Springtime for body and mind
By Anni Dahms
Founder of the retail chain ANNI’s VITAL SHOP.
Nurse- & Health specialist, Biopath and Nutritional Adviser.
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”You need to know which tools are best for you to use and how to refine your skills.”
(From “The Way” by Paulo Coelho)
May of My Childhood
– Memories from a Special Month
May has always been my favourite month of the year – ever since I was a child, and still today, as oping their individual talents – including in sport.
We all know how important physical activity is, but the choice of exercise should match one’s interest and ability. If a father loves football, but the child is I celebrate my 82nd birthday. In May, my mother, father and I all had our birthdays, just three days apart. We often celebrated together on the nearest Sunday by cycling to the well-known Hovborg Inn – now world-famous.
My father rode his two-wheeled disability bike, powered only by one leg. My mother and I followed as fast as we could. I was very proud to arrive at the inn, which was then small and cosy, with low-ceilinged rooms. I felt we had a certain status. As I recall, the owner, wearing his comfortable clogs, would always talk especially long with my father, since he regularly had his watches repaired and silverware bought from my parents’ shop.
Despite his sedentary job as a watchmaker with a disability, my father got plenty of exercise. His elegant walking stick was used often, and he tipped his hat on his walks to and from work, greeted by many – he was a well-liked man. For longer trips during his limited free time, his specially built two wheeled bike with a backrest was used regularly.
I remember the day he got his first car. His joy and happiness were immense – but inside me, a small worry crept in: “What about the exercise and fresh air?” Both disappeared. I believe the lack of physical activity may have contributed to my father’s shorter life.
Find the Kind of Exercise That Suits You
In my opinion, it’s important that each of us uses our abilities in the best way we can. I also believe that parents should support their children in developing their individual talents – including in sport.
We all know how important physical activity is, but the choice of exercise should match one’s interest and ability. If a father loves football, but the child is clumsy and afraid of the ball, it makes no sense to force football upon them. That only leads to a sense of inferiority. There are so many exciting forms of movement – listen to the child’s interests and abilities.
Exercise and the Outdoors
In May, nature becomes lively, green and almost summer-like, so get outside and enjoy it! There are plenty of fun ways to move.
My favourite activity this time of year is long walks in the beautiful countryside right outside my door, as well as climbing stairs. That’s the form of exercise I truly enjoy and thrive on. I can’t change my date of birth, but despite heart problems and other weaknesses, I can do my best to influence my body’s age through a balanced mix of diet and exercise.
Stick to Healthy Choices
Healthy food and exercise matter at all ages. No matter how busy or stressed you are, try not to fall into the fast-food trap. Tempting as it may be, pizza and burgers several times a week are best avoided.
If you’re stressed, B vitamins can improve your mental resilience and support brain function. Also, highfibre foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are good choices. Remember your omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish. Fish can be enjoyed in many ways – fried, grilled, boiled, and more. There are plenty of options for enjoying fish.
Nature is overflowing with healthy temptations that make it easy to eat according to the season.
May marks the start of asparagus season. They are healthy and taste best right now, rich in fibre, B vitamins, and potassium. Carrots are new, crisp, fresh, and delicious. They need no preparation, just a rinse before enjoying. Spring onions are fresh and flavourful. Don’t forget pointed cabbage, which in my opinion is the finest cabbage for summer salads – perhaps with a touch of avocado dressing. Radishes are crunchy and spicy, and known as spring’s colourful gem. They’re healthy in sandwiches or salads. Enjoy a simple and delightful summer meal of cold potato salad with radishes.
Don’t let too much time pass between meals. No more than three hours should go by without eating, or your blood sugar may crash, and you’ll be tempted by the nearest sweet or snack. Instead, take time to enjoy a wholesome roll, a couple of carrots, some fruit, almonds, or something similar.
Supplements to Get Ready for Spring
In spring and summer, plants and trees blossom. Most of us enjoy the sun and warmth, and all the beauty blooming around us. But for those with pollen allergies, springtime can be a challenge – itchy eyes, a blocked nose, a tickly throat, and more.
Medical treatment may be necessary, but you can also support your immune system to better handle the season.
Probiotics promote a healthy gut flora, which is essential. They help maintain digestive balance and support the absorption of vitamins.
Vitamin C may prevent colds and protect against free radicals, helping your airways recover.
Echinacea helps regulate the immune system and strengthen the mucous membranes, making them more resilient to allergens.
Lemon balm acts as a natural antihistamine. It is also an antioxidant and supports relaxation and mental well-being.
Omnimin is a strong and well-balanced multivitamin, containing 27 vitamins and minerals suitable for year-round use.
For Active People
Mivitotal Sport is a liquid multivitamin with a broad spectrum of nutrients tailored to support physical exertion and intense training. It tastes fresh and is easy to take – a great supplement for those looking to enhance performance.
Creatine is one of the most popular supplements among those who strength train or play sports. It is proven to improve performance and strength. It is considered safe, though some may experience mild stomach discomfort or slight weight gain due to water retention in muscles. Creatine is also increasingly used outside of sports, as research shows it may support memory and mental focus.
Electrolytes are also useful during training. They are salts that help regulate the body’s fluid balance, which the body cannot produce on its own. They’re especially important in hot weather or during physical activity. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride. If you want to avoid dehydration, electrolytes are available as supplements.
NAD boosters have become popular with both athletes and people seeking sharper mental focus. These formulas contain two forms of slow-release niacin, ensuring steady and effective absorption. They help boost cellular energy production and support both physical endurance and mental clarity.
May – the Most Lush Spring Month
May gets us off the sofa and into nature. The month symbolises spring and the desire for new beginnings. Everything is blooming, and the birds are singing joyfully. Where I live, I hear so many birdsongs I’ve never heard before. Nature invites us with its colour and beauty.
May is named after Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility. There are so many wonderful activities to dive into this time of year. It’s important to take care of yourself with healthy food, quality sleep, and age-appropriate exercise and training. To enjoy all the spring activities with energy and joy, it might be a good time to review your supplement routine to match your age and lifestyle.
If you’re travelling, take a few good protein bars with you. As a year-round habit, make sure you have a high-quality multivitamin and either fish oil or a plant-based alternative. If you’re unsure about what supplements you need for the summer, seek professional advice to find what best suits your age and needs.
Don’t forget a good sunscreen. After winter, your pale skin can be quite shocked by the sun. Sunscreen is essential. Drink plenty of water – it supports your heart and blood circulation. If you feel tired or low in energy, water with electrolytes can help. Don’t forget your hair either – the sun can easily dry and damage it. Take extra supplements with silica and zinc to strengthen the hair follicles. Zinc also acts as an antioxidant to protect the body’s cells from sun damage.
