Spring into wellness Creating new healthier and happier habits

Springinto wellness

Creating new healthier and happier habits

BY DIANA ARUNDELL – UNIVERSITY QUALIFIED NATUROPATH & NUTRITIONIST

As flora and fauna around us naturally cycle through the seasons, so too do we as humans but perhaps not quite as naturally. We tend to get stuck in routines of convenience such as eating the same things all year round, doing the same exercise routine and it may only be the kind of clothing we wear that can really distinguish which season we are existing in.

When we’re very busy or heavily focused in certain areas of our lives, we tend to move at such a pace that we don’t have awareness around the subtle changes in our environment and the subtle needs of the body that may change along with the seasons.

Just as it can feel fabulous after spring cleaning our house, so too it can feel rejuvenating to spring clean ourselves and head into the warmer months with a fresher outlook. Spring is great time to check in with ourselves and see where we may have fallen into a rut physically, mentally and emotionally.

Spring cleaning the physical body can be as easy as reducing alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar and increasing the intake of seasonal vegetables, pure water and simply moving the body more. Taking a 7 – 14 day reset can break unhealthy habits and pave the way for more nourishing diet and lifestyle habits. Finding a friend to ‘spring clean’ with can be a fun and accountable way to reset together. Committing to walking together 3 mornings for 2 weeks, trying a new fitness class together (yoga, barre, tai chi, dancing) or each choosing a new activity to experience may help motivate movement.

Nutritionally we can get into boring routines with what we eat so learning what vegetables and fruit are in season and rotating the diet accordingly, is a great way to ensure the body is exposed to different foods, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals. Changing what is eaten for breakfast as the seasons change is a great start. For example, warmer breakfast options are better suited to the body in winter such as warmed oats with stewed fruit and seeds whereas the warmer summer months may be a time to switch to a muesli/fruit and yoghurt or smoothie option. Be aware too if lunch

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Spring is a fabulous time to not only check in with ourselves physically but also mentally and emotionally too.

and dinner always look the same for you and your family.

Vegetables more naturally in abundance in spring (Sept – Nov) include: spinach and lettuce, tomato, zucchini, asparagus, Asian greens, celery, corn, eggplant, potato and pumpkin, beetroot and the extra important brassica family such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussels. The brassica family of vegetables contain compounds have been linked to anti–cancer activity, more specifically to breast and colorectal tumours.

Fruit that is naturally more available in spring includes: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, mandarin, oranges, mango, grapefruit, apple and watermelon. Avocado is also more available.

A good daily goal is to aim for 5 small handfuls of vegetables each day. 2 ½ handfuls each at lunch and dinner or picking up a carrot, handful of baby tomatoes or a couple of pickles as a snack can increase vegetable intake in between meals. 2 pieces of fruit per day will help to satisfy sweet cravings as well as add beneficial vitamin and protective antioxidant value to the body.

Spring is a fabulous time to not only check in with ourselves physically but also mentally and emotionally too. Having awareness around our thoughts and emotions means our life is less likely to just pass by and awareness can lead to consciously creating more life experiences that we want. The man–made resources and things around us haven’t just appeared or been shipped in from another planet but rather everything began as someone’s thought. We are fantastic creators if we learn to master our thoughts rather than our thoughts randomly appearing in our mind and unconsciously running the show. Learning to master your thoughts rather than the other way around can be a game changer for mental health and happiness. There is an abundance of free resources available via the internet and library to explore this phenomenon and the world that exists behind our eyes.

A true naturopathic approach will always consider health from physical, mental and emotional aspects and look at the interaction of all these components of health. Each is as important as the other so an internal spring clean also requires a check in to how the emotions are showing up in the body. Many health issues in the body have been linked to chronic stress – both physical and emotional. Recognising patterns of behaviour and being honest enough with ourselves to acknowledge unhealthy reactive emotional patterns can improve relationships with the self and others. Taking responsibility for our own emotions and realising that it’s impossible for another to physically ‘put’ an emotion inside of us is an interesting concept. Working with a practitioner to help have a healthier response rather than react to the outer world from old belief structures can make the world a much sweeter place to exist.

