Spring is just around the corner. The days are longer, the sun is shining and flower buds are popping up everywhere – the perfect time for a spring mental health reset. And yes, March Madness is here.
All signs are pointing to spring and many active oriented thoughts are swirling around your psyche. Winter hibernation (& the Polar Vortex) is almost over and you know you need to activate your lifestyle.
The key to activating your lifestyle is to plan to activate it for success. It is committing to hitting the RESET button on your life. You have power, you are in control of what you do next. You can’t change the past, you can craft your future.
Here are 3 Tips that will help you with a spring mental health RESET:
1. Move More
Take some time to reflect on how you can ‘move more’ every day. Research shows that ‘sitting too much‘ is the new ‘smoking’ i.e. not healthy for you. Commit to being more active a little bit every day. Here are some suggestions – Activate 1 or 2 of them:
- Cut back on Netflix and go for a walk every day after dinner ( alone, with your partner, the kids, a neighbour, the dog);
- Park your car or get off the bus one block sooner than you normally do and walk to work/school.
- Walk up a flight of stairs rather than taking the elevator to the right floor.
- Refrain from emailing a co-worker – get up off your chair and go meet with your co-worker.
- Take your lunch break away from your desk – include a 15 minute walk.
- Join an activity for spring: basketball, tennis, gardening, dance, hiking
2. Get More Sleep
Sleep is necessary for good health. Along with nutrition and exercise, sleep is one of the key building blocks to better health. Too many people today are sleep deprived. It takes planning and motivation to work towards getting 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night. Yes, you need to work towards resetting your sleep routine. It may take you 3-6 weeks to reset your routine so that it is successful for you. Plan for a successful sleep by implementing a routine with the right conditions that will allow you to fall asleep. Start going to bed 15 – 30 minutes earlier, stay away from caffeine in the afternoon, do not eat after 8:00pm, remove electronics from your bedroom, dim your lights, invest in the right bedding that will help you fall asleep. Sleep is gold – focus on making it happen.
3. Be Gentle with Yourself
Accept yourself fully. No one is perfect. Be gentle with yourself, stop criticizing yourself. Take a moment to highlight your positive qualities. These qualities are your strengths – write them all down on paper. Own them. Hang out with people who support you and enjoy your company.
Consciously plan to activate these 3 tips for a spring mental health reset to a happier you. As you work towards incorporating these tips into your life, you will lower your stress and you will discover more enjoyment in your life on a day-to-day basis. If you would like help along your path to fulfillment and self care, get in touch with me.
