As we come out of hibernation and head into spring, you might be feeling the effects of the season – a desire for newness, freshness, rejuvenation. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut or just want to try mixing things up, now is the perfect time to spring clean your wellness routine.
For four top tips in this area, we turned to Tara Stiles, global yoga expert and author of Clean Mind, Clean Body: A 28 Day Plan for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Self-Care.
Tip #1: Get Outside
“It’s hard to quantify the power of getting outside,” says Stiles. “Even a walk for a few minutes while leaving your phone at home – or at least in your bag – has the power to change your whole day, mood and well-being for the better.”
She suggests making getting outside a regular activity.
“Take advantage of your local parks, trails, or even walk around your neighbourhood a few times each day. It sounds so simple, but we all feel better when we spend regular time outside, and it’s free!”
Tip #2: Connect and Reflect
“With the change of each season it’s nice to take time to connect with yourself, reflect on where you’ve been and where you are headed,” Stiles says. “Make some time for quiet reflection. Sit in silence for 20 or 30 minutes a day without looking at your phone or a screen. Just be with yourself and see what comes up. Having a practice of reflection can put you in a state of gratitude and help direct your actions with purpose.”
Tip #3: Commit to Your Practice
Stiles suggests making a decision this spring to commit to a regular practice of moving your body in a mindful way.
“Something wonderful about the internet is the instant access to almost any form of fitness led by instructors you admire from all around the world,” Stiles says, adding that “making a regular commitment to do your practice every day, or at least several times a week, will almost certainly change your life for the better.”
Tip #4: Head to the Picnic Table
Now that it’s not so cold, why not eat outside more often?
“Grab a picnic basket and head to the front yard, porch or local park,” says Stiles. “Being in nature is great for your gut health among loads of other physical and emotional benefits. Taking your lunch or dinner breaks now that the sun is staying later is a great way to unwind and create healthy boundaries with consuming information on a screen and soaking in goodness from nature.”