Three Ideas for Springtime Activity
Author: Heather Slee
Winter is finally over. Now that we can finally leave our homes (well, for those of us who live with long, cold winters), it's a little slice of heaven. For those of you who are pregnant, it's the perfect time to get out and get things done. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Set a walking goal. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, this could either sound wonderful or like torture. Many women feel like they have chronic fatigue syndrome in the first trimester and by the time you're nearing the end, you might feel like you can barely walk to the bathroom, which is unfortunate since you are going every 15 minutes. However, believe it or not, even if you are tired and don't feel like it or your body is aching, walking actually helps these symptoms. Start out slow if you haven't done much activity over the winter. Set a distance or time goal for 3 or 5 days the first week. Then, every week, increase it a little. Post a calendar on your fridge and mark your results, even if you skip. The calendar will help you stay motivated. Ask a friend or your significant other to join you, and that will help you stay accountable. Talk to your doctor about your walking goal during one of your many prenatal visits. Bonus: They say (the old wives) that walking a lot at the end may speed along the onset of labor!
- Do some good ol' fashioned spring cleaning. This is also either a joy or a nightmare. Either way, it sure feels good once you've accomplished some spring cleaning. Pick an area in your home once a week, and just work at it; either go full steam and get it done in a day, or pick away at it all week. Maybe week 1 you'll choose the dreaded junk drawer. Week 2 could be the hall closet. Week 3, do some cleaning of neglected things, like drapes or ceiling fans. (Oh wait; maybe it's just me who neglects ceiling fans…) And so on. Make a pile for tossing things and a pile for Goodwill.
- Work on those projects you never seem to have time to work on. Because as busy as you are now, you're about to get even busier. Make a list of those nagging little to-dos first. For example, my list would (does) include: replace vent in bathroom, paint light switch cover, hang new blind over sink, hang pictures in nursery, etc. Your significant other can also get involved. Think of it as dual nesting: making sure your home is ready and good to go for the newbie.
Write your Spring Resolutions down on a big sheet of paper, and post it somewhere you look all the time. Write down what you've accomplished, or write down your goals, and cross them off as you go. It is very satisfying to cross off something on a to-do list!
