3 Simple Spring Rituals That Help Me Feel Like Myself Again
Why spring isn't just a season, but a chance to slow down and reconnect with everyday life.
As I’m writing this, I’m sat in my garden on a chair. The weather in the UK today has been glorious (and surprisingly warm) for this time of year - it feels like a summers day versus a day in early May. I’m making the most of it as this weather probably isn’t due to last, in true British fashion. The sky is a bright blue, and there’s not a cloud in sight. A few distant aeroplanes leave trails of white lines in the sky - but after a while these disappear, like the route on a long forgotten map that has faded away. The birds are chirping with song, the bees are buzzing harmoniously, and I’m instantly feeling a million times happier because of it.
For many of us around the globe, spring is slowly but surely making an appearance. As someone who suffers quite badly with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months, the emergence of spring is like music to my ears. The clocks went forward by an hour in March, and the days are lighter and brighter. It’s no longer pitch black outside at 4pm (something which contributes hugely to my low mood in winter) or as cold as it has been in the past few months, and to me this is a signal that better days are just around the corner.
Spring, for some people, might just seem like a shift in season. For me, the return of spring is something that I eagerly anticipate - it’s the start of a new beginning, both physically and metaphorically. The trees regain their bright green leaves, and the flowers begin to bloom - a sign that even when you feel that all has been lost, it is possible for colour and vibrancy to re-enter your life again.
It’s the time of year where I, much like the nature around me, start to feel more like myself. My perspective begins to shift in a more positive direction, which I know the weather and increased daylight has a big part to play in. This doesn’t mean that all my worries, problems, and fears are instantly erased overnight, or that my mental health is completely perfect. I still carry burdens and stresses from day to day, but the load seems a little lighter. I feel more focused and approach situations with greater clarity than I would in the depths of winter, when my brain often feels quite foggy at best.
With brighter days on the horizon, I’ve been relishing the quiet moments and simple joys that this time of year brings. I’d like to share a few of my favourite ones with you, in case you’d also like to build more slow and intentional rituals in your day-to-day life.
1. Going outdoors
This might seem obvious, but going outside, even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes, is something I’ve found makes a huge difference. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunchtime or in the evening, stepping away from my desk or whatever I’m doing to soak in the natural world makes me feel noticeably refreshed. I try and connect with my senses, whether that’s watching the gentle movements of trees swaying in the wind, to the smell of the grass, or the sound of birdsong. There isn’t a ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ way to do this, but the idea is to shift your attention to your surroundings and away from the thoughts whirring in your head. What can you see, touch, smell, or hear? If you don’t have a garden, you can always step outside to your balcony, local park, or take a short stroll around the block.
2. Opening the windows
One of my favourite rituals in spring is to open the windows whilst I’m getting ready for the day. Not only does it let the light stream through, it also gets the air flowing freely through the house, inviting the outside, in. I can hear the sound of the world waking up - whether it’s cars going by, people opening up their garage doors, neighbours pottering around in their front gardens, or Mums conversing with their children as they walk them to school. The simple act of opening the windows makes my inner environment feel more connected with the outside world, and leaves me feeling rejuvenated. This is a welcome change to the winter months, where we often keep our windows shut from the cold.
3. Having a meal (mindfully)
How often do you have a meal that is truly mindful? For a lot of us, we simultaneously combine the act of eating with another activity - such as watching TV, scrolling our phones, listening to music or a podcast, and for time-strapped workers, having lunch at our desks. Whilst none of these are inherently wrong (although I personally wouldn’t advocate for eating lunch at your workstation!), eating in a rush or alongside distractions removes an opportunity for us to slow down, and be fully present in the moment.
As the weather gradually improves, one thing I’ve started to do is eat my breakfast and lunch outdoors where I can. Not only does this get me away from being glued to a screen, but it’s an opportunity for me to mull over my thoughts, eat my food slower (which in turn, makes me appreciate it a lot more), and provides a sense of gratitude for not just the meal in question and the ability to consume it with nature around me.
I hope this post helped give you some inspiration, and serves as a reminder that you don’t need to do anything revolutionary to enjoy the quieter moments found during spring. A lot of the ideas I’ve mentioned here don’t require an awful lot of effort, time, or cost (other than the willingness to take a moment to prioritise yourself and your wellbeing).
If you’ve made it this far, let me know in the comments - what’s one small habit, simple joy, or ritual that you swear by? If you don’t have one yet, what’s one thing you’d like to incorporate into your daily routine to help you slow down, or be more mindful? I’d absolutely love to know, so we can exchange ideas with each other!
Until next time,
Suki x
Missed a post? Catch up on my latest work here:
I feel like we all forget the power of fresh air! Opening the windows makes such a difference
This was a great read Suki!
My thing with the spring and sunny weather is I often put pressure on myself to make the most of any sunshine we get, if that makes sense. I feel guilty if I'm stuck inside.
That mainly involves a walk or taking the bike out. I definitely could do with inspiration there! I don't get SAD myself but I can understand that others are affected by it.