Spring is an exciting time of year. Unlike summer, fall, and winter, nearly all parts of the country have (at least some days) of gorgeous weather during this season. Not too hot or cold, the outdoors awakens with beauty, tranquility, and a fresh perspective.
Transformative COURSES & WORKSHOPS that make integrating peaceful living, health and wellness easy, fun and affordable.
Thinking about these patterns, we can easily learn a few lessons from nature! Despite the muddy puddles left behind in the aftermath of thawing snow (for those of us in northern climates!), spring naturally presents a host of opportunities for us to re-engage with the outdoors — and with life. By delighting in the best that the season has to offer, we can improve and enhance our wellbeing.
Explore five hidden opportunities of the spring season that can help you restore your mind and body, reconnect to nature, and look to the future with optimism.
Delight in the flavors of the season
Spring is a unique season when it comes to enjoying nature’s bounty. In many parts of the country, you can enjoy produce that spans two seasons. In southern locales, bright and fresh strawberries are making their appearance. However, in northern latitudes, nutritious greens and hearty root vegetables continue to predominate.
Take the opportunity to delight in the flavors of the season — wherever you live! For example, collect a variety of root veggies and make a delicious stew. Eat some now and freeze some for later! If you live in a warmer part of the nation, consider using the fresh berries that are starting to emerge for yogurt parfaits or fresh smoothies. You can also freeze these berries for use in homemade slushies and other recipes later in the year.
Plan and plant a thriving garden
Alongside eating readily available seasonal produce, begin planning your own spring garden. For most of the country, early greenhouse greens are available. Southern states are already moving on to what some consider to be more “summer-like” fruits and vegetables.
No matter where you live, seize the opportunity to grow fresh produce at home! Doing so is excellent for saving money, knowing exactly how your greens were grown, and for encouraging you to eat lighter dishes. As a bonus, gardening is considered to be a stress relieving activity, making it a wonderful hobby for lowering your blood pressure, improving cognition, and enhancing your mental health.
Don’t let your planning stop with spring. Take this time to chart out your garden for the rest of 2022. Decide what and when to plant in both the summer and fall months. This will help you determine when to harvest and can also help you create meal plans around the yield that you anticipate.
Shift your workouts to the outdoors
Emerging from the harsh cold of winter, spring can breathe new life into your exercise routine. With the weather rapidly warming up, start shifting some of your planned workouts outside.
Need some ideas to get you started? Plan to go running, golfing, hiking local trails, kayaking, or bicycling. Do whatever livens up your spirit to get the energy flowing!
Recharge your batteries in a warmer climate
The spring months are ideal for taking a vacation. Many warm weather destinations are far less busy than they are in summer. It is also far easier to find great bargains on hotels, cruises, and other experiences.
Whether you have a free weekend or week, consider recharging your physical, mental, and emotional batteries somewhere that isn’t home. It’ll be much more relaxing to spend time in a place without your usual to-do list. Plan an adventure to a southern state or venture out of the country to somewhere such as the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, or Mexico.
Plan the coming season
Have you ever felt a renewed sense of motivation as the weather begins to warm up? Spring has the unique ability to inspire us with new possibilities and excitement.
Take advantage of this time in the year to plan out the coming season. This can refer to the literal next season (summer), or it can refer to the next phase of your life. Whatever you choose, don’t limit yourself! Use this energy to revamp everything from your meal plan, your short-term goals, your exercise routine, or even your self-care practices. There are no right or wrong answers! Do whatever feels best to you and run with it.
Recognizing that the spring season is full of hidden opportunities is one of the best ways to make the most of this period of time. Staying mindful and present will keep you grounded, and enjoying the moment. This will allow you to fully bask in the joy of the beautiful weather, longer days, and other amazing perks of spring.
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
