SPRING has SPRUNG! Well… it did last week and now it’s sad and cold and raining again. BUT I think it’s safe to say that winter’s finally on its way out, and you can feel it—the days are getting longer, the sun is shining a little brighter, and there’s this fresh energy in the air. After months of bundling up and dealing with gray skies, spring brings a much-needed mood boost. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the winter blues, you’re not alone. But with the season changing, it’s the perfect time to shake off that sluggishness and embrace everything spring has to offer.
Winter has its cozy moments, like warm fires, soups, and binge watching Netflix series, but it can also be tough on our mental health. Shorter days and less sunlight mess with our body’s serotonin levels (our natural mood booster), making us feel tired, unmotivated, and just overall blah. We’re just not as active or social because no one wants to go outside as much in the winter. Seasonal depression, or just feeling a little “off” during the winter months, is super common. But as the days get longer and the sun makes more appearances, our bodies start adjusting. More sunlight means better sleep, more energy, and an overall lift in mood. Plus, with all the fresh air and greenery popping up, it’s hard not to feel at least a little bit better. The key is to take advantage of this shift and ease yourself into more positive routines that can help get you out of your winter rut. Spring is all about renewal, so why not use it as a fresh start for your mental and physical health? There are many ways to take advantage of the new season, so here are some that range from super simple to gettin extra.
Sunshine and fresh air are nature’s best mood boosters. You can just open the curtains/blinds in your house and crack a window open! Let that sunshine and breeze into your home! (unless you have horrible allergies and asthma like me then maybe not). Another thing you can do while still staying indoors is a little spring cleaning! I know it sounds cliché but spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that feels fresh and uplifting. Open the windows, let in some fresh air, and get rid of things that no longer serve you. A clean, clutter-free environment can work wonders for mental clarity and stress relief. Go a step further and redecorate with light, airy colors or add some fresh flowers to brighten up your home.
If you want to get outside but don’t have too much time or flexibility, even a short walk around your neighborhood can make a big difference. Try having your morning coffee outside, eating lunch outside the office or at a park, or just sitting in the sun for a few minutes a day. Nature has a way of grounding us and bringing some much-needed peace of mind. If you can, explore a nearby trail, take a scenic drive, or visit a botanical garden to soak in the sights and scents of spring. Now that we have longer and brighter afternoons and evenings,it’s way easier to be active. Whether it’s going for a bike ride, hiking, or even just stretching outside, moving your body can help shake off that lingering winter sluggishness. Plus exercise releases endorphins, which help with stress and anxiety. You can start a walking or running group with friends to hold each other accountable to get outside and get active while the weather is nice. If you have a pet that likes to explore y’all can try a new hike or park to play fetch in. The outdoors is a great place to spend some quality time with yourself and lean into self-care. You can read a book, color, paint, crotchet, nap, listen to music, play music, or do whatever else makes you happy on a nice day!
Spring also means fresh, colorful produce is back in season, which means farmers’ markets open up again! Eating more fresh fruits and veggies can boost your energy levels and improve your mood. It’s also a great time to try out lighter, more refreshing meals instead of the heavy comfort foods we gravitate toward in winter. Farmers’ markets are a great way to take advantage of fresh, locally grown produce and experiment with new, healthy recipes. They offer a fun way to get outside, try new things, and meet up with friends. Winter tends to keep us indoors and a little more isolated, but spring is a great excuse to make plans. Meet a friend for coffee, plan a weekend trip, or just check in with loved ones. Social interaction is a huge part of mental health, and even small moments of connection can make a difference. Consider hosting a spring gathering, like a picnic or a backyard barbecue, to celebrate the warmer weather with good company. Or you can just tell one of your friends to have a party, which is usually my go-to (no shame)!
Spring is all about growth, so why not take a few minutes each day to focus on the good things? Try journaling, meditating, or just taking a deep breath and appreciating the little things, like the blooming flowers, a warm breeze, or birds chirping outside your window. Mindfulness helps us stay present and grateful, which in turn improves our mental well-being. Even something as simple as sitting in the sun and focusing on your breath or touching grass can create a sense of calm and positivity. The shift from winter to spring is more than just a change in weather—it’s a reminder that things can get better. If winter had you feeling a little down, know that spring is here! Even through the rain we can still see the green grass and the pink flowers! Taking small steps to embrace the new season can lead to big changes in how you feel, both mentally and physically.