1.Take advantage of the warmer weather to spend some time outdoors.
With milder temperatures and parks and gardens in bloom, Spring invites you to get outside. It’s been proven time and time again that spending time in nature has many benefits for your mental and emotional well-being.
That said, watch out for allergies and be prepared. Another thing to bear in mind is that the weather in May can still be a little chilly, especially in the evenings, so don’t put away your cardigans and jackets just yet, as this is the easiest way to catch a cold.
2.Come out of your hibernation and be more sociable.
It’s normal to hibernate during the winter, as the cold and rain invite you to stay indoors. But with the arrival of warmer weather, it’s time to get out and renew friendships or make new ones.
We tend to forget how important a good social life is to our overall well-being, but a strong support system gives us a sense of belonging. With this in mind, make the most of the warmer weather to organise picnics, barbecues or take part in outdoor sporting activities, such as climbing or surfing. These are all opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new ones who share the same hobbies and passions as you.
3.SPF is your best friend
As much as spending time outdoors is great for you, it can also damage your health if you don’t prepare yourself properly. You’ve heard it all before, but you need to stock up on SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Apply a generous amount (you need more than you think) and reapply frequently. You can also protect yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight (I’ve heard that sunburn on the eyelids is very painful) .
4.Get serious about your fitness goals.
Remember those fitness goals you set yourself in January? If you haven’t achieved them yet, now’s the perfect time to start. It could be something as simple as walking for twenty minutes a day and, if your body can take it, you could even consider jogging, which is excellent for improving endurance. If your knees are a bit weak, why not cycle instead, and if it’s not too far, maybe you can even walk or cycle to work? Outdoor exercise not only boosts physical fitness, it also improves mental well-being, reducing stress and improving mood.
All that said, bear in mind that it’s not a good idea to do too much, too quickly, as you risk injuring yourself and falling weeks behind on your fitness journey.
5.Make sure you stay hydrated.
As temperatures rise and you sweat more, it’s important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. After all, being well hydrated is essential for maintaining energy levels, aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin.
So invest in a good reusable bottle if you don’t already have one, and make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. And if you find the taste of water rather bland, you can infuse it with different fruits or herbs, such as lemon or mint, to make it tastier and more nutritious.
6.Sleep should be your top priority.
Sleep is a bit like SPF – you hear all the time how good it is for you, but it seems impossible to fit into your routine. But quality sleep is crucial to your overall well-being, so aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
If you find it hard to fall asleep at night, you can try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine and create a sleep-inducing environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark and free from distractions.
7.Try to stick to foods that are in season.
Chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of eating seasonal foods. Not only is it good for the environment and your local farmers, it’s also good for your health.
And in spring, there are so many delicious foods you can incorporate into your diet, such as strawberries, asparagus, spinach, spring onions, peas, rhubarb and artichokes.
8.Spring clean your environment.
You don’t have to become a complete minimalist or follow Marie Kondo to the letter, but chances are you’ll feel better in a clutter-free environment.
So take the time to sort through your home and get rid of anything you no longer want or need.
9.Make meditation part of your routine.
Chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of meditation. Just like tidying up your surroundings, devoting a little time each day to clearing your mind can do you a lot of good.
So aim to meditate every day for five minutes or more and, if you find it difficult to do so, you can find an activity that allows you to enter into a meditative state, such as reading, walking or knitting.
