Spring has finally sprung, which means it is time for some spring self-care!
For many people, things are starting to get busy both inside and outside the house. From cleaning and yard work to baseball tournaments and cookouts, our schedules are picking up.
But during all the craziness, it’s still important to take the time to practice self-care. It will help you feel good and be prepared to tackle this season of life.
First, let’s review the seven different types of self-care.
- Mental: Creating a healthy mindset through mindfulness and curiosity.
- Emotional: Determining healthy coping mechanisms for stresses in your daily life.
- Physical: Taking care of your body.
- Environmental: Keeping the spaces and places around you calming.
- Spiritual: Engaging in meaningful and rewarding activities.
- Recreational: Making time for hobbies and interests.
- Social: Building and reaffirming important relationships.
What are some spring self-care ideas?
Mental
Try prioritizing what matters most to you and determining where your mental energy is best spent. If an activity is not bringing you mental stimulation, consider decreasing the time you spend on it or channeling your focus to something more fulfilling.
Creating a vision board might be a great way to help you organize these thoughts. This board should be a visual representation of your life and goals. Cut out and paste or tape photos, images and text on it. The board should include items that represent things in your life that are important to you as well as items that represent new ways you want to grow. Once you’ve finished your board, put it somewhere in your home where you can see and reflect on it each day.
Emotional
When it comes to emotional self-care, spring is a great season to take stock of what is causing you stress and determine strategies to cope. Take time for a cup of tea or coffee in the morning so you can envision your day ahead and think through how you will navigate any potential stressors. That way, you won’t be caught up trying to handle them in the heat of the moment.
Also, we sometimes get so busy that we forget it’s OK to take a short nap or take the time to read a book. Adding short breaks throughout your day will give you a moment to emotionally escape. And these escapes are needed to be as present as possible for those important moments with others.
Physical
What they say is true – physical and mental health go hand in hand. Getting back to activity after the winter months might seem daunting, but spring is the perfect season to try some light exercise, like short daily walks outside in the warmer weather.
You can also enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise by taking up the hobby of gardening. Did you know that just 30 minutes of weeding in your garden can burn up to 110 calories? Plus, the fresh fruits and veggies you grow will make great, healthy additions to your diet.
Whichever physical activity you choose, it’s amazing how much being outdoors can boost your mood.
Environmental
Spring self-care lends itself perfectly to taking care of the environment around you. Spending some time spring cleaning and decluttering your home can have a big impact on how you feel in your space.
You can make spring cleaning feel like less of a chore by buying yourself some beautiful flowers to put in your kitchen as a reward once you’re done. Also, have a challenge with your family members to see who can get rid of the most items they no longer need.
Spiritual
While decluttering, why not take those items you no longer have use for to a charitable organization? Giving back, even in small ways, can have a huge impact on your spiritual self-care. The spring season is also a great time to investigate volunteer opportunities in your area.
Recreational
The warmer spring weather gets everyone excited about being outside for the first time in what can feel like forever. Why not take the opportunity to revisit an old hobby or take on one you’ve been interested in?
In addition to gardening, other outdoor hobbies to consider include bird watching, fishing, photography, hiking, kayaking, running and rock climbing. Recreational self-care can even be as simple as switching up your daily routine to include scheduled time to relax. In the end, it’s all about doing one thing per day for yourself that makes you happy.
Social
After long months of cold weather and short days, spring is the perfect time to focus on your social self-care. Reconnect with friends you haven’t seen for a while or reach out to a relative you haven’t spoken to lately. Also, make a point to focus on your in-person connections and consider taking some time off from social media.
These spring self-care ideas will get you ready to have your best season yet!
Learn about the primary care and mental health services we provide at Bon Secours.