As the weather warms up and nature awakens around us with fresh inspiration, take the time to tune into how you want to be feeling physically, mentally and emotionally. Take even just one small step in a direction that feels closer to a healthier and happier path because as the saying goes, this is not a dress rehearsal, this is the main event. Spring is all about new beginnings and this includes your health and happiness at any age.

For further information or to make an appointment, please contact Diana Arundell – The Avoca Naturopath and Nutritionist on 0410 465 900.

Diana Arundell is a university–qualified naturopath and consults from her Avoca Naturopath clinic. She has a special interest in fertility and pregnancy health, digestive health, immune function and family wellness programs. She was a nutrition lecturer at Macquarie University for 10 years, and is an accredited Journey Practitioner. For further information or to make an appointment please contact Diana Arundell at Avoca Naturopath on 0410 465 900.

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Central Coast’s Biggest Step Challenge

After raising over $100,000 last year, Central Coast’s Biggest Step Challenge, #MoveAgainstCancer, is back for 2022

When moving more is extremely important for our mind and body, one local doctor is encouraging the Central Coast to participate in his annual #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge this September. Dr Ash Bowden, also known to the community as Doctor Do More, is on a mission to get people exercising and moving more to improve their health and happiness.

The 2022 September #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge encourages people to record their number of steps, over the whole month to win prizes whilst fundraising for Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast. Participation costs $10, with all money going to Cancer Council to ensure nobody on the Central Coast faces a cancer diagnosis alone.

This is the third annual #MoveAgainstCancer step challenge, and Dr Bowden said he wants this year to be bigger and better – “Last year, we raised over $100,000 for Cancer Council and had over 800 people involved. I was absolutely blown away by this” Dr Bowden said.

“It is such a simple, achievable challenge for people to participate in. When I’m asked ‘How do I get more active?’ the best answer is to start with a walk. Moving more has unbelievable benefits on your health – reduced risk of cancers, reduced risk of cardiorespiratory disease, improved cognition and more. Importantly, it has a huge impact on our mental health, something we all need right now.

Jaynie Moloney, Community Relations Coordinator, Cancer Council NSW Central Coast – “We are excited to see this initiative return to the community for its third year. As well as the positive health benefits gained from those participating, the funds raised will support local cancer patients here on the coast, and fund critical research”

Dr Bowden suggests using any type of activity watch or smartphone to track steps. Participants log their steps each day to go in the running to win prizes. There are many categories to win: the individual most steps, most steps as a team, biggest fundraiser, a caption competition, and more.

Eastcoast Juices & Smile On Clinics are this year’s proud major sponsors. Eastcoast Juices have been providing premium, Australian fresh fruit juices, fruit drinks, and spring water since 1965!

Smile On Clinics – local leaders in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. They comprise of a network of premium dental practices located across the Central Coast, Hunter Valley region, Sydney and beyond. Dental practices include Avoca Beach Dental, Saratoga Dental, Mingara Dental & Implant Centre, Warnervale Dental, Empire Bay Dental, Bonnells Bay Dental, Tailored Teeth Burwood and Poynton Place Dental & Implant Centre in Thornton. Their goal is to provide exceptional dental care to their patients in a friendly and caring environment. Using the most advanced treatment and technology available, Smile on Clinics are creating beautiful smiles across the Coast.

The challenge starts on Thursday, September 1st and will run to Friday, September 30th. TO REGISTER https://do-more.live/moveagainstcancer https://www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/move-against-cancer MAJOR SPONSORS smileon.com.au | eastcoastbeverages.com.au Dr Ash Bowden Doctor Do More | do-more.live @DoctorDoMore /doctordomore

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