Lisa Conway – FLORIDA TODAY

Q: What should I do now to prepare for spring? 

A: Springtime in Florida arrives quickly, so get ready now to prepare for its arrival. Here are some actions I like to take in advance of my favorite season.

Clean it up!

Spring cleaning is a tradition for a reason! As the weather warms and the daylight hours are longer, you can attend to the accumulated winter dust and dirt. Clear out the clutter and freshen things up by washing windows and laundering curtains. A clean, organized home will perk you up; perfect for the season of growth and vitality.

Sort & Donate

Pack away your winter sweaters and bring out lighter layers, pastel colors and breathable fabrics. Go through your clothes and ask: “Have I worn this in a year?” Unless it’s something really special, clothes you’ve passed over 365 times can probably be donated — freeing up space in your life for new items to enjoy!

Yard & Garden

Start planning for the fast-approaching growing season. Pull those weeds, rake up the dead leaves, and think about which seeds or plants you’d like to grow. Your local University of Florida extension office is a valuable resource for everything related to your yard and garden. Don’t forget to bring some nature inside with fresh flowers or potted plants to brighten up your space.

Do Well

Refocus on your health, by incorporating spring fruits and vegetables, like asparagus and strawberries into your diet. As temperatures get milder, pump up your fitness routine with some outdoor activities like walking, biking, or yoga in the park.

Ah-choo!

Prone to seasonal allergies? Clean vents and filters to reduce allergens indoors. Look for spring sales on the usual remedies — and consider investing in an air purifier.

Outdoor Adventures

As the weather warms, reacquaint yourself with local parks or trails to explore. Make a bucket list of outdoor activities you’d like to enjoy. When’s the last time you took your shoes off and walked on our beautiful beaches? Or visited the Brevard Zoo or the Viera Wetlands? Take advantage of the scenic Space Coast — and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Ready, Set, Goal

Spring is a time for fresh starts. If your New Year’s resolution has unfortunately fallen by the wayside, you can still reflect on personal or professional goals and make a plan to achieve them. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, learning a skill, or fostering relationships, spring is an excellent time to begin anew.

 

For free classes, seminars and resources for seniors, visit www.OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771 in Viera.

 

Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.