It’s that time of the year. Cold, dark winter days are ending, the days are getting longer, and we start looking forward to brighter, sunny days. Spring is a season full of symbolism. Trees begin budding, daffodils and tulips pop up, and bluebirds arrive. Spring is also the perfect time to upgrade your self-care routine with the Earth waking up.
Self-care is important. A routine of looking after your body and mind helps you keep strong and healthy emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It’s easy to convince ourselves that “more important” items are on our never-ending to-do list. Unfortunately, when we keep putting self-care at the bottom of the list, we don’t get around to doing it.
Can you relate?
The good news is it’s never too late to start incorporating self-care into your daily routine. Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming, but it should be practiced every day. I know (insert major eye roll), but research shows daily self-care can reduce stress, improve your immune system, and increase your self-esteem and productivity. Let’s face it, with everything going on in the world; it’s a stressful time for everyone. So, if adding a simple, self-care routine can help lift that weight off your shoulders, it’s worth trying.
You are important and deserve to make time for yourself and prioritize your mental well-being.
So, without further ado, here are
25 Self-Care Ideas To Help You Celebrate Spring:
Tip #1 DeCLUTTER + CLEAN
Spring is my favorite time of the year to declutter and clean. Purge your winter closets and donate any clothes you are no longer using. You can also organize your pantry, food storage, and bathroom cupboards. I like to open all the windows in the house, listen to music, and do a deep clean of all the areas that have been neglected over the winter months.
Don’t worry; that doesn’t mean you have to get on your hands and knees and scrub those baseboards. Self-care is about what feels like self-care for you. You can hire a cleaner to do a deep clean, and you can focus on decluttering and organizing without breaking your back.
Tip #2 START A GARDEN
This is my all-time favorite self-care tip. Getting your hands in the dirt, handling and planting seedlings, or visiting a nursery is therapeutic. There are no rules for gardening. You can grow a massive or small herb garden in your kitchen window. Whatever makes you happy. With gardening, you’re always learning, experimenting, and challenging yourself.
Tip #3 DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH FLOWERS
Visit your local flower farm, florist, or nursery and add spring flowers to your home. I’m OBSESSED with tulips, daffodils, peonies, alliums, and ranunculus. Last fall, I planted over 300 Tulip bulbs, which are just starting to emerge. I can’t wait to see my raised beds full of different varieties and colors this Spring. Flower arrangements can be pricey, so grab cheaper bouquets at your local grocery store and make your own floral arrangements. You can also brighten your space with indoor houseplants- whatever you prefer. Adding any greenery or flowers to your home can be an instant mood booster!
Tip #4 MEAL PREP WITH IN-SEASON FRUITS + VEGETABLES
Another excellent way to celebrate Spring is by enjoying all the in-season fruits and veggies. I love going to our local farmers market, picking out asparagus, broccoli, mangoes, oranges, rhubarb, and strawberries, and experimenting with new recipes. This is a great way to treat yourself to healthy, locally-grown goods while supporting local farms and the community. It’s a WIN, WIN!
Spring Fruits and Vegetable Recipes
Your Guide to Spring Vegetables and Fruits
Tip #5 STAY HYDRATED
Hydration is essential for your physical health and especially during warmer weather. You can make drinking water fun by purchasing a cute, new water bottle and decorating it with stickers. If you struggle with drinking water, try adding mint, cucumber slices, lemon, or berries!
The 23 Best Flavored Water Recipes of All Time
Tip #6 REVAMP YOUR SKIN CARE
With the changing seasons from winter to spring, it’s good to refresh your skincare regime. Switch out cream moisturizers for mists and serums, exfoliate once a week, add a new eye cream, grab new face masks, and don’t forget heavy SPF.
Tip #7 OPEN YOUR WINDOWS
I love pulling back the curtains, opening all my windows on a sunny day, and letting the fresh air inside. Listening to the sounds of nature while enjoying a nice breeze always cheers me up.
Tip #8 HAVE A MEAL OUTSIDE
Take advantage of Spring’s longer days by enjoying a meal outdoors. It’s not too hot or humid, and if you’re on a farm like me, you’re not battling horseflies or mosquitoes yet. It’s perfect weather to enjoy a home-cooked meal on your deck or porch. Grab a friend or loved one and enjoyed a picnic in the park, or try out a new restaurant with an outdoor terrace and soak up that Vitamin D.
Tip #9 CREATE A VISION BOARD
I love creating vision boards! A vision board is a great way to visualize your self-care goals and motivate yourself to follow through. I enjoy starting with a vision board each year and adding to it as the year goes on. This is a fun way to tap into your creative side and find images, quotes, affirmations, and anything that appeals to you. If you would like to learn more about the benefits and how to create a vision board, check out this fantastic blog post:
https://www.cassandrahimmons.com/post/vision-board-your-way-to-better-self-care
Tip #10 UNPLUG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
You might be surprised how hard it can be to unplug. Start by regularly scheduling 15 minutes of screen-free time. Once you get into the habit, increase it to 30 minutes, then an hour, two hours, etc. Research shows that daily unplugging will help you focus, be more productive, and improve relationships.
