By Debra Staton, Wellness Coordinator for the Arkansas Health Network

Spring is finally here! The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” gives us joy knowing these vibrant flowers will soon be in bloom. We look forward to the first glimpse of the hummingbird in search of their nectar, which can also be found in numerous bright colored blooms.

There is something magical about the spring--even the birds seem to sing more cheerfully. Our bodies also seem to miraculously change with the spring season. Suddenly, we feel more energized and ready to face the world! 

Hope, rejuvenation and happiness are words that come to mind with spring time.  Sure, there will be rainy days ahead, but, with the rain comes growth. At the beginning of spring, we see flowers like daffodils and tulips, which are often recognized as a sign of hope.

The parks are filled with people enjoying the outdoor activities. We notice others simply walking and soaking up the fresh air and sunshine. The colors of nature surround us as we embrace the new season. There really is a “spring in our step,” which gives us a nudge to get going and become more active. 

This is a great opportunity to keep stepping in the right direction and look at other behavioral changes. Your body is your garden and you must cultivate it in order for it to flourish. Sometimes, this may mean getting rid of the rocks in your own personal garden. An excessive amount of rocks in your garden will impede its growth. The same can be said of your own body and getting rid of things that impede your own personal growth. 

It may take some digging. But whether it’s your background garden or your personal garden, digging can be tricky! At first glance, that rock that you are needing to remove may look like it is on the surface. However, once you start digging, you find it goes much deeper. In order to make behavioral changes, you must go deeper than the surface and find out why you are desiring to make these changes.