Page 1 - PeaceHealth | Southwest health | March/April 2013

WATCH I NG DAF FOD I L S BR EAK THROUGH THE
cold soil and trees begin to bud, we experience a time
of new beginnings. Spring inspires us to give our
homes a good cleaning. This year, consider giving your
whole self—body, mind, and spirit—a spring cleaning.
NOURISH YOUR BODY
Spring is a perfect time to begin nourishing your body
with tender, young greens. Eating seasonally helps your
body stay in sync with nature, and spring greens can
help you shed any “insulation” you added in the winter.
CLEAR YOUR MIND
“Springtime can fill you with energy to be more active
and start new projects,” says Michael Bernstein, MD,
physician director and chairman of the Department of
Behavioral Health at PeaceHealth Southwest. “However,
juggling too many activities may leave you feeling tired.
“You can achieve balance by clearing out mental clutter.
Meditation is one way to clear your mind and achieve
mental calmness; another is simply to be outdoors. With
spring’s better weather, even a 20-minute walk outdoors
offers many health benefits. While walking, focus your
mind on the experience of being outside and avoid
making mental to-do lists or worrying about the future.”
EXPRESS YOUR SPIRIT
As the days grow longer, your spirit longs to go out
and play—so let it. Whether you choose gardening or
guitar, simply let your creative juices flow.
Spend a little time this spring connecting with
yourself. You’ll enter the season with a fresh
perspective and a renewed sense of well-being.
Spring cleaning for
body, mind, and spirit
March/April 2013
SouthwestP e a c e H e a l t h health
“Earth teach me
regeneration
as the seed which
rises in the spring.”
—William Alexander
In this issue, you’ll find tips
and articles to help you plan
your own spring renewal.
TIPS FOR SPRING RENEWAL
SPIRIT: Contemplating a spiritual question?
Walking a labyrinth gives you time and
space for your spirit to wander. Join us for
a labyrinth walk; see details on page 7.