Spring into Action!
The arrival of Spring is a transition I always look forward to. Dark and icy winter skies becoming awash with fresh pastel hues and mellow air that lingers long after working hours have ended are a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be. As we observe our homes, gardens, streets and cities being draped in brighter skies, warmer air, and greener leaves, I propose this is the perfect time embrace freshness and change within our own lives. This doesn’t have to mean deciding to uproot your life and travel the world (unfortunately most of us are still in the throes of lockdown) but simply shake up your daily routine by doing something that adds value to your life. It could be as simple as deciding to cut back on your screen time to practicing yoga. Often when we decide to welcome new habits into our lives we leave no room to make mistakes or errors, so make a pact with yourself to slam the door on perfectionist tendencies along with the icy winter air. Start now. Start messy. Not all flower buds that break through the surface of soil into the world grow into perfectly formed petals, but we find them beautiful anyway. So take cues from nature as you as you decide to embrace new, beautiful (and sometimes messy) habits into your life.
Need Inspiration? Here’s a list of things that will inspire you!
Try an exercise you’ve never tried before. Whether it be yoga, pilates, running or swimming, there are plenty of online classes that will get your endorphins up. I’ve always loved swimming and over the last year there’s been a huge movement of sea swimming! It’s SO cold in the Irish Sea but you feel so refreshed afterwards. Morning online yoga has also been a godsend for getting me out of bed some mornings. I’ve come to love being able to roll out of bed and onto my mat!
Be a tourist in your own city. While travel plans are currently put on hold, use this time to really explore where you live. What parks, beaches, streets, cafes have you yet to try?
Go for a walk and leave your phone at home. Get lost in your surroundings and take the time to truly notice the sounds of nature. With constant distraction, it’s so important to take breaks and be fully present!
Cook something you’ve never thought of trying before. Right now wild garlic is in bloom and I’ve been looking up all sorts of ways of incorporating it into various dishes!
Buy a piece of second hand furniture and renovate it. Yes this one may be messy (and perhaps frustrating for the DIY novices) but the feeling of satisfaction that comes with creating custom pieces that fit into your space is one that’s hard to replace. Older pieces are usually made so much better than furniture now so you might end up with a unique piece that will last for years to come!
Bring nature into your home. When so many of us are working from our bedrooms, the freshness of nature in the form of flowers, plants , or even nature inspired art helps to keep us grounded and serves as a beautiful addition to any space.
