We’ve all heard and used the term ‘Spring clean’ before, right? Winter’s over, the days are getting longer and warmer, and we become a little more motivated and inspired to clean up and clear out what no longer serves us around the home. But what about when it comes to ourselves? And just how can we use this new season to support our sense of wellbeing and happiness?
Traditionally, Spring is all about new beginnings and transformations; it’s a season that symbolises starting fresh and starting over. After months of cold temperatures that entice us to slow down, ground and hibernate, often resulting in many of us feeling the ‘winter blues’, the daylight starts increasing, reawakening us to our surrounding environment.
Hence, Spring is the representation of new life and light, new beginnings, paths, and seeds.
If you aren’t sure where to start, I’ve put together some ways you can make the most of the new season and commit to giving yourself an inner Spring clean.
Declutter and Clear out
This one works twofold; I’m all about decluttering and clearing out your home and working space from things and items that no longer serve or align with you. This can be furniture, collectables, clothing, paperwork, fridge, and pantry goods etc. We often hold onto things out of familiarity and comfort. When you declutter and clear out, you give yourself the time and opportunity to check in and see whether you still really value or need something in the way you might have in the past.
On the flip side, it’s important to spend some time decluttering and clearing out old thoughts, patterns, habits (and even goals) that no longer align with or serve you either. A great way to check in and do this is by spending some time on your own in a quiet space and journaling. It can help to tap into some awesome tools and resources that help support your mindset be it books, podcasts or self-care practices. Even just taking a walk outside can help you sift through your thoughts. Again, it’s not always easy to let go of old thoughts and patterns that are comforting and may have even served us in the past. But Spring offers us that chance to reassess, reevaluate, and throw out anything that doesn’t support our best selves in the new season.
Note: When decluttering and clearing out, please make sure to dispose responsibly and aim to recycle, swap or donate where you can.
Detox
Typically, detoxing is associated with food or substances but this can also be applied to a habit, an activity or even a person.
When it comes to looking after our health nutritionally, a detox might be for you. Winter often welcomes heavier ‘comfort’ foods, less movement, more time indoors than out and a higher consumption of alcohol.
Spend some time writing down what an average day or week looks like for you and see where you can start to make 1-3 changes or swaps that will promote a brighter you in Spring. It could be adding a green smoothie or salad into your day, making sure to get outside and moving for a minimum of 30 minutes each day and committing to alcohol-free weekdays.
If you’ve found yourself stuck to Netflix or your phone more over the winter, try to swap Netflix for a podcast or book and set yourself a daily or weekly Netflix time limit. The same can be done with your phone. We rely on them so much these days at home and at work, that it’s easy to be on them just out of habit or boredom vs. any useful reason. If it is out of boredom, have a think about what you could do instead that distracts you from your phone and helps unload and lighten the mind.
When it comes to people, places or environments, it’s easy to get caught up in company or giving our time to people without questioning whether or not it’s really supporting our health and wellbeing. Spring is a good time to think about and lean into the people and places in your life that add to your sense of happiness while letting go of and detoxing from those that no longer do – or at least limiting your time around them.
Out with the old, in with the new
While using Spring to get rid of what we no longer need but may have held onto for a long time can feel a little daunting, it can be an equally exciting time as you begin to focus on and replace/add new things and habits that will allow you to bloom!
- Get outside in your garden and add some new plants or herbs that resonate with you. Indoor plants and flowers are also a great way to add some life and colour to your home or office.
- Change up your home scent with some candles or incense that invoke a fresh, Spring feel.
- Change up your skincare. Different seasons bring about different skin needs so it’s a great time to freshen up your bathroom cupboard and enjoy a new skincare routine.
- Change up some photos. If you can’t or don’t want to do any major furniture rearranging, simply updating or adding more current pictures around the home or workplace can boost your sense of happiness.
- Get enthusiastic about Spring produce! It’s a great time to change up and try some new recipes and ingredients that are in season and align with the warmer days.
- Reset your sleep. With the weather warming up, why not make the most of the longer days by making sure you get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours and rise with or before the sun. This will help your body clock naturally slow down in the evening for an earlier vs. late bedtime, too.
Whichever ideas and activities you choose to use, springtime offers the chance to pause and reflect. To rest and recharge. To savour the present and plan for what’s to come.
If you have any questions or queries you’d love to have answered, please reach out to me at carla@happinessco.org and I’d be more than happy to help.
Want more practical strategies and ideas to cultivate wellness into your life? Reach out to us at wecare@happinessco.org to find out more about how Happiness Co can help.
Carla Thomas,
Holistic Health Coach & Wellness Coordinator at Happiness Co
carla@happinessco.org
