When winter has passed, we shed our heavier clothing and welcome the warmer weather of spring. It’s like being reborn. As the new season begins afresh, you and your body can do the same.

The term “spring cleaning” doesn’t just pertain to housework. Spring cleaning allows you to open your windows and let the fragrance of blooming trees and flowers enter your home.

Now that your house is getting a makeover to welcome the sun and lighter weather, your body and mind can benefit from a shedding of sorts. Here are some tips to help you cultivate new routines:

* Get moving. During winter, most of us slow down in our level of activity.  When springs returns, we should get outdoors and resume fun exercises. They can help you shed unwanted pounds and also gain a new level of physical fitness.

* Change your eating habits. In winter, we usually eat heavier foods such as hot soups, stews and other comfort foods. When the weather becomes warmer, you should shed those heavy foods in favor of lighter fare: salads, sandwiches, cold cereal and the like. You don’t want to weigh your body down any longer.

* Experiment with food. Visit your local farmer’s market. Sample the fresh produce that they have. There is nothing sweeter than the natural taste of blueberries, strawberries, peaches or pears that are in season. Give yourself the gift of natural flavor with fresh food choices.

* Join a group. It can be tough trying to motivate yourself to get back into exercise. With the help of others who are also doing the same thing, it can be a bit of a better transition. Also, you can meet the challenge of others in the group to better your performance.

* Find a new hobby. Your mind can have been hibernating throughout the winter. Clear away the cobwebs with a bit of brain-challenging work. A new hobby can create new neural pathways in the brain and enhance your memory and focus. Take up painting, writing, reading or another hobby that interests you.

* Work on self. Remember your New Year’s resolutions and read them again. Create a plan to make the changes that you want in your life. Start off slowly and let the momentum of success spur you on to new goals.

The body and the mind are connected more closely than you think. Often when spring comes, they need to be refreshed and stimulated as well. The above are some ways to clean out the body and mind.