Good news. The first official day of spring is just around the corner. We appreciate the winter months are long in the UK and it often feels like no end is in sight. The damp, cold, grey days make it hard to be motivated, and when we often struggle for any signs of sunlight from November to March, we become melancholy and low. It’s no wonder we eagerly await spring’s arrival and the promise of better days. If you’re looking for ideas on how you can mark and celebrate the return of spring, read on.
Spring clean
The ritual most synonymous with the season, the (big) spring clean. It is a good opportunity to have a literal clean; to clear the cobwebs and the lingering dust, to finally give your duvet and cushion covers a good wash, and to hoover under beds and around the back of the wardrobes. But it’s also a good time to clear yourself of things that no longer serve you, to make things neat and tidy and to have a general freshen up. This clearout and deep clean can give us a sense of accomplishment after a long, slovenly winter, some greater clarity from shedding the old and welcoming in the new. It can help you start the new season with some much needed revitalisation.
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Set intentions
In welcoming Spring, a season of renewal, new beginnings and growth, it’s a good time to revisit the goals you set for yourself at the start of the year. It could be just a check-in to see if you’re keeping on track, or you may want to make some tweaks to make them more achievable if you’re struggling to maintain them. You may decide to change them altogether, or set yourself some new intentions, or goals for the months ahead. A good starting point is to evaluate your values; your core beliefs and principles to consider how you want to live, how you value your time and what is important to you. From here, you can outline SMART goals for the things you want to work on most. By following the SMART method, coupled with your values (your why), means you’re more likely to achieve your goals.
Take your yoga or Pilates activity outside
There are so many reasons to get out more in Spring: more sunlight, beautiful flowers, the scents, beautiful sun rises, the sunsets, the sound of birds… it really is wondrous for your wellbeing after the cold, dreary winter. Make the most of every gorgeous day! One idea? Why not grab your mat and take your Pilates or yoga practise outside. It’ll be a great way to start or end the day and will not only alleviate tension, but give you a much needed dose of vitamin D.
At every opportunity you can, get outdoors (please always wear sunscreen!).
Plant seeds
Sewing seeds is an easy and great way to connect with nature and spring generally. If you’re concerned with space, you needn’t be. Even a small pot on a window sill can generate the desired results. The idea is just to get hands on with soil, to plant something, dedicate time to watering and nurturing your seedlings and watch it grow and change. It can become a mindful practise and something you can turn to to draw you back to the present moment.
If you’re wanting something easy and beautiful, opt for wildflower seeds. The results are striking, often with several species and full of colour. Best of all, you will see flowers within 60-90 days of seeding.
If you’re planting for your home, why not give herbs a try? You can then use the stems and leaves in cooking!
How will you welcome spring? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image: sdigzps, Getty Images Signature, Canva
