disrupting properties.
CHECK IT AT THE DOOR: Placing a welcome mat at the door encourages family members and visitors to check their shoes at the door. Shoe soles have traces of bacteria and harmful chemicals that you wouldn’t want tracked inside your home.
ME TIME: Scheduling “me time” is an important habit to adopt. Our lives are pulled in multiple directions. Be sure to take some time for yourself each day, whether it’s waking up 30 minutes before your family to enjoy a quiet cup of tea or catch up on emails or even staying up an hour after your family goes to bed to binge watch your favorite show. You deserve those few moments dedicated solely to you.
MEATLESS MONDAY: Incorporating more Plant Based options into your diet has many proven health benefits. Plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans & nuts are full of phytochemicals that keep your body’s system running smoothly. Looking for some extra plant-based diet inspiration, visit www.greensageblog.com for some delicious and easy to prepare whole plant-based food recipes.
LIGHTEN UP: Did you over indulge this holiday season? Take control of your portion size by switching your plate size to something smaller. Research has shown using a smaller plate may help you limit your portion and overall food consumption.
DIRTY DOZEN: Did you know that fruits and veggies with thinner skin may easily absorb pesticides? Follow the www.EWG.org Dirty Dozen list to make your shopping safer.
OUT WITH THE OLD: Guess what? Your favorite cosmetic products have a labeled expiration date or “suggested” change date. If not, it’s important to follow this quick guide.
- Skin care – Replace after 6 months to 1 year
- Sunscreen – 1 to 2 years
- Foundation and Concealer – 6 to 18 months
- Blush and Bronzer – 1 to 2 years
- Eye Shadow – 1 to 2 years
- Eye Liner and Brow Pencils – 1 to 2 years
- Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Lip Balm – 1 to 2 Years
- Brushes – 2 to 5 years
FRESHEN UP WITH COLOR: Winter may have you wearing more blacks, grays, and browns. To transition into spring, try adding a pop of color to your outfit, and you’ll instantly brighten your mood and feel the springtime warmth!
MENTAL RESET: Negative thoughts be gone. Try a meditation app like Headspace to declutter your thoughts and provide more space for positivity.
*Article originally appeared in the March, 2018 edition of the North Caldwell Magazine, Andrea’s Anecdote column.
