8 Springtime Strategies to Look and Feel Great

Indigenous people who live close to nature eat seasonally. It's a healthy way to eat that naturally helps you shed those winter pounds and make you feel light and springy. Seek out foods that are fresh this time of year, such as green leafy salads with sprouts and radishes; strawberries and baby asparagus; and seasonal fish and shellfish.

Scientists have proven that we have around 60,000 thoughts a day, the vast majority of which are negative! For one week, every time you catch yourself having a negative thought, which robs you of energy, state it in the opposite way. Replace "I can't" with "I can." Make that shift over and over until you begin to see more and more time pass between negative thoughts. Watch how much more spring you have in your step at the end of the week.

Springtime is a time for renewal. To get into the mood of change and forward momentum, try a new sport or an old one you haven't done for a long time. Often, when we engage in new activities, it's especially motivating. The more types of activities you engage in, the more energetic you'll feel.

This spring, don't let workout boredom squelch your motivation to get in shape. Change your workout course. Do the familiar course in the opposite direction. Find a workout partner, or work out at a different time of day.

Pick a wildly beautiful place in nature. Schedule a weekend to go camping or hiking. Or simply take some extended time to relax in a wonderful outdoor place where spring is showing its colors and beauty. Taking a trip in nature will jumpstart your springtime energy and will shake off the hard work, restlessness, and stagnation from winter.

Lots of us this time of year look in the mirror and think, "I'll never get in shape by swimsuit season." Think of a fragile crocus pushing its way up through the frozen earth. Challenge is a normal part of striving, growing, and overcoming obstacles. Realizing this will help you manage your fear and negativity and propel you forward.