SPRING INTO ACTION

The best ways to shake off the winter blues

Spring has officially sprung here in the desert and it’s time to shake the winter blues by breaking bad habits and replacing them with healthy lifestyle changes. Here are some fun ways to welcome the new season.

BY JORDAN MORENO

Forget Your Ex

It’s time to move on from that breakup. The new “Forgetting Your Ex” program from Bill Deihl, Ph.D., uses hypnosis and nine other modes of therapy to help people forget their ex for good and move on from a past relationship. Living your best life means overcoming emotional roadblocks and moving forward to healthy relationships, well-being and even success in business. www.forgettingyourex.com.

Volunteer with Animals

Giving back to charitable causes is a great way to boost endorphins and do good for the community. The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) makes it fun by connecting residents with their fur-ever friends. AAWL is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in the state. Since its founding in in 1971, AAWL has saved the lives of over 100,000 cats and dogs by providing a full range of services for animals and pet owners, including adoptions, behavior training, and low-cost medical care. Volunteer opportunities are available. www.aawl.org.

Focus on Skin Care

Dull bedtime routine? It’s time for a mindset update. Pop in a pair of earbuds, pick a daily affirmation, light a candle and make your skin care routine actually a self-care routine. Face Foundrie, a focused facial bar, recommends its lineup of high-quality products by quenching thirsty skin with a nutrient-packed serum, upgrading to a nighttime moisturizer that works hard all night long, and locking in moisture with a facial oil. www.facefoundrie.com.

Build a Bouquet

What better way to spring into a new season than with a pop of floral color? Flower Bar in Old Town Scottsdale offers an opportunity to master the art of floral arrangements and bring some color home. Its 90-minute workshops are held in a small, fully interactive group and highlight a seasonal theme, unique flower, or newage technique to match any personal aesthetic. www.azflowerbar.com.

Enjoy Live Music

There’s something about live music that makes everything feel brighter. Enjoy the pleasant spring air and the acoustic sounds of local artists at Uptown Plaza this month with the shopping center’s Live Music in the Courtyard calendar of events. First built in 1955, Uptown Plaza is a midcentury icon, having stood the test of time as Phoenix grew into what it is today. www.uptownplazaphx.com.

Try Going Dry

Cutting back on alcohol might be the key to feeling great this season. Break the habit by replacing the nightly beverage with a nonalcoholic option. English Rose Tea Room, located in Carefree, offers a fun and exciting alternative to happy hour with vibrant decor, a romantic patio space and over 50 teas to choose from. Don’t forget to order one of the tea room’s famous scones to go with it. www.carefreetea.com.