As the earth awakens from its winter rest, with longer days and warmer temperatures, spring offers the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace renewal. Just as the world around us begins to bloom and grow, so too can we use this season to spark new beginnings within ourselves.
This spring, our wellness journey turns to physical activity—with the goal of inspiring everyone to move more and make activity a natural part of daily life.
Physical activity is one of the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. It supports both physical and mental well-being, helping us build strength, increase stamina, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
But being physically active doesn’t have to mean joining a gym, running a 5K, or investing in expensive exercise equipment. Simply put, physical activity is any movement of the body—whether it’s walking, doing housework like vacuuming and dusting, or working in the yard. The key is to just move more.
If you’re already active—fantastic! Keep it up. But if you’re looking to become more active or build a new habit, spring is the perfect time to start.
Here are a few simple ways to get moving by incorporating more walking into your day:
- Start simple. Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to increase your physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, can help strengthen bones and muscles, boost endurance, and improve heart health.
- Track your activity. Use a pedometer, smartwatch, or phone app to track your steps or time spent walking. Monitoring your progress can help you stay motivated and set achievable goals.
- Wear the right shoes. Invest in comfortable walking shoes with good arch and heel support, cushioning, and a stable fit. The proper footwear can help prevent foot pain and potential injuries while walking.
Remember, it’s never too early—or too late—to start moving more and enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle. Let’s make this spring a time to step toward a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant you as you continue on your wellness journey!
SOURCE: Diane Reinhold, MPH, MS, RDN, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.
Want to read more? Check out Walking the Line: A Journey of Wellness. A wellness blog intended to raise awareness, inspire behavior change, share new skills, and validate that - life is truly challenging. However, as we grow and learn together, I hope we will look within ourselves and acknowledge how our personal choices and behaviors contribute to our overall health and wellness. Please join me in this amazing adventure as we journey together, walking the line toward health and wellness.