The change of seasons from #winter to #spring can often leave people feeling exhausted, sluggish and demotivated. It’s a phenomenon known as spring fatigue, and it occurs as the body adapts to changes in daylight, temperature, air quality and overall routine. To keep your energy level up, get quality sleep, seek out the sun early in the day, stay active, hydrate and eat a balanced diet, Georgetown Behavioral Health says. Seek professional help if the fatigue lingers, starts to interfere with daily activities, or is accompanied by symptoms of depression and anxiety. #EndOfWinter
Tag: home cleaning
Conquering the Springtime Blues
#Seasonal affective disorders aren’t limited to #winter, says Brown University Health. Any change can spur anxiety, and allergens and toxins in the #springtime outdoor environment can aggravate inflammation. Exercising just once a week can elevate mood; mental stimulation is also important. Getting out in the sun — if you can find it — can aid Vitamin D production and boost serotonin. Getting #organized can also relieve stress: “When you #declutter the home, you #declutter the mind. Messy spaces tend to make us tense, so removing that small #stress from your day might help boost your mood.” #EndOfWinter
Check Your Home for Needed Spring Fixes
Believe it or not, #spring is almost here. And that means it’s time to prepare the house for warmer temperatures and fix anything that might have worn over the #winter. “Check flashing, caulking and shingles on your roof for damage from winter weather,” BluSky says. “These are prime opportunities for water to enter your attic and cause damage.” Also check the siding for loose pieces, clean gutters and downspouts, inspect electrical outlets for fire hazards, look for leaks on the water heater and washer, trim trees, and check caulking and insulation around the windows and doors. #EndOfWinter
Cleaning to Keep Winter Viruses at Bay
Many germs and viruses survive better in the cool, dry conditions that common in fall and winter, according to Healthline. Keep indoor humidity levels at 40% to 60% are optimal to make some viruses less likely to survive in the air and consider a humidifier if your humidity drops below 30%. Also identify your home’s high-touch surfaces — doorknobs, light switches, appliance handles and the like — and clean them often to reduce the chance of spread. And this may go without saying in the post-COVID era, but have everyone in the household practice frequent hand-washing. #WinterCleaning
Keep Your Indoor Air Clean
With windows shut against the cold and the heat turned up, indoor air quality can suffer. That’s why it’s important to focus on dust and allergens when performing #winter #cleaning. Be sure to dust blinds, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and electronics; wipe down baseboards and vacuum rugs; and launder all bedding and drapes. Finally — once you’ve eliminated most of the airborne pollutants — change your furnace’s air filter to keep the air you breathe fresher. “Cleaner air reduces the risk of allergies, asthma flare-ups, and cold and flu transmission,” says Men’s Journal. #WinterCleaning