Face it; the winter is not just hard on your car. Our bodies and minds go through the wringer during the dark, cold months of winter. It is often hard to make the transition into spring and be energized for the upcoming season of family vacations, swimming pools, and the endless backyard barbeques. Here are just a few ways to recharge your mind and body for spring that won’t break the bank.
Technology detox
The winter is often a time of extra technology use due to the nasty weather and short days. However, extensive use of electronics can negatively impact your health by interfering with your sleep quality and causing headaches and eye strain. It is essential to take time away from your laptop and smartphone and revel in the exciting thrum of new life in nature. Take at least 24 hours to put down your electronics and reconnect with your family, read a book, or go explore a trail in your community.
Liven up your exercise
At this point in the year, you have probably become bored with your standard exercise routine. It is important to stay excited about exercise and keep it interesting. Otherwise, you are more likely to quit. Mix it up a little. Try a yoga class, go for a hike, or even try something totally out of your comfort zone like rock climbing. The possibilities are endless! Just be sure that you’re staying active for at least 30 minutes each day. Even a brisk walk through your neighborhood in the fresh air can have incredible benefits for your health.
Spend time for yourself
Get a manicure, splurge for a massage, take a really long shower. Whatever you do to relax and treat your body, now is the time to do it. You deserve it. Whether you want to go to the spa for a refreshing facial, or merely spend time soaking in an aromatherapy bath, it is essential to prioritize your mental health by unwinding and looking after yourself.
Journal and make a gratitude list
Constantly reminding yourself of all the good things in life is a helpful way to avoid becoming bogged down by the buisiness and stress of your fast-paced schedule. Keep a gratitude list, or simply spend some time alone in quiet reflection with your thoughts and a piece of paper. Just writing down what’s in your head, even if it doesn’t make any sense, can help you come to a place of inner peace and a deeper connection with your emotions.
Go on a date
This works whether you’ve been married for 10 years, dating for a few months, or even if you’re single. Take some time away from your busy schedule and plan a day just to go out and have fun. This can be with friends or with your significant other. Try a new restaurant, or explore a part of your city that you’ve never been in before. Just let loose and experience the little joys of life.
Learn something new
So you’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar, create pottery, or cook that gourmet meal. Whatever it is…now is the time to do it. Stop making excuses and dive in or else you’re never going to take any risks. Enrich your mind with a new class on a subject you love, or build that DIY bookshelf project you’ve had saved on Pinterest for months.
Sleep more
Your body truly needs at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep to function properly and avoid burnout. Consistent insomnia or lack of sleep can quickly impair mental function, and increase your risk for issues such as anxiety. Try going to be and getting up at the same time every day to encourage your body to adjust to a schedule and look for things that you could cut out of your life to prioritize sleep if you are not well-rested. You probably don’t need to watch that third episode of your favorite show at 2 a.m.
Clean and rearrange your furniture
Starting spring off with a deep clean of your home is one of the best ways to encourage positivity and help you feel like you have your life together. Clutter and dirt can impair your mental state and keep you from being productive. Plus, if you want to go a step further, try rearranging your existing furniture for a fresh look. You’ll feel like you have an entirelly new home.
-Susan Patterson