Most of us are guilty of loading up on comfort foods in the winter season and taking a bit of a lax approach to our self-care. And that’s okay, it’s a busy time and let’s be real – it’s tough to even think about getting out for a morning run when it’s in the minus degrees outside! But Spring is the perfect time to hit the refresh button on our routines and get back on track with making our health priority no.1.
When it comes to spring cleaning, it’s not just about decluttering your home; decluttering your mind is just as important. This is a time to really prioritize the things that will nourish your physical and emotional well-being. So in this post, you’ll find 10 ways you can embrace self-care this spring to rejuvenate both your body and mind (and get your home spick and span too!).
Reflect and Reassess
The best place to start is by reflecting on your current self-care practices. Do you have any? Do they work? Take time to reassess and find out where you can improve. For example, if you’re not enjoying those gym sessions, find out why and make some changes. Perhaps you can go at a different time, try a different activity, or just drop the gym completely and exercise outdoors.
Spring Clean and Rearrange Your Space
Decluttering and rearranging your living space is what people usually associate with a “spring clean” and for good reason. Set aside time to deep clean your home, organizing closets, drawers, and other areas that have accumulated clutter over the winter months. You can donate items you no longer need or use to charity, or even try selling them online if you want to make a few extra dollars. Studies show that even if it’s not your favorite thing to do, cleaning can have a calming effect and give you a sense of control.
Get Outdoors
After being stuck inside over winter (depending on where you live of course!). It’s time to take advantage of the longer days and milder weather by spending time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk, bike ride, or simply sitting out in the sun, connecting with nature can reduce stress and boost your mood.
Get Some Plant Babies!
Bring nature into your home by planting herbs, buying houseplants, or treating yourself to fresh flowers regularly. Surrounding yourself with nature indoors can have a calming and rejuvenating effect. Studies have even linked houseplants to lower blood pressure, less stress, and better mood!
Set Social Media Boundaries
Set boundaries with social media and work to protect your time and mental space. If you assign specific times for scrolling through social feeds and create a “no-work” time and area in your home it can help you to avoid burnout.
Mindful Movement
Mindful movement practices such as yoga, tai chi, or stretching exercises will not only benefit your physical health but also promote relaxation and help you to manage stress. You don’t even have to join a club or pay a subscription, YouTube is packed with videos you can follow to incorporate these practices into your day.
Creative Expression
Tapping into your creativity is SO important for your mental well-being. Whether it’s painting, writing, crafting, or all of the above – it matters! Expressing yourself creatively can be extremely therapeutic and give you a great sense of fulfilment. And you never know, if you stick to it you could end up turning it into a profitable business on the side!
Prioritize Sleep
It can be tough to prioritize sleep when life gets busy, but there’s zero point in working extra hours if your mind isn’t working at full capacity because it’s completely drained out. Make sure you’re getting enough restorative sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. If you do struggle with sleep, this bedtime routine is essential and you can learn more about it in our blog post on Tips to Get Your Best Sleep Yet which includes our Fast Asleep supplement to help you doze off.
Practice Gratitude
Simply being grateful has been linked to better mental health and overall happiness. Try starting a gratitude journal where you reflect on the things you’re grateful for each day and it won’t be long until you experience a lift in your mood!
Be Kind to Yourself
Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. It’s important to learn to give yourself grace during difficult times and treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that would offer to a friend in the same boat. This is something that can be tough to get used to if you’re very hard on yourself, but it’s an important step towards embracing self-care and prioritizing your well-being.
Self-care is About Prioritizing Yourself, Not Selfishness
As we welcome spring, let’s remember that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish – it’s essential. By doing small things every day, like eating well, spending time outdoors, and tidying up your space, you’ll feel better inside and out. These simple acts help us feel happier and more balanced which then has a knock-on effect in every aspect of our lives. So, let’s embrace the spirit of spring and prioritize your well-being with love and kindness. After all, you deserve it.
