Happy World Health Day! If you’re unfamiliar, here’s the gist: for fifty years, the World Health Organization has used this day to generate awareness and spotlight all different aspects of health and wellness. Considering how difficult the last year has been, we couldn’t be more on board with the idea!

We know it’s not just us who have been feeling it too. A recent study from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health revealed 1 in 4 people are experiencing depression and anxiety in the wake of COVID-19 and the isolation it’s caused. The pandemic hasn’t just impacted mental health either. New data from the American Psychological Association shows that a whopping 61%(!) of Americans have reported unwanted weight gains and 67% have had their sleep affected since the pandemic started. Simply put, it’s been rough.

Despite the hardships, we want to honor World Health Day by focusing on the good and making positive strides. Spring is settling in, and it’s the perfect time to renew our focus on creating healthy habits. That’s why our team has put together five tips to help you shake off the winter blues and achieve a healthier spring.

Are you with us!?

1) Focus on fitness

If ever there was an excellent place to start getting healthy, working out is it. With all the time we spend at work, commuting, and in front of our screens, it’s easy to let exercise fall out of our routine. The idea of hitting the gym or starting an intensive fitness program can seem daunting, which is why there is nothing wrong with starting small. Research tells us that a simple walk offers many physical and mental benefits. If you’re committed to putting your well-being first this spring, don’t be afraid to lace up those shoes and get moving.

2) Find time for yourself

When it comes to being fit, your mental health is just as important as eating right and exercising. Between all our daily obligations and distractions, it can be easy to overlook someone who deserves more attention: YOU. Commit yourself to set aside 15 minutes each day where you can be alone. Try capturing quiet time in the morning over a cup of coffee or taking a break in the middle of the day to complete a brief mediation session. You deserve it!

3) Spring cleaning

What better way to welcome the longer, warmer days than by tidying up? Many of us loathe the idea of organizing, dusting, and scrubbing away an afternoon, but you’ll thank yourself later. Studies have shown that decluttering can improve your sleep, heighten your focus, and give you a mood boost, to name a few benefits. When you look at the perks that come from having an organized, shiny living or working space, we bet that you will find it was well worth the effort.

4) Reducing sugar intake

Ever heard the saying about “too much of a good thing”? When it comes to sugar, there is no question that too much can be harmful. The list of negative effects of excessive sugar intake is long, from impacting your sleep to causing unwanted weight gain, mood swings, and stunting your immune system.

It’s tough to cut out sugar completely but reducing the amount you’re ingesting is an important and necessary part of establishing healthy habits. Fortunately, our zero-calorie, all-natural sweetener makes for a great substitute. Enjoy the sweetness you crave with our Purecane™ Packets or our Purecane™ Spoonable Canister and say goodbye to the unpleasant side-effects of sugar. Of course, there’s still plenty of tasty treats just waiting for you; check out our recipe page for some inspiration.

5) Enjoy a healthy snack

After encouraging you to clean, exercise, and cut out sugar, we would be remiss if we didn’t give you a little something to reward yourself. The fact is, picking up and continuing good habits takes a lot of work, and you deserve to have something tasty to appreciate. While there are plenty of delicious (and healthy) ways to satisfy your afternoon cravings, we’ve become pretty partial to one of our creations.

This smoothie is rich in antioxidants, protein, and plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep your body and mind happy. Oh, and did we mention it’s delicious?

Ingredients

1 banana
½ cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt
1-2 Purecane™ Individual Packets (depending on preference)
3 tbsps freeze-dried Acai powder or 1 packet of Acai puree
1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
8 ozs Unsweetened milk of choice (use an unsweetened milk alternative to make it vegan!)

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