How to Recharge this Spring
The changing of seasons comes with warmer weather and springtime blooms, but it can also be the height of a busy season at school or work. Here are some tips for embracing this new season.
How to Reduce Stress
From my experience, managing my stress in busy seasons involves a personal commitment to feeling in control of my schedule. I spend each evening writing a list of responsibilities I have for the next day and counteract feelings of being overwhelmed with affirmations that I can accomplish what needs to be done.
This spring, I plan to create a balance with my school and work schedule by implementing intentional time outside in the sun. If you have a yard, you can try planting your own flowers or vegetables. Even if you don’t have your own outdoor space, you can take advantage of community gardens or local parks to spend time with flowers.
Another type of gardening you can try is an app called Gratitude Garden. In stressful times, practicing gratitude helps me realign my perspective. Implementing a practice of recognizing things you are thankful for will allow you to focus on things you appreciate as opposed to drowning in an overwhelming list of tasks.
Each day, the Gratitude Garden app prompts you to type in three things you are grateful for. In return, you select a card that will have a new flower or object for you to place in your virtual garden.
Activities to Recharge
You don’t have to wait until January 1 to make resolutions. I prefer to set smaller, attainable goals at the beginning of each season. A new season can mean following the start of spring, summer, fall, and winter, or it can be interpreted as the start of a new job or returning home after a vacation.
Achieving a goal boosts productivity and creates a feeling of accomplishment. Here are examples of attainable goals you can consider to recharge this season:
Read - Reading is a way to learn, imagine, and grow. By picking up a book, you are exercising your mind and exposing yourself to new ways of thinking. Whether it’s a novel trending on TikTok or a biography about a person you admire, spend some time relaxing with a good book this spring.
Sleep - It’s always a good time to assess your sleep habits and make sure they’re healthy. Try to choose one day this week to sleep in without setting an alarm. If school or work does not allow for that, choose a day to go to bed 30 minutes earlier than normal.
Connect - Call or write a letter to a friend or relative that you haven’t talked to in a while. I always feel rejuvenated after connecting with important people in my life. The start of a new season is a great time to invest in your relationships.
Get Outside - As the weather turns warmer and sunnier, getting outside becomes much more enjoyable. Be intentional about going for outdoor walks, hiking a local trail, or going for a bike ride.
Organize - Don’t worry- I’m not here to tell you to Spring Clean every inch of your garage (but don’t let me stop you!). I like to start with my closet and drawers. I take out all of my clothes, refold everything, rearrange hanging items, and donate a bag of things I haven’t worn in a year. Having a fresh bedroom space is a vital step to feeling refreshed.
Plan a Special Meal - Choose a new restaurant in town or get ingredients to make a new recipe. You can share this meal with loved ones or focus on quality time with yourself.
Even if the next few months look busy and overwhelming, you can incorporate activities to recharge your energy and embrace the new season.
