The weather is getting warmer and you’re probably ready to enjoy more time outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air. That’s a great way to take care of yourself. Research shows that time spent in nature can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep and helps you feel happier overall. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku translates to “forest bathing,” and it’s done for fun, as well as for self-care. While spring is the perfect time to get out into nature, that’s not your only self-care option. Check out these other ideas for feeling your best this season.
Try Meal Planning
Spring is known for its abundance of fresh and in-season fruits and vegetables. Take a few minutes each week to find a few delicious recipes and shop for the ingredients to prepare them. Spend some time enjoying the meals you’ve prepared and allow them to give you a tasty way to get the most of taking care of yourself. For some easy ideas, check out our blog post about what you can do with spring fruits and vegetables.
Do Outdoor Meditation
The goal of meditation is to help you stay present in the moment. It’s a good way to control anxiety and helps prevent the past and the future from keeping you from enjoying what’s happening right now. Even when things aren’t so good (we are still in the middle of a pandemic, after all), meditation gives you the chance to tune in to how you’re feeling so that you can decide what you need to take care of yourself in the moment.
Start a New Book
There’s something about setting aside the time to crack open the latest novel that feels so indulgent. Spring is the ideal time to read the book you’ve been meaning to. Even just 10 or 15 minutes per day has benefits. You’ll have something enjoyable to look forward to and while you’re reading, you aren’t worrying about the laundry, what you’re going to make for dinner or when your COVID booster shot is due. The library is the perfect place to find books on all topics and subjects so add it to your schedule today.
Plant a Garden
Getting your hands dirty has a bunch of mental and physical health benefits. Not only are you burning calories while you dig and plant, but this goes back to the notion of forest bathing. Simply being outside, soaking up the sun and enjoying the nature around you calms your mood and increases feel good hormones that can stave off depression and anxiety. If you don’t have the space for a large vegetable garden, try an herb garden on your windowsill or a pot of tomatoes on your balcony.
Taking care of yourself is incredibly important, both for your body and for your mind. These simple self-care tips are an ideal starting point for enjoying what spring has to offer and feeling great during the entire season. And of course, if you need to see a doctor, don’t hesitate to give us a call to set up an appointment. If you need a vaccine, click here for the next free clinic information.