Spring Self-Care Ideas
With winter finally winding down, you may feel like you’ve been stuck in a rut for a while now. Between the cold weather, early sunsets, and being cooped up constantly, we’re all looking forward to spring more than ever. With the new season, now is a great time to make some intentional choices to indulge yourself in a little self-care to shake off the winter blahs. We’ve got a few suggestions to help you get outside, get centered, and make some time to treat yourself to some much-needed TLC.
Gardening is a great way to get outside, disconnect from work, and focus on the present while also doing something constructive. Tending to a garden can also be a gentle way to move your body if you’ve been spending a lot of time sitting down at a desk to work. Gardening can even serve as a great reminder to hydrate yourself as you make sure your blooms are getting the water they need to thrive.
Gardening and growing plants is a hobby that has many long-term benefits. Plants are known to have a calming effect, especially for city-dwellers who are a little more removed from nature. They can also help you feel connected to another living thing (outside of social media, of course) and encourage you to be more present in your day-to-day life.
No outdoor space for a full garden? No problem! If you don’t have the space to commit, or if gardening has never been your thing, start with low-effort indoor plants like succulents and snake plants. Even a small pot or two of plants can help you get a sense of accomplishment, and it’s fun to see the progress your little plant can make thanks to your care.
Ready to get started? Check out these tips for getting your garden going.
More likely than not, you’ve been spending a lot more time at home recently. With the new season comes the perfect opportunity to make your living space more peaceful, organized, and efficient so you actually enjoy the time you’re inside.
De-cluttering your home is a great way to set yourself up for more focused work time, and more enjoyable down-time. When there’s less clutter, you’ll feel less stressed out, so cleaning up is a great way to help ease feeling overwhelmed and calm you down. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t needed to use it since last spring, it’s safe to say you can get rid of it. Donate things in good condition or sell in local marketplace groups. You’ll feel much more relaxed and happy at home when there’s fewer unneeded things lying around.
Cleaning and de-cluttering is a great activity to feel more in control of your environment, re-assess what’s most important in your home, and you can actually see the results of your work in front of you.
Once your space is well-organized, you can add in a few small décor items to make it feel more relaxing and homey. Plants, wall art, or candles are great ways to add some soothing touches without a huge space investment. Choose candles with soothing or energizing scents for a bonus boost of zen. We like Sparkling Grapefruit from Paddywax. (You can find it in our Blooms & Bites Wine Gift Box!)
Getting burnt out on eating lunch on the couch or at your desk? Take advantage of the springtime and take your lunch break outside. Even if it’s still a bit chilly outside where you live, you can bundle up and still get a little outdoors time in.
Eating your lunch outside is a great way to break up the day, create some separation between all the hours spent inside your home, and disconnect with a change of scenery. Pack some travel-friendly foods like sandwiches, meat and cheese, or salad, and head out to your yard, a local park, or even your patio. The sunshine and fresh air will do wonders for your mental health and help you refocus for the rest of the day.
An outdoor lunch is even a great way to safely see friends if you’ve been pining for some social interaction. Invite friends or family members to join you outdoors from a safe distance to catch up, get some outdoor time, and take a break from being stuck inside the house.
If you’re not into dining al fresco, there’s still something to be said for spending a little time outdoors each day. After a long winter of being cooped up, even a short walk around the neighborhood is a great mood-booster.
Getting your body moving and getting some fresh air can do wonders for your mental health. Whether you go for a long run in the park, do a gentle stretching session on your patio, or just take your furry friend for a walk, you’ll feel great if you step outside every now and then and disconnect from work or school.
After a long holiday season of shopping for and buying gifts for others, take an opportunity this spring to treat yourself to a gift. Buying yourself something you find comforting, fun, or delicious is a great form of self-care.
Try that new skincare product you’ve had your eye on, a décor item to brighten up your home, or some supplies to try a new hobby. If you feel like you simply have enough stuff in your life, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a delicious food gift. Order a gourmet gift basket, or charcuterie and wine gift, and indulge in your favorite flavors.
Keep in mind that self-care means indulging in activities that both boost your mental health and that you enjoy. It might take some trial and error, but spring is the perfect season to discover self-care rituals that fit into your lifestyle.