We have to make self-care a priority in this world

Spring equals Me Time!

By Amber B. Courtney

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. A time when the temperature rises, humidity goes through the roof, bugs are on the move, and flowers bloom. During this beautiful time of year, there are many steps you can take to help care and maintain your health, freshness, and sanity. Here are some tips to help you have the best Spring ever.

Your Body

• Shower daily, maybe even more than just once • The humidity and heat will cause you to sweat excessively.

Showering a lot will be a must if you want to stay smelling good, feeling fresh, and being healthy. • You also may want to try powders to put into places of your body that sweat a lot. Baby powder, cornstarch and baking soda are good products to use because they absorb moisture. • Drink as much water as you can stand • You’ll be very hot and dehydrated from all that sweating. Keeping water with you at all times and drinking it is a necessity. You don’t want to pass out, or, you know, die. • Wear bug repellant • All types of bugs thrive in the heat. Ants, botflies, and the evil mosquitoes come out to play in warm weather. You can wear traditional bug repellant or opt for alternatives (for example, Avon’s ‘Skin So Soft’ body oil works wonders).

Your Environment • Get the cleaning spray ready • Because of the heat, anything you spill will become a sticky, almost-impossible-

to-clean-up mess if you don’t wipe it up immediately after you spill it. It’s even worse if the substance is edible or sugary, then you will have bugs in a matter of minutes. Make sure to keep your cleaning supplies handy if you want to avoid messes and bugs. • Take the trash out • Watch your plants Your Mind • Go outside • Being outside and in the sun is scientifically proven to increase serotonin levels, which causes an increase in peacefulness. Whether it’s taking a nature walk, gardening, or just basking in the sun, being outside is a must during any season. • Exercise However, without the excuse of it being too cold outside, jogging and running outdoors can be added to your workout routine. helps burn more calories. Just make sure you bring a lot of water with you and don’t overdo it. • Do warm weather activities • Since the weather warms up,

Spring gives us the perfect time to do things we couldn’t last season. Go to the beach, get in the pool, lay out in the sun- do all of the things you missed out on during the Fall and Winter due to the weather being chilly. • Getting in the Summer mood is always exciting. Spring is pretty much Summer’s sister, so go and enjoy her warmth by having fun. • Taking care of your body, environment, and mental health are all equally as important, as they all rely on each other. Be sure to have a healthy, safe, and fun Spring/

Summer in the Sunshine

State.