Other ways to reduce screen time include using a paper planner instead of an app, having no phones at mealtime, and making Sunday (or any day) a device-free day.
Tip #11 SPEND A DAY IN NATURE
Research shows that even 20 minutes a day in nature can significantly affect our health and well-being. Being in nature lowers stress, promotes happiness, and improves productivity. There are many ways to explore nature: lay outside in the sun on a blanket, have a lunch date in the park, go hiking, or visit a river, lake, beach, or farm. Make a day trip to your local conservatory or botanical garden and escape the bustle of everyday life in the city, rain or shine. There are so many things you can do- the possibilities are endless.
Tip #12 PRACTICE MEDITATION
Are you feeling overwhelmed, scattered, anxious, drained … or maybe all of the above? Spending 10 minutes each day can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Mediation teaches us how to be present and to better understand how we think and feel. With practice, meditation can transform your life.
Tip #13 READ A BOOK
Reading calms us down, brings new possibilities and ideas, and increases creativity. You are reading for 15 to 20 minutes before bed is also a great way to unwind and relax. It also signals to the mind that it’s time to slow down and rest. Grab your sweater and a good book, and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
Tip #14 REDECORATE A ROOM
Freshen up a room in your house. Put the heavy blankets away and switch them for something more spring-like. You can change a whole room with a few simple changes, such as a new candle, throw pillows, and a little paint. If you’re on a budget, redecorate using things already in your home, or visit thrift and antique stores!
Tip #15 FEED THE BIRDS
Feeding birds can be a great way to interact with nature. Put up a bird feeder and enjoy the simplicity of watching birds build their nests and listening to them chirp. I love seeing all the birds visiting the farm, especially cardinals and woodpeckers.
Tip #16 START JOURNALING
Journaling is a beautiful way to get creative and express yourself, and it’s good for your mental health. Make a gratitude list, write positive memories, list your goals for the future, or write down what you’re thinking on that day.
Tip #17 DRINK YOUR TEA OR COFFEE OUTSIDE
Regardless of the temperature where you live, there is something genuinely rejuvenating about getting outside and enjoying your tea or coffee and watching the sunrise. Grab a throw blanket and your coffee, sit back, and enjoy the moment.
Tip #18 PLAN A DAY OUT
The weather is getting nicer; planning a trip out is more accessible. Visit a favorite spot, try something new, and give yourself something to look forward to!
Tip #19 TURN YOUR BEDROOM INTO A SANCTUARY
Update your lighting by using dimmers or add twinkle lights with floor and table lamps. Spring is a great time to switch out heavy plush bedding for a fluffy all-season duvet or down comforter. Add a faux fur or shag rug, new fragrance oil, candles, black-out curtains, and some plants, and you have a cozy retreat.
Tip #20 HAVE A RELAXING BUBBLE BATH
The perfect time to take a bath is at night before bed. Try and make this time extra cozy with essential oils, candles, relaxing music, body scrub, and different bubbles.
Tip #21 DISCOVER SIMPLE PLEASURES
By finding simple things in life that bring you joy, you are taking control of your daily happiness. Focusing on little, easily attainable things that make you feel good is a recipe for positivity and a good life.
Tip #22 SPEND TIME WITH YOUR PET
Did you know that petting an animal for 10 minutes can significantly decrease feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and reduce emotional pain? My favorite form of self-care is spending time with my animals. Animals are intuitive and know when we are feeling lonely, sad, or anxious and how to cheer us up. If you don’t have a pet, you can volunteer at a rescue or animal shelter, which may lead to you giving a furry friend a forever home.
Tip #23 DEVELOP A NEW HOBBY
Write down a list of things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance to do. Whether you’re into practicing something creative, looking for a relaxing activity, or looking to step outside your comfort zone, having hobbies as part of your self-care routine can help boost your mood and add more enjoyment to your life. Learn to paint, play a musical instrument, learn a new language, take a cooking class, go camping- there are so many activities that can be fun, restful, and rejuvenating.
Tip #24 A DIGITAL DETOX
Go through and delete apps or photos you no longer need and delete the number of people you no longer talk to or that make you unhappy. Purge the files on your computer desktop, empty your email inbox, and close your browser tabs. It can be as rewarding and relieving as cleaning up physical clutter.
Tip #25 REST
It’s easy to come out of winter wanting to tackle everything, including spring cleaning, starting seeds, and home repairs, and it can quickly become overwhelming. It is difficult for any of us to give and give without taking time to care for ourselves. As you prioritize your to-do list, make sure you are at the top of that list and take time to rest. You can’t be expected to take care of everyone else without first taking care of yourself.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Self-care isn’t a one size fits all strategy. Your self-care plan will change depending on your needs and what is currently going on in your life. Find activities that are exciting to you. It’s essential to take care of yourself first to be healthy physically and emotionally and do all the things you need to care for others.
Pssst…Don’t forget to reward yourself when you achieve your self-care goals!
I hope this blog inspires you to put yourself first and prioritize your mental well-being. Do you practice self-care? Comment below with your self-care tips; I’m always looking for more ways to incorporate self-care into my daily routine! XOXO
xo, Jen
