4 Tips to Spring Clean Your Wellness Journey
Spring is finally here! That first feeling of the sun’s warmth on your skin, hearing the birds singing, the crisp, clean smell in the air, and the vibrant colors of flowers blooming – what could be better? I also love spring because it is the season of healing, rejuvenation, and growth. It’s one of my favorite times of year to apply those principles to my wellness – mind, body, and soul – because they go so naturally hand in hand.
“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can really be”
Coming out of the winter, we may have resolutions from the start of the year that either feel stale or have faded, we might be feeling pulled in all directions with schedules getting busy, or we might be coming out of a challenging season in life and need to find our footing again.
No matter where you’re coming from, this is where you can take a deep cleansing breath my friend, because I have my top 4 tips to help you reset and start fresh with the new season (using my tried and true, signature 4M™ framework).
MINDSET
Spring cleaning doesn’t need to only be for our homes. Just like we use spring to motivate us to clean our physical spaces, we can spring clean our mind also, letting go of thoughts that no longer serve us and making space for what we want to focus on moving forward. Try taking out a journal (or even the notes section of your phone) and use the following prompts to help clear your mind and reset yourself to the direction you want to go:
List your win(s) from this year so far. They can be big or small! What helped you achieve them?
If there’s a goal you didn’t achieve yet, is there a new approach you can take?
Is there a habit you want to get rid of going forward?
Is there a self-limiting belief you can choose to let go of? What is an affirmation you can use in its place?
If you could accomplish one goal, or instill one habit this month, what would it be? And what tools or resources would help you reach this goal?
MOVEMENT
First and foremost, here’s my PSA that movement doesn’t always need to be a structured exercise session. I like to encourage my clients to find ways to add in movement that brings joy and confidence to their life. And now with warmer days, we can think outside (literally and figuratively) of the box and brainstorm how we can add in movement throughout our day:
Be a tourist in your own town and explore historical areas and landmarks.
Go for a nature walk with a friend or 4 legged companion.
Try a new outdoor activity (pickleball is all the rage now!). Learning a new skill is also a bonus for our brains!
Look for pop up outdoor classes. Many towns and cities offer outdoor fitness series with classes ranging from cardio/dance, to strength training, to yoga.
And if you want a new habit – try to start your day with a stretch or walk outside. There have been several studies that found getting sunlight within the first hour of waking helps improve both mood and sleep cycles.
And no matter what, some movement is always better than none. Even if it’s 5 minutes, know that you can make a positive impact in any amount of time.
Just remember to wear your SPF and hydrate when outdoors!
MEALS
There’s nothing like a new season to help me get out of a cooking and recipe rut! We can put all the chilis and hearty recipes on the back burner and welcome in lighter fare and all the amazing grilling options. *Bonus tip: grilling is an easy way to meal prep for the week by batch cooking meats and veggies. They can be served together or tossed into salads or frittatas – the options are endless!
I always try to be inspired by the fruits and vegetables in season and obviously spring brings so many beautiful options. Here is a great visual to keep in mind when you are meal planning and grocery shopping:
And if you are looking for a good place to start, here is a fan favorite recipe from my cookbook! A great on-the-go treat using a fruit that shines every spring: strawberries!
Strawberry Shortcake Energy Balls
*1 c old fashioned oats
*1/3 c ground flaxseed
*1/4 c chia seeds
*1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (about ¼ c)
*1/3 c crushed dried strawberries
*1/3 c white chocolate chips
*½ c nut butter (click here for the ones I recommend, plus use code NWW for 20% off )
*1/3 c raw honey or pure maple syrup (click here for the honey I recommend)
*1 tsp pure vanilla extract
*Pinch of Real Salt (click here for the one I recommend, plus use code NWW for 15% off)
*Optional: ½ c chocolate chips (click here for the one I recommend, plus use code NURSINGYOURWAYTOWELLNESS for 15% off)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mix all ingredients together (you can blend together in a food processor if you’d like it more smoothie, less chunky; and if it’s too dry, add more honey).
2. Roll into balls on lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Store in Stasher bag or air-tight container in refrigerator or freezer and enjoy!
Optional: roll balls in toppings like crushed nuts, hemp hearts (for added protein) shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or drizzle with nut butter!
ME TIME
We’ve covered fresh takes above to help nourish your mind and body this spring, and so that leaves … soul! What makes YOU feel joyful, loved, and fulfilled? Here are some ideas to reconnect with yourself:
Find a springtime meditation to enjoy.
Create a seasonal craft like, a painting, wreath, floral arrangement — or jump into whatever medium you love.
Explore a local garden.
Visit a local farmer’s market.
Time spent on you is never wasted and you are always worth that time and effort.
Aren’t we already feeling more refreshed and energized?!
And I have more good news! Our 21 Day Spring Reset is starting May 1! Give yourself 21 days to energize and reset your body and mind with real food, real self-care, real community, and real results that will last a lifetime! You’ll get daily check-ins for accountability, live health coaching calls weekly, live demo sessions for meal prepping and easy, nourishing recipes, weekly self care group calls, and access to all my best resources to help you feel your best this season.
Let me know which of these tips resonated with you the most and make sure to subscribe to Nursing Your Way to Wellness for all the latest in health and wellness, including my best tips and tricks, recipes, programs, exclusive savings and more!
