Welcome Spring: Starting the Season off Right!
Though it might not feel like it (it was 23°F outside when I first wrote this for my weekly newsletter), spring is here! Monday, March 20th, marked the Spring Equinox.
During an equinox, day and night are approximately the same lengths. The equinox is also used to mark the transition from winter to spring, and again from summer to fall during the autumn equinox in September!
Spring is a time for balance, renewal, and renewal. Here are some ways we can welcome this new season in ways that will help us grow!
Set New Goals
Earlier this year, I wrote about why New Year’s might not be the best time for you to set goals.
Though the beginning of the year sounds like the right time for a fresh start, we’re still making our way through winter. Staying warm, resting, and reflecting are what I consider to be the most important things to do in winter. When getting out of bed is a daily battle on its own, adding other challenges can feel like setting up for failure.
However, with temperatures now warming up and spring well on its way, it’s a great time to think about the changes you want to make and how you want to see yourself grow throughout the year. As we gain daylight and energy, new goals and activities start to feel more within reach. Once spring hits, everything is blooming and growing. Let yourself be one of those things!
If you want to talk about setting new goals, figuring out what makes sense for you, or anything in between, let me know!
Clean Out Your Closet
This spring cleaning task isn’t an easy one. It’s not uncommon for people to hang onto clothes that aren’t the right size, hanging onto items for “when I fit into them.” Some people might find this tactic motivating, but I think it does more harm than good.
Fitting into clothes is not a good indicator of health. As we age, our bodies change, and I don’t think they can ever really go back to how it was, at least not permanently.
The thing is, that’s okay! It sounds like a harsh truth, but that’s mostly because we’ve all been taught to think that weight and body size are indicators of health and morals. Plot twist: they’re not!
I still struggle with hanging onto clothes that no longer fit. However, once they’re out of my closet, I don’t think about them anymore! I think about how comfort is much more important to me than the size of my pants and how I can look cute regardless of how much I weigh. Continuing to let ourselves feel guilt and shame over an old scrap of cloth is only going to keep us from reaching a better mindset and achieving our goals.
But Don’t Stop There
I prioritize the closet when it comes to spring cleaning tasks, but that doesn’t mean you should stop there!
Handling those cleaning tasks that don’t get done very often is one option, but you can also do things like organize your spaces or clean out other spots like your pantry or bathroom closet.
Don’t leave your social media habits out of this! Unfollow, unlike, and block the profiles and pages that aren’t entertaining, educational, or beneficial. It’s cool that your old college classmate has had so much success on the keto diet, but that’s not the kind of thing you need in your face all the time!
Though social media isn’t a tool made for bettering yourself, try to keep in mind the attitudes and opinions to which you’re subscribing when you follow new pages and profiles.
Take a Walk
Start the season off outdoors! I know the start of spring might be more symbolic for those living in the north, but if the sun is shining, soak up those rays! Those who get the winter blues (or the more serious seasonal affective disorder) might find that sunny, warmer days are often what start to alleviate symptoms.
In addition, Harvard Health identifies the physical benefits of walking to include reducing the risk of breast cancer, easing joint pain, and boosting immune function.
Along with the physical benefits of walking, taking it outdoors has been shown to have benefits to mental health including “altering physiological functioning including stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue, and improving mood and self-esteem and perceived health.”
It’s also a great time to see what’s growing in your area! I’m personally looking forward to a lot of nature walks to check out the new blooms.
Try Something New
Once again, spring is all about renewal and rebirth, so why not try something new? A change to your routine, a new exercise class, a new restaurant– your “something new” could be anything!
Unlike setting a goal, you can give yourself a little slack when trying new things. It’s good to branch out but only if you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing. I also love to get my friends on board
Get adventurous, get creative, and remember that every new thing you do doesn’t have to be something you end up liking or sticking with! Trying is what matters, whether or not you stick with it is the next step!
Have a Happy, Enlightening Spring
While I‘ve found success in aligning my habits, goals, and lifestyle with the seasons, I know it might not be possible or feel ideal for everyone, and that’s okay! These are just some simple suggestions to jumpstart an exciting and active spring.
If there are other ways you like to welcome the new season or you’d like to share the goals you’ve created, I’d love to hear!
If you’d like help exploring how to set goals, jumpstart the season, or want to sign up for personal training, sign up for a consultation!
Photo by Lisha Riabinina on Unsplash