Spring Life Refresh II: Mental Self
Welcome to Part II of the Spring Life Refresh! Over the coming weeks, I’m going to share different way of refreshing your life for spring. It’s not called the winter blues for nothing and many people feel exhausted and kind of depressed at the end of several months of cold and darkness. That’s why today we’re talking about some of the ways in which you can refresh yourself mentally to feel properly ready for a new season.
Get Outside
The best thing about spring is the warmer weather. After months of darkness and cold, we’re often in serious need of fresh air and sunshine. So get outside! Whether it’s for a walk or a jog, to run errands or grab coffee with a friend, as long as you get fresh air and natural light, it counts. There’s no better way to shift your perspective and quiet a racing mind than a walk in the woods - without headphones.
Try Meditation
You’ve probably been lectured about the importance of meditation at least once in your life, but hear me out. You don’t have to sit down cross-legged on the floor in order to meditate. Why not try a walking meditation so you can get the benefits of mindfulness and being outside at the same time? Or you could sit down every morning after getting your cup of coffee and take three deep breaths with your eyes closed before checking your phone. Another option is to use a sleeping meditation to wind down and fall asleep more easily - this is great if you struggle with racing thoughts as soon as your head hits the pillow.
Journal
If you also struggle with wild thoughts going round and round in your head, journaling might be the thing for you. Writing things down puts them in perspective, it allows you to distance yourself from them and - especially if done regularly - spot negative thought patterns. Another option is gratitude journalling, where you write down at least three things you are grateful for at the start or end of your day. This makes you focus on the good things, though they be little, and can improve your outlook one day at a time.
Set Goals
A new season often brings new opportunities with it. Why not start (or pick back up) that passion project you’ve been procrastinating for ages? I set myself small goals every month, but the start of a new season often gives me a lift and new motivation to reach larger goals, so I like to harness that energy and write down some things I’d like to reach by summer.
Socialise
Winter is hibernation time for me - I hardly go out and tend to isolate myself at home. However, with the warmer weather and inviting sounds of life starting up again outside, even an introvert like me feels the need to get outside and see people. Hit up your best friend for a catch-up coffee date or schedule a get-together with a few friends to have dinner and chat. I promise you will be filled with new inspiration and energy when you get home.
Thank you for reading! Come back next week for Part III: Environment.
