When spring finally arrives, the world breathes a collective sigh of relief. The sun comes out, temperatures warm, and ice and snow melt away to reveal green grass and the hope of summer. The change in weather is often mirrored in how people feel – springtime elicits hope and a lightness of spirit.
Because of the improved weather, people spend more time outside hiking and doing yard work. Many families travel for holidays, weddings, and graduation ceremonies. During spring break, college students often travel as well, either driving or flying to faraway destinations.
As the weather warms, people break their winter routines and change up their schedules. In the excitement of the new season, it’s easy to forget to properly prepare for what you’re doing. Here are three things you can do to enjoy the change of season and stay safe this spring.
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Take Care of Your Body
Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy during the spring. At this time of year, fluctuations in weather and the onset of spring allergies can compromise your immune system. Preventive care can help you avoid getting sick so that your body stays healthy and strong into the summer.
Many people become vitamin D deficient over the winter because they’re spending more time inside. In addition, some studies suggest that cold temperatures can weaken the immune system and put you at higher risk for viral infection.
This spring, prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals. You can also strengthen your body with regular exercise and by reducing stress in your daily life. Dressing warmly and spending time outside in nature can help to reduce your stress levels.
Practicing good hygiene is also important, especially if you’re planning to travel. Always wash your hands after visiting a public place or leaving your home. Regularly wiping down your bathrooms and sanitizing high-touch surfaces like light switches and cell phones can also help prevent the spread of illness.
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Travel With Care
As the weather improves, events ramp up and families start to travel more often. While it feels very freeing to get on a dry road again after a long winter, it’s still important to prepare for each trip you take. For example, you should always check your car for oil levels and basic repair before long road trips.
Before you leave for a trip, share your itinerary with someone you trust. It’s also a good idea to keep in touch along the way so that others know where you are and what you’re doing. This preventive communication will be essential if you meet with an accident during your travels.
Although snow and ice start to clear up in the spring, there are usually a few late-season storms to watch out for. Always check the weather before heading out on your trip, and stay informed during the rest of your travels. Avoid driving while you’re tired, as drowsy-driving causes around 100,000 accidents a year.
If you are in an accident, it’s important to watch your body carefully for symptoms of injury. For example, lower back pain occurs in 75% of car accidents, but it doesn’t always present itself right away. If an accident isn’t your fault, you may be able to work with a lawyer and obtain restitution from the person who caused the accident to help pay for any medical bills.
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Ease Into Outdoor Time
It’s also common for people to suffer an injury while cleaning up their yard in the spring. If you’ve spent most of the winter inside with reduced activity, it’s important to warm up slowly. Get moving over time and don’t worry about rushing through spring yard work quickly.
Be careful when trimming trees, weed whacking hedges, or working outside for long periods of time. Remember to take breaks and to pace yourself. Also, be aware of power lines, and protect yourself from the risk of electric shock. Consider hiring a professional yardwork service to cover some of these maintenance tasks and save you time.
Avoid doing yard work while there’s still ice on the ground – many people experience falls during the spring. Spraining an ankle or breaking your wrist is not a good way to start the season. Also, be sure to avoid poison ivy and any other plants in your yard that could cause an allergic reaction.
While hiking, always dress warmly and take a fully charged phone. Let others know where you’re going, and avoid hiking alone if you can. Although the sun may not be fully out yet, you should still wear sunblock to protect yourself and your skin from damaging UV rays.
Nix the Spring Stress
Although preparation may be frustrating in the moment, it frees you up to enjoy life without worry. By taking care of your body, you can build a strong foundation for enjoying travel and other spring activities like hiking and yard work. The effort you put into thinking ahead will protect you from accidents and help you meet your spring goals with ease.
Follow these three tips to keep your family safe and strong this spring. By taking the proper precautions, you and your loved ones can avoid injury and look forward to enjoying the warm summer and beautiful weather that’s soon to follow.
