Do you ever experience a warm(er) sunny winter day and notice you feel so much happier or energetic?” Those days make me realize how much winter can put me in a mental funk. Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m just going through the motions, and as I like to call it more like a “potato.” (Potato: want to snack more than looking like a snack)
Whether the winter blues have a direct impact on you or not, I think we can all be affected by the sad season in some way or another. I found myself sobbing through YouTube compilations of veteran homecomings a few more times than normal lately. For yourself, maybe it’s going on a Netflix binge one too many times. After a long winter I think most people participate in the tradition of spring cleaning. However, it’s just as important to clear out and refresh your mind as well as your closet. Listed below are some spring-cleaning tips for a happier healthier YOU.
If Spring were a person, they’d be the only one I want sliding into my DMs right now…
I believe a lot of us scroll day-to-day and see self-help articles and comments on how to improve our mental health. Majority of what I read gives advice to achieve those “Big 3” 1. Eat healthy 2. Exercise 3. Take time for yourself. These things are written about so much because it’s all true, but most of us already know they are beneficial to our mental/physical health. Sometimes they can seem like such big things to achieve consistently when you have a busy lifestyle as student, parent/guardian, entrepreneur, etc. Smaller steps that don’t seem as overwhelming and help to reset your mindset can put you on the right track to eventually conquer those “Big 3.”
Here are some tips to help clear your mind this upcoming spring..
Get Your Shine On
When talking with other women about the most negative aspects of winter, the most common answer was lack of sunshine. Now I know not all of us can afford to hop on a plane to the tropics when in need of vitamin D and if you can…
“YASS QUEEN…**whispers** take me with you”
This one is obvious, but make sure when that sun shines this spring to get out there and soak it all up. I will go about my day, feel better, and comment on the sun, but need to remind myself to really get out and enjoy it. If you don’t have enough time to do a outdoor activity, then take a short walk or a five minute work break and step outside.
If you’re experiencing a delay in your season change, or your spring is a bit more grey and rainy than you hoped, I recommend a sun lamp. They are affordable and proven to be effective. If you don’t want to purchase anything but still want to work on feeling better without the sunshine then just get some fresh air. It doesn’t have to be a three hour hike or intense outdoor workout, but just getting outside for 20-30 minutes can help a lot. The cold or dreary weather can make you stir crazy when cooped up for too long so even if its just for a breath of fresh air I promise you will feel better.
Get Your Groove On
Okay this one is HUGE for me. Music plays a huge role in my life, can I sing or play an instrument? No. Do I still sing anyways? YES. Listening to music can help my mood or mindset almost instantly. If you hear Conway or Waylon coming from my speakers chances are I am sad or reminiscing because it’s what I grew up on (I know…it’s weird…thanks mom).
I am sure you all have those songs that take you back to different moments in time and as much as one can take you back they can also build you up and help you move forward! Maybe a song reminds you of a really happy point in your life, or maybe a new song you just found really boosts your mood in a positive way. What I recommend you do to get ready for this spring is create those playlists that can get you dancing in the kitchen, working out, or just smiling while listening at your desk. Below are some songs I love to include on different playlists…
Music is my therapy so let it be yours too!
Feel Good
The Rankin Family – Feel the Same Way too
Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
Beyonce ft. The Dixie Chicks – Daddy Lessons
Empowering
Hailee Steinfield – Most Girls
Pat Benatar – Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Beyonce – Run the World (Girls)
Feel Like Dancing
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Rihanna – Please Don’t Stop the Music
Get it, Plan it!
When I get busy and I’m not organized I feel mentally exhausted. My advice this spring is to organize whatever is a bit chaotic in your life. I like to plan out my month in my agenda for work and my personal life. The Type-A in me really enjoys sitting down and writing out what life will be like for the next few weeks. Planning for you could be as simple as writing out a to-do list at the beginning of your day, week, or month. If you are more of a Type-B personality and are very laid back but feel clouded mentally maybe experimenting with some organizational techniques will help. Maybe it means planning a trip that you can look forward too, planning out some tasty recipes to try or a way to crush it at work.
I hope these tips make the upcoming season the best one yet, and if you try them and they aren’t for you they could inspire other new habitats or ways to ensure a clear healthy mind this spring.
