Although we don’t hibernate like bears, we do tend to slow down a bit during the winter months. Many people, especially those in areas that have a heavy winter, feel a little sluggish and not quite as energetic during the cold and snowy season.

As spring approaches, the days last longer and the warm air and sunshine bring forth new life and energy. As you start to feel the energy increasing around you, it is an excellent time to reset your body for the coming new season.

Here are three great ways to get your body ready for spring.

Salt Water Flush

A salt water flush is sometimes called a ‘master cleanse’ due to its ability to reset the body. If you notice that your body is not functioning well coming out of winter, it may be a good idea to cleanse your colon with salt. Over time toxins, heavy metals, and waste build up in the colon due to poor bowel habits. This can cause digestive upset and inflammation as well as low energy.

This saltwater flush will improve digestion and alleviate any bloating while helping the body properly eliminate toxins.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. himalayan pink salt
• 32 oz. filtered water
• 1 tsp. lemon juice

Note: For best results, drink the salt mixture early in the morning when you have time to stay by the bathroom. Most people feel better when they cleanse three times in a row every few weeks.

Juice Fasting

Juicing fruits and vegetables can help give you any minerals and nutrients you might have missed out on in winter. Juicing your fruits and vegetables allows for those nutrients to distribute throughout your body much faster. Another benefit of juicing is that it gives your digestive system a little break. Juice fasting isn’t necessarily meant for long term use as it entails a lack of fiber to the body, but it’s great to use for a few days at a time. Below is a juice recipe that is sure to boost energy levels.

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 pineapple, chopped
• • 3 -4 mint leaves
• • 1 apple, diced
• • 4 medium carrots

More HIIT

HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training and involves alternating between intervals of high cardio and low-intermediate exercise. The idea is that HIIT makes sure the body burns more calories and fat even after the workout as your metabolism is gradually accelerating. There are so many innovative ways to incorporate some HIIT into your workout routine. For example, if you regularly go for hikes, try to structure in some HIIT by sprinting a portion of the hike and then walking another portion. A more specific HIIT routine would be as follows:

Instructions:

1) Sprint as fast as you can for 30 seconds

2) Walk slowly for 30 seconds

3) Repeat for 30 minutes to complete routine

The transition from winter to spring can be difficult for many people to make, but it doesn’t have to be. These are several ways to optimize physical health and reset the body for the new spring season. As you gear up for a busy spring and summer season be sure that you are getting plenty of outside time, drinking at least eight glasses of water and sleeping well.

-The UpWellness Team