10 self-care ideas to enjoy Spring
Hello Spring! And welcome back.
I am so happy to be finally able to say that. It’s been a long, cold wait. Days are getting longer and warmer and spring brings a whole renewal vibe with it. Renewal both in nature and our lives. The start of a new season is about changes and new beginnings, about making plans, setting goals or letting go of what no longer serves us.
While I’m typing these lines, sun is shining, sky is blue, I can hear birds singing, trees are in bloom and I’m enjoying the gentle warmth of a lovely afternoon. I’m always in awe of how wonderful nature is, how it regenerates, its colors and its sounds. These simple facts just bring so much joy and I feel much energized.
Spring is a great time for a fresh new start and self-care is so important. Looking after yourself should be a priority in order to be strong, healthy and happy in body, mind and spirit. Before putting together a self-care routine, just remember to be present and prioritize your needs.
If you don’t know where to start, here’s a couple of ideas that you can choose from:
1. Stay hydrated!
Again? If you’ve read my previous posts ( like this one or this one), probably this part sounds familiar to you already, or perhaps you’re experiencing a sensation of déjà lu. You’re probably thinking that this is very repetitive and I’m running out of ideas, but staying hydrated is one important healthy-habit and should be part of your daily self-care routing. Remember that our bodies are made of billions of cells and cells are made of water. Our cells function better when they are filled with water.
2. Eat Spring fruit and vegetables
Spring fruit and veggies are packed with vitamins are minerals, that our bodies need to recover from the long and cold winter. Spring paints our surroundings with vibrant colors and it’s time to revitalize our diet with seasonal produce. It will not only bring color to your plate, it will also bring you the necessary nutrients to boost your immune system, to detoxify and energize your body.
With no further ado, my very favorite spring produce is….. (drums) ……wiiiild garlic (or bear’s garlic, lat. Allium Ursinum). Available during March and May, it is now fully in bloom, officially announcing the arrival of spring. Wild garlic has a number of healthy properties and has long been used in both Europe and Asia as a homeopathic remedy for everything from toothaches to bloating to the flu. Truth is, wild garlic is rich in minerals, vitamins (like A and C) and fibers. Wild garlic may help reduce inflammation, is a natural detoxifier, may help boost the immune system or lower bad cholesterol.
Spring is the season for leafy greens, like spinach, arugula, kale or nettle which are rich in magnesium and zinc- crucial for our immune system. If you’ve been yearning the entire winter for strawberries, good news! It is now the season of strawberries, which are not only colorful and delicious, they are also rich in antioxidants.
3. Declutter
Spring cleaning is very popular, or at least we hear often about it. It’s time to do a spring cleaning yourself. Might take a while to get yourself motivated, but having clean surroundings has a positive impact on our overall wellbeing. Declutter can take different forms: you might consider cleaning or sorting out your environment, or declutter your mind- of thoughts or feelings that no longer serve you. Remember that spring is a season of renewal, rebirth and for a fresh new start. Make room and space for new experiences and invite abundance in your life.
4. Take a morning walk
Enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air. Pay attention to your surroundings, of how nature is painted in beautiful colors and listen to the sound of birds. I know morning walks might not be a priority, especially if we have busy morning routines with tight schedules, but a short morning walk can be part of your commute. How about you get off your bus/tram/metro sooner, or you park your car further away. Remember moving our bodies is important and when morning walks become regular, they improve our mood and help us sleep better at night.
5. Take 10 minutes to yourself
For some it may be a lot, for others might not be a long time, but taking 10 minutes to yourself to do whatever you want, not what others want can be a game changer and it will help you recharge your batteries. Plan for 10 minutes each day and notice the difference after one week.
6. Limit screen time
Limit screen time and enjoy the world outside. Limiting screen time can take many different forms. You might take those 10 minutes a day to sit, do nothing and switch off your phone. You might switch off your phone during your morning walks, or you might limit screen time in the evening before going to bed. Whatever you choose to do, just remember: you got this!
7. Start reading a new book
The book you’ve always tried to find time for….it’s time you pick it up and start reading it, and perhaps you could turn off your phone while doing so 😊
8. Try a new form of exercise
Have you ever thought of trying Pilates, or join a yoga class? How about your new year resolutions? Did you plan to go to the gym three times a week, but it didn’t work out? Now might be the right time and you might even enjoy it. It might not look like going to the gym three times a week, but it’s important to move your body and find an activity that you enjoy.
9. Try the Happiness Jar
The Happiness Jar is a wonderful , easy to make tool to practice gratitude and cultivate joy- which is amazing for your overall wellbeing. Every day, write down on a piece of paper things that brought you joy, things that made you smile or goals you have reached. Fold the paper and place it in the jar. Every time you need a boost of positivity, dip into the jar to remember of the wonderful things that bring you joy.
10. Remember that you are special
Because you are 😊
Happy Spring!