Spring has officially sprung, making space for more daylight, warmer days, and—you guessed it—spring cleaning. If you’re like me, you’re revamping your closet and giving the bathroom a solid scrub-down. Our homes are always top of mind and receive all the attention when it comes to cleaning. However, there is another area that could benefit from some TLC with the change in seasons: our well-being routines. As we prepare for spring, we need to organize and declutter our spaces. We also need to refresh our wellness routines.
You can make simple, yet effective changes to your life. tweaks to everything from how you move your body to how you manage money (yes, your finances are a part of your wellness routine because they affect your overall health), you’ll be well on your way to Marie Kondo status. For tips on how you can spring clean different aspects in your wellness routine to make it more enjoyable for the new season, and beyond, keep reading.
To spring clean your fitness routine…
The first thing to do is upgrade How you’re working out. Spring is the best time to change up your workout space, whether it’s your living room or a gym. Do you want to work out at home? To make your workouts more flexible, you can add a new piece or set of bands (or a TRX) to your equipment. Are you looking for the energy of working out with other people? A gym membership or boxing classes could be in your future. Warmer weather is also possible means bringing your workout outdoors. You can exercise outdoors, no matter how hard you push the pavement or channel Naomi Osaka. It will make a big difference in your health and mental well-being. Spring is a great time to experiment with new ways to move your body.
Lastly, I’m here to tell you it’s time to bid adieu to that overstretched sports bra you’ve been holding on to for way too long. Your workout outfit can make all the difference between a great or a bad one. Donate or toss any equipment that has lost its shape and color and invest in it. Activewear that’s equal parts supportive and stylish. Then, store your go-tos strategically so you can easily grab them when you’re packing your gym bag or in a hurry.
To spring clean your diet…
When we’re in hibernation mode during winter, our bodies crave comfort food (AKA heartier meals), but now, you’re probably craving something fresher and lighter. But tune out the voices that tell you to go on a cleanse and eat only foods deemed “clean” and instead, Intuition is key to eating wellSeasonally. The best place to begin? Your fridge, freezer, pantry are all good places to start. Purge any expired goods and foods that don’t make you feel your best. Next, stock up on lighter foods that you crave during the change of seasons. Are you ready to get started with meal planning? Go to the farmers market to find leafy greens, asparagus, and fruits like strawberries and kiwis. When you plan your meals around local, in-season produce, you’ll not only get more nutritional value out of them but also a few extra dollars in your pocket.
To spring clean your skincare regimen…
A new season demands a rethink in our skin care. Clearing out out-of-date products is the first order of business. Not sure how long you’ve had your moisturizer? If it has a strange smell or color or the oils have separated, it’s a safe bet that it’s past its prime. As for the products we keep, going lighter for spring doesn’t only apply to our eating habits. Use a gel-based lotion or alternative to oil cleanser or heavy cream that helped you get through the winter.
But good news: Just because we’re in a new season doesn’t mean you have to completely overhaul your skincare regimen. You should keep your sunscreen and serums close at hand. But don’t overthink it and feel like you have to add a certain mask just because it’s the newest “it” product on the market. Sometimes, sticking with what works for you and taking a less-is-more approach is the best thing for your skin and wallet.
To spring clean your self-care…
Don’t forget the “self” in self-care: reflect on your self-care practices and ask yourself if they serve you or if you’re doing them because you saw them on TikTok or your BFF swears by them. You don’t have to do every practice. It is time to streamline your routine. Start journaling, or try a different method. Morning ritualTalk to a therapist or call. Self-care is personal and doesn’t have to be extravagant, and it can be a daily practice or just something you do occasionally, like bringing a plant into your space, lighting a candle, taking a day off of work, or having a night in and Postmates-ing pizza. My method of self-care? Some days, it’s escaping to Stars Hollow (watching Gilmore Girls, ICYMI) and every now and then, it’s A facial is a great way to indulge.
No matter what self-care looks to you, it will change every day. Let’s say working out or meditating is your non-negotiable mode of self-care and you carve out time each morning for it. You may wake up some mornings and not feel it, and that’s OK. You can’t fall into the guilt trip trap and compromise your health. Do what you can in the season you’re in—literally and figuratively.
To spring clean your tech…
Every time I see my weekly screen time pop up on my iPhone, it feels as if I’m getting the proverbial tsk-tskIt. Between Zoom-ing and Instagram scrolling, it’s no surprise that we spend more time on our phones than ever, but it’s time to unplug. First things first, delete any unused apps (you’ll be surprised by how many you didn’t realize you had) or those that tempt you into minutes or hours of unproductive distraction. Next, give the social media accounts you’re following a once-over and hit “unfollow” if they don’t lift you up. You can also unsubscribe to emails and newsletters that are consuming your time. Fine-tune the companies you share email with to free up some digital (and mental) space.
Take a moment to unplug from your phone and do a digital detox. Ditch the phone overnight and replace it with a good ol’ alarm clock. Trust me, your body will thank you for the quality sleep you’ll be getting without your phone. Limit the amount of news that you consume via your phone, computer or TV. To maintain a balance between staying informed and being mindful of your mental well-being, limit the time you allow yourself access to the news. In general, focus on what’s IRL: the fresh air, the company you’re with, the work you’re passionate about.
To spring clean your schedule…
Spoiler alert: This one is specifically for FOMO sufferers. With warmer days on the horizon, it may be tempting to pack your calendar with social events, but think about whether you’re spreading yourself too thin with too many commitments. Are you saying “yes” to engagements when you really want to decline? Instead of engaging in these engagements, you might be doing more of the things that bring you joy, such as self-care and volunteering at your local dog rescue.
I’ll admit, I sometimes have trouble shutting off work and not checking emails over the weekend. One simple Hack for work-life balance that has helped me be present when I’m off the clock is setting my phone on airplane mode (distractions be gone!). I’m also guilty of getting into multitasking mode, but I find that when I set a block of time to focus on checking off one task at a time, I end up saving time. Bottom line: This new season is a time to step back and see your time-sucking activities as well as the worthwhile to-dos. This applies to both your personal and professional lives.
To spring clean your finances…
Now’s as good a time as any to review your financial goals and reevaluate any expenses that may be keeping you from staying on budget. You can, for example, create a plan to pay off your debt and check your credit card statements to see if there are any unnecessary expenses (re).Enjoy a one-week free trial of HBO Max. EuphoriaDid you forget to cancel your order?You forgot to cancel? You can always use a few extra dollars if you have them!If you have some extra money, consider putting it towards your retirement. You could contribute more to your 401k and open an IRA. You can also start that emergency fund you’ve been putting off or save up for an upcoming large expense, like an overdue girls’ trip.
Source: The Every Girl