Spring with a free spirit

 

Spring with a free spirit There is something refreshing about the chirping of birds, the growth of plants and the lengthening of the days. Spring is almost like a new year with many new beginnings. For many, the season heralds a millennia-old tradition of the Persians and Israelites: spring cleaning. Whether it's deep cleaning carpets, donating unused clothes and household items, or mowing green grass on the sidewalk, spring cleaning is a rewarding opportunity to refresh your life and start a new life. So why not take this opportunity and give your mind a fresh start?Many of us are still trying to find the strength to admit that investing in ourselves is not selfish. However, when we experience the healing benefits of contributing to our physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being, we begin to understand why we need to take care of ourselves. First, think about as many things as possible related to the spring season. Highlight the ones you love the most and are most grateful for. Too bad we're not together now to compare the letters!It's a blue, sunny day in Washington state as I write, and my spring thank you list is chock-full. And this feeling of gratitude is our first spring cleaning. 1 Make a gratitude list for the season you're in right now. As the icy grip of winter gives way to the new life of spring, new memories of life's gift surround us.Practicing gratitude has been linked to positive mental health benefits such as: B. a higher level of life satisfaction and happiness and a lower level of depressive symptoms. Whether it's several times a week or every day, think about the things you're grateful for and you'll find that your thoughts focus more on positive issues. 2 Sit in the sun. The sun is a welcome light after a long winter, which is not surprising as it has many mental health benefits.Sitting in the sun is thought to make us feel better, as endorphins are produced when our keratinocytes (skin cells) are exposed to UV light. Vitamin D, also produced by keratinocytes, plays a role in the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood. The latitude where you live has a major impact on your skin's ability to produce vitamin D. In more northern latitudes, vitamin D can only be produced from late spring to early fall. The ability to produce vitamin D also depends on age, skin pigmentation and sunscreen use.Be sure to check your vitamin D levels regularly and take supplements. 3 Spring cleaning – in the truest sense of the word. Spring cleaning is not only good for the environment, but also for the soul. Clutter, unfinished projects and a lack of cleanliness in the home are linked to depression and fatigue.People with organized and clean homes report better sleep, more activity, and better overall health. You don't have to manage your workplace, your house and your garden in one day. If spring cleaning finds you feeling overwhelmed or unmotivated, start by spending 10 minutes cleaning here and there, donating unused items, throwing out worn or broken items, working on a project, or tidying up. Sometimes the presence of another person can provide a boost that is difficult to achieve alone. Maybe a friend can help you or you can hire someone to help you for a few hours.After the first cleaning, it is easier to maintain. 4 Improves stress management. The spring deadlines are starting to fill up and as the responsibilities increase, so does the stress. You may find that some stresses positively motivate you to grow and achieve your goals, but other types of stresses can cause new waves of anxiety and depression, disruption to daily functioning, trouble sleeping, headaches, and irritability, among other symptoms. Try these proven ways to reduce stress: practice deep breathing, challenge negative thoughts, make time to journal, stop drinking alcohol and caffeine, and find activities that bring joy and bring laughter. 5 Become a volunteer in your community. Research shows that “other-centered” volunteering (in other words, helping others in need because you care about them) is linked to better mental health. This type of volunteering helps build genuine, supportive relationships and increases a sense of purpose, belonging, and self-esteem.Whether you work at a food bank, attend a nursing home, or spread hope through a community health program, find something meaningful and commit to spending time with others. 6 Begin the treatment. Have you considered grief counseling, relationship counseling, anxiety therapy, or any other form of therapy? There is no better time than now to start doing this.Therapists are well-trained professionals with compassionate hearts and handy tools. They help real people overcome challenges and remind us that we are not alone. Counseling can provide helpful support and coping skills. Asking for help is a sign of courage, maturity, and responsibility, and it can be a blessing to you and those around you. 7Invest in relationships. Spending time with loved ones is key to improving mental health. Finding a green space to walk, bike, or jog with a friend can be the social boost you need. Pack a picnic and take the family to the park or riverside for some good old-fashioned food. 8 Get up and get going.Thu 8 Get up and go. Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, it's a lot easier to get back into exercise. If you're struggling with spring rains, remember, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only cheap clothes!"“Challenges will always exist, so plan to keep going despite excuses and obstacles. I recommend planning your activities in advance and sorting your clothes and shoes. It will be worth it, because exercise improves your mood, sharpens memory, improves sleep, reduces symptoms of depression, and helps you manage stress. There's no better time than now to kiss change. Pick one thing you can do today to improve your mental health.You deserve the joy of the season.