A Survival List for a Healthier, Happier Spring | Health

The times are changin’, and we are excited to get back to camps, vacations, family reunions, and adventures. What are some good habits you may have gained through COVID? Are you coming out of the pandemic more aware of your health and budget? We have an opportunity to change back to old “habits,” but will you? Let’s get back to our lives with health, happiness, and budgets in mind as we head into a new spring.

• Here are ideas to help you and your family find healthy fun and keep your spring supercharged on a healthy budget. 
• Groupon/Living Social experiences save money and make great gifts.
• Restaurants – Find places where kids can eat for free.
• Staycation at a local hotel – Use the pool, drive less, explore, find deals online.
• Use old gift cards or give unique gifts of services instead of spending money.
• Visit 10 new playgrounds near and far.
• Visit a zoo, farm, or humane society – hey come in all sizes, and animals make everyone happy.
• Visit a friend you haven’t seen in a while virtually or in person.
• Look for less expensive options – matinee instead of a later movie, happy hour, coupon clipping.
• Visit Pinterest – Make your own yard games, obstacle courses, or crafts.
• Visit a junkyard – Buy recycled stuff to build something cool for your kids.
• Buy used active gear – Marketplace websites also let you sell old stuff.

No matter how you find adventure, health, and happiness this spring, it’s easy to keep in mind that saving money can be cool and help you later. Here’s a challenge: What is the best value you can find in the next month? Compete with a friend or spouse, and make it fun. In the process of saving some money, you will build skills that you can later invest more into your health and happiness. Maybe, if you save today, you can splurge tomorrow to get that vacation, experience, new piece of gym equipment, or whatever else makes you happy on your way to a healthier life.

Gary Gianetti has a M.S. in Allied Health and holds certifications in health, fitness, and exercise sciences. When he’s not coaching, he enjoys outdoor adventures on foot, rock, wheels, and in the air with his little ones and his wife. He is the founder of Healthy Altitudes…For Your Life™.