Spring is here and it is time to snap out of that winter funk you may have caught the last couple months. School is nearing its end and the sun is shining, so what better time to make a few lifestyle changes for the best? Here are some easy tips to help you this spring!

Get outside- Scientific evidence shows that depression increases when there is less sunlight (during wintertime). Well, the sun is outside so there is no excuse to stay in. Get off your Xbox, get off Facebook and go enjoy the outdoors. Sunlight is a natural anti-depressant. Choose anything from running, tossing a Frisbee around, laying outside and reading, playing sports or walking your dog.

Eat Green- Didn’t stick to that “eat healthy” resolution you made on New Years? No big deal. Spring is a perfect time to make some quick and easy changes to your diet. It is all about finding alternatives. Instead of grabbing that 16oz Caramel Latte, pick up a fruit smoothie instead. Instead of picking up that chocolate bar, grab some fresh fruit. Spring is all about fruit. Strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, and oranges are especially beneficial. Last but not least, check out the Brookings Farmer’s Market. They have lots of fresh vegetables, meat and fruit.

De-clutter– It wouldn’t be spring without spring cleaning. A lot of people don’t like long cleaning sessions so instead of doing it all at once, pick different sections of your dorm, house or apartment to clean up and do one each weekend. Go through your drawers and throw out old papers and junk. Go through your closet and pick out the clothes you don’t wear anymore and make room for spring clothing. Have a kitchen? Go through your pantry and fridge and clean out what you don’t need anymore. Other areas that are great to clean up are your desktop, your e-mail and your car.