7 Ways To Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care This Spring

May is Mental Health Month and because we have an extra Wednesday this month, we thought we would focus on self-care again.

The arrival of spring and summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities for outdoor activities.

It's a time when many people feel energized and ready to tackle new challenges.

However, it's important to remember to prioritize self-care during these seasons for physical and mental health.

Here are just a few tips for caring for yourself:

1. Get Outside

Spring and summer are perfect times to get outside and enjoy nature. Spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on your mental health, reducing stress and boosting your mood. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or have a picnic with friends. One of my favorite things is to take my camera and explore nature.  With digital photography, we don’t have to wait for the film to be developed to see if we got the shot we wanted.  PSA: Just make sure to wear sunscreen!

2. Stay Hydrated

As temperatures rise, it's important to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration. Carry a water bottle (but not single use plastic bottles!) with you throughout the day and drink water before, during, and after any physical activity. If you don't like plain water, try adding fresh fruit, vegetables or herbs for flavor. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you and cause other negative health effects.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase self-awareness. Try incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These practices can help you feel more grounded and calm during the hustle and bustle of the spring and summer months. Being in the moment vs stressing about what may or may not happen really reduces stress. 

4. Prioritize Sleep

With longer days and more activities, it's easy to skimp on sleep during the spring and summer. However, getting enough sleep is crucial for good physical and mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a consistent sleep routine. Avoid using electronic devices before bed, as the blue light can interfere with your sleep, unless you have the night time feature that changes the lighting automatically. 

5. Take Breaks

If you find yourself overwhelmed or stressed during the spring and summer, take breaks to recharge. Take a day off work, schedule a spa day, or spend a day doing nothing at all. It's important to give yourself permission to rest and recharge, so you can be your best self. D.E.A.D.(Drop Everything And Dance) is very effective in chasing away the stress and energizing you for the next thing, you can read more about D.E.A.D in one of our April Blogs

6. Connect with Others

Spring and summer are great times to connect with others and build relationships. Spend time with friends and family, join a local sports league, there are often informal groups that get together and walk local walking trails or school tracks, or attend community events. And even if you can’t get together in person, there are tons of ways to video chat with friends! 

These activities can help you feel connected to others and give you a sense of purpose and belonging.

7. Eat Seasonally

Eating fresh, seasonal foods is not only delicious but can also be good for your health. In the spring and summer, focus on incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, such as berries, melons, tomatoes, and leafy greens. These foods are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can help support good health. Your local Farmer’s Market is a great resource for fresh foods and buying there supports your local economy. And, even if it’s indoors, you can grow fresh food for yourself! I’m pretty sure a lemon tree is in my future.

Listen, we all know self-care is important year-round. But, by thoughtfully incorporating these self-care practices into your spring and summer daily routine, you can help maintain good physical and mental health and enjoy the benefits of the season. 

Taking care of yourself so you can be your best self and make the most of today!