Warmer weather, longer days, the smell of flowers blossoming, birds chirping, sunsets, trees turning bright green and the promise of new life all around us. Springtime is finally here.
The transitions of seasons is a great time to reconnect with yourself and the world around you after a long winter, it’s so uplifting to see shoots of green poking through the earth and new flowers blooming in the garden. As the natural world seems to re-awaken around us, take a few moments to consider how you can refresh your mindful routine. We've put together a list of all our favourite ways you can do just that.
1. Spring wandering
Warmer weather and longer days, it's time to put a little spring in your step and head outside for a stroll in nature to wash off those winter blues. Gentle exercise like walking in nature can have positive affects on the mind, body and soul. When we walk, we don't just get the body moving we get the mind moving too so the next time you step out for your spring walk make sure to take in colour of the trees, the feeling of the warm breeze, the blooming flowers, the bees, the birdsong, the clouds.
2. Watching the sunset
To simply sit in silence and appreciate the beauty of the setting sun with its washes of yellow, oranges and pinks is such a humbling experience. Studies show that experiences like your first spring sunset, help us to get into a mindful mood and improve our wellbeing. Sunsets remind us to slow down, and can even help in decision making. So why not head out at sunset and watch one of nature's most incredible shows.
3. Mindful eating
As we enter into spring and wave goodbye to the cold winter we welcome a whole new list of new ingredients into our kitchen as fresh spring produce comes into season. Engage your six senses and notice all of the rich colours, smells, textures and tastes of spring meals as you eat mindfully and slowly.
4. Gardening
Whether you have a yard, small patio, balcony or even a small window sill, spending time gardening and observing the daily growth in your seedlings, plants and flowers will help bring small doses of joy, regain perspective and inner balance to your life.
5. Spring clean
It may sound predictable, but there's something about spring that makes us want to fling the windows open wide, let in the fresh air and have a good declutter of our things. Make the most of the change in seasons and go through your wardrobe, kitchen cupboards, bookshelves and all those other nooks where unwanted items may stack up and discard of anything you do not need. Take a leaf out of Marie Kondos book and sort unwanted things into piles for charity, friends or the bin. Enjoy the process of letting go. There's nothing quite like that feeling of release when you free up space in your home and mind.
6. Listen to the birds
Springtime is a busy time for birds, they spend their spring days building nests and finding new territory. Along with that comes an increase in birdsong as their mood lifts with all of the new activity. Take this time to find a quiet spot outside in nature and listen to the birdsong of our feathered friends. Why not close your eyes at the same time and combine it with a spot of mindful meditation to relax and de-stress.
