Whereas the winter tends to be more inward-focused, spring is more of an outward-focused, growth energy and mindset. Spring is a great time for cleansing and setting new intentions that support your wellbeing. Perhaps you've already tried a meditation, visualization or mindfulness practice to help you transition from winter blues and uplift your mood. If so, this is great!
Spring resetting your mindset can help support your hormonal harmony, which supports your overall wellbeing. During this season, you may be eager to finally sign up for that workout class you’ve been wanting to take, to saying YES to invitations for social events and networking, to volunteering for your local charity group, the emphasis here is on emerging out into the world in new or refreshed ways. But it’s also about maintaining renewal from the inside out. As much as being “out” can feel refreshing after the long winter, pay attention to how personal, inner-focused time is also essential for your renewal. Here are some suggestions to help spring reset your mindset...
Nourish your mind - Breathwork is one of my favorite ways to reset my mindset quickly, it's free and accessible to all. If you've never tried breathwork, I encourage you to start with a simple box breathing (7 seconds breath in, 7 seconds hold, 7 seconds breath-out, and 7 seconds hold and then repeat). After just a few cleansing breaths, you may immediately feel lighter and calmer. Give it a try, because afterall, if you're not breathing, you're not alive.
Declutter and Spring-Clean your space - Spring cleaning energy is in the air, use it to your advantage to help organize your personal and work space. We know that your outer world is a reflection of your inner world, so take a look around your home and work environment. Does your current environment support your health and happiness? During spring season, take advantage of the naturally occurring spring cleaning energy to create space for new energy. Focus on inviting calm and nourishing energy; so that it can recharge you. A decluttered desk or home gives you more mental space for clarity and creativity. When you spring clean, you also clear out dust laden with toxins that has settled into your home. Start with one area, for example a 'junk drawer', rather than tackling the entire home and feeling overwhelmed. When you have done one area, you have success and it's easier to get more done. To get motivated, closer your eyes and visualize the end goal of your clean area. How does it feel? Use that energy and motivation to get started.
Plant and grow - Gardening is a form of meditation for so many. Connecting with the dirt and mother Earth's energy can be very healing, and for added bonus, it supports your gut microbiome too. You can start with one house plant, or if you have space for a small garden, start planting seeds. Choose a vegetable, herb or fruit that you enjoy eating, like cucumber or tomatoes and basil or parsley. Observe it as it thrives, nurture it and you will be rewarded by it's fruits of labor before you know it. Check out your local library for the seed exchange program. At our local library, we can get free seeds and donate seeds as reinvestment into the program. Or save the seeds from fruits and vegetables that you already eat, and plant them; it's that simple! If you don't have time or desire to start gardening, choose a house plant so that you always have a living 'thing' in your environment. Don't be the only living thing in your office or home.
Walking meditation - Meditation doesn't have to mean sitting cross legged and being still; it can be a form of movement such as walking, observing, tuning inwards and reconnecting with yourself. It can be anything that feels nourishing for your mind, body and spirit. You get to choose, based on YOUR needs. Walking meditation can be very impactful, especially when done in nature. As you move your body, notice the sights, sounds and scents of life and rebirth of spring. If feasible, upon waking, get outdoors for a few minutes and soak up the natural daylight; it will help reset your circadian rhythm, alert your cortisol hormone to rise and melatonin to decline naturally. Long-term stress and chronic elevations in cortisol play a role in high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches, and many other ailments. Getting daylight vs blue light in the morning is key to optimal health, it's free and it will energize your mind and body for the day ahead. During spring we typically have more energy and crave movement, use it to your advantage by spending more time outdoors, going for a walk or hike in nature. While outside, find some trees and enjoy forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which has been shown to help reduce cortisol and blood pressure and improve mood, especially in adults with depression,
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify - choose one habit to simplify your life, the one habit that will support your health and happiness today and long-term. Consider your daily routine and create a schedule that helps you save time and increases efficiency. Are there things in your life that are creating distraction and drawing more of your precious energy? What is one way to simplify your schedule and infuse more time to relax and recharge? Can your kids empty the dishwasher or take out trash; can you delegate a task at home or at work? Take a look at your to-do list and remove anything that's unnecessary, drains your energy or takes up too much of your valuable time. You get to decide, and unless it's a heck yes, it's a firm NO! Protect your time and energy. When you let go of something that you no longer need or want to do, you simplify aspects of your life, you allow space to bring in something new that nourishes your mind and lifts your spirits.
Embrace the new - Spring is a time to pick up new hobby, learn to play an instrument, or start a creative project. Have fun and connect with your intuition, allow it to guide you. If you're short on time, or don't know where to start, start small. For example, create a springtime painting (color, paint, draw, etc.), , compile a springtime music playlist, collect sea shells or wild flowers, visit a new park, dance to a new song, etc. Allow the feminine creative energy to guide you and embrace the new. Let spring be the season you start fresh and initiate new beginnings in the world around you.
Inspired by the rebirth and new energy of Spring season? Or are you curious and excited to discover what truly nourishes and makes you come alive? I can help. As a coach, I help and guide you by asking quality questions, that lead you to discover quality answers which exist within you. Discover how to start living your healthiest and happiest life today. Book a FREE 15 min session.
Additional Resources.
"Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy; pure creative energy." - Julia Cameron
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