spring into SELFCARE

Written By: Riley George

pringtime is the perfect time for self-care. After the cold, dark winter months, the days are finally starting to grow longer, the sun is shining brighter, and the weather is getting warmer. While the spring season can be a wonderful time of renewal, for those struggling with seasonal depression, it can also be a difficult time. Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental, physical, and emotional health. In the springtime, it can take on a delightful form.

As the sun starts shining brighter and warmer days become more frequent, it can be easier to find time to take care of yourself, especially if you suffer from mental illness. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of the sunshine and warmer weather.

Get Outside

It can be hard to motivate yourself when you’re struggling with seasonal depression, but getting outside into the sunshine and fresh air can make a big difference. Even just a few minutes in the sunlight can help to boost your mood and encourage you to be more active. Spending time outdoors has been shown to have various mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and aiding in the treatment of depression. Going outside is not only good for your physical health but can also benefit your mental health.

Going outside can be beneficial for your mental health because it can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Exposure to sunlight, fresh air and natural beauty can help to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and being in nature can also provide a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing one to feel more relaxed and at ease.

The activities that one can do while outdoors can also help to improve mood. Exercises, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking, release endorphins, hormones associated with happiness and improved mood, and also distract from every day worries.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to combat depression. It increases endorphins, which can lift your mood and help you focus on positive things. Exercising is an essential part of self-care because it can help improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. Physical activity has been shown to be an effective way to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, regular exercise can help people improve their sleep quality and reduce fatigue.

Mental health benefits of exercise include increased resilience to stress, improved memory and concentration, and enhanced creativity. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Exercising can improve mood and boost self-esteem by reducing stress hormones, increasing endorphins, and providing physical and psychological benefits. Endorphins are chemicals released in the brain that make you feel good. Exercise can also help reduce anxiety symptoms by allowing people to direct their energy into physical activities rather than worrying or ruminating on their worries. And with springtime occurring, you can exercise outside!

Give Yourself Flowers as Self-Care

Spring is all about blooming flowers, so why not pick some up for yourself? A bouquet of fresh flowers can be an inexpensive way to cheer yourself up and add a touch of beauty to your home. The best part of spring is gathering flowers outside rather than purchasing them if you want!

With all the flowers blooming outdoors, why not pick a few and put them in your home for some cheer? Flowers appeal to our sense of smell and sight and can evoke happy emotions when we see or smell them! Certain smells of flowers can even promote relaxation and calming feelings.

Eating Outside

Eating outside is a great way to get some fresh air and get in tune with nature. It offers the perfect self-care opportunity for you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on nourishing your body with a healthy meal while enjoying the warm weather. Whether you’re at a picnic in the park or having dinner on your patio, try to make it a priority to get outside and enjoy your meal.

Being able to combine some of life’s greatest gifts- the outdoors and food- you are sure to experience a serotonin boost and engage in some healthy self-care.

Incorporate Natural Lighting

Natural lighting has a positive effect on mood, energy levels, and overall wellness. So as the days get longer and the sunlight is more abundant, make sure to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, many LED lighting is unbalanced, which is not the healthiest for your eyes and can lead to eyestrain.

By opening some windows, curtains, or blinds to the sunshine outside, you can help your eyesight and improve your mental health and self-care routine!

Closing Thoughts

Self-care looks different for everyone. There are so many varying forms of self-care available to us that it can feel overwhelming to choose one. This spring, try as many forms as you want until you select the perfect one. Spring is a time for renewal and cheerfulness. Incorporate some self-care to promote your well-being!