Last week, we finally welcomed the first day of spring! Although the Canadian weather makes it hard to believe, spring has officially arrived. Hence, spring is a great time to re-evaluate a number of aspects of your life. It is the perfect time to de-clutter your space and your relationships, and to “rebloom.” This spring season, it is important to refresh and rejuvenate in all respects.
With the glimpses of sunshine and the extra hours of much needed day light, spring fever is creeping in on all of us slowly but surely.
With this in mind, I have compiled a list of eight tips that will ensure you make the most out of the upcoming season and can rebloom to the best of your ability!
1. Re-evaluate your 2019 goals
Despite what many of us want to believe, following the first week of January, the resolutions we made for ourselves often cease to exist come April. However, spring is the season for new growth in all elements of our lives. Thus, it is the ideal time to re-evaluate old goals and create new ones for the rest of the year!
I suggest writing down some of the challenges you have faced so far in 2019 and the lessons you have learned in the process. This helps you re-assess the goals you have and haven’t met, so you can create new, attainable ones for the upcoming season. Remember to celebrate the accomplishments you have made thus far and continue to strive beyond those for the rest of the year.
2. Engage in a financial check in
Similar to the tip above, the excitement of a new year can often leave our bank accounts somewhat empty. Although it is definitely acceptable to splurge on ourselves here and there, once springtime rolls around the money we thought we had can also cease to exist.
As a means of refreshing this time of year, it is helpful to re-evaluate your financial situation and create a budget to stay within your means for the upcoming months. This doesn’t necessarily mean cutting the fun out of your life, but budgeting your expenses in a way that you can engage in fun activities without any added stress.
3. Spring clean your living environment
De-cluttering your home is one way to refresh your life this season. Although it may seem like an obvious tip, spring cleaning your life also means organizing and getting rid of items that are no longer of use to you. That said, tidying your home or apartment leaves more space for redecorating too. I find that rearranging my room or purchasing new items to make it feel extra homey provides a sense of change and refreshment.
4. Refresh your wardrobe
This tip goes hand in hand with the last one — refresh your winter wardrobe and bring out the spring clothes! Switch out the parka for your jean jacket, and your winter boots for your sneakers. One of my favourite parts of a new season beginning is getting to bring out my favourite clothing items that go into hiding during the long winter months.
Don’t forget, if you are cleaning out your wardrobe and find items you have no use for any more, rather than discard them, donate them to organizations such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army! There is most definitely someone who will make use of the clothing you no longer want. There’s no harm in giving back, especially with warmer weather creeping up.
5. Create a spring playlist!
The thought of sunshine and blue skies right around the corner is the best excuse to pull together a playlist full of your favourite spring and summer tunes! If you happen to have a Spotify or Apple Music account, you can share your playlist with your friends too, that way everyone can get into the mood alongside you!
6. Refine your relationships
This one can be difficult, but is ultimately worth it in the end. If there are people in your life that seem to be negative or bad influences, this is the perfect time to re-evaluate these relationships. Take a hard look at the people you surround yourself with and ask if they are beneficial and positive to your growth and your life.
At the same time, be thankful for the fulfilling relationships you do have that support and influence positive growth. Hug your friends and significant others and remind them that you are grateful for them — those small acts can go a long way!
7. Incorporate time outdoors
Springtime means better weather and more opportunities to get outside and enjoy it! Whether it be studying at cafes in Uptown or simply going to the Solarium on campus, make the most of the sunshine while it lasts. Go for walks when you can or plan a park/patio date with a friend. Some Vitamin D will do you good no matter what you choose!8. Lastly, make yourself a priority
Springtime doesn’t just mean de-cluttering and getting outdoors — it also means finding the time to refresh and do whatever makes you feel best! Although there is no specific time of year needed to better yourself, take the change of season as a means to do just that. Say goodbye to bad habits and incorporate new, healthier ones. Remember to fill your days with the people and things that make you the happiest, it can make all the difference.
The winter semester may seem to be dragging on, but don’t fret — spring is officially here, and hopefully with these tips you can make this season one to remember!