10 Simple Spring Self-Care Tips

How about 10 simple spring self-care tips to get the season started on the right track? Because spring can be a tricky season in many ways.

On the one hand, we eagerly anticipate the season… “Ah, Spring!“

Warmer temperatures, more sunshine, flowers, rebirth, opening, and possibility.

Hooray!

Unfortunately, for many of us this also means seasonal allergies.

Ah-choo!

Itchy and watery eyes, congestion, a scratchy throat, and headaches.

Which can turn an otherwise lovely season into a downright miserable experience.

This makes it a perfect time of year to focus on simple spring self-care tips, especially if your self-care went by the wayside over the winter season.

So let’s get to it!

Here are 10 simple spring self-care tips:

1. Read a new book for enjoyment

Think of a book you’ve been wanting to read for awhile. Don’t choose a title you feel obligated to read. Here’s a hint: If you find yourself thinking, “I really SHOULD read _____” then that is NOT the book for you to choose!

Nope.

Let’s make this book selection all about enjoyment.

Are you a fan of historical fiction? Mysteries? Sci-Fi?

Is a memoir or biography more your speed?

If nothing comes to mind, ask a friend for suggestions, head to the library and chat with a librarian, or check out a relevant podcast for ideas.

In this celebratory season of new life, find an enjoyable new book!

2. place a bottle of water on your nightstand before you go to bed

For the past several months, I’ve realized how dehydrated I am when I wake up in the morning. Turns out, this is super common for a lot of people.

I decided that before having my morning coffee, I’d drink a full glass of water as a way to start re-hydrating. I definitely feel better when I do this regularly.

But I find that the last thing I want first thing in the morning is a cold glass of water. So instead of using our refrigerator water filter which definitely keeps our water cold, I prefer filling up my water bottle the night before and placing it on my nightstand. This way it’s ready for me first thing in the morning, it’s room temperature which is my preference, and it is super convenient.

It’s SO much easier to stick with this new(ish) routine when I take the extra couple of minutes to fill up my water bottle each night.

3. Get outside!

As pleasant weather arrives, head to the park, go on a bike ride, garden, take a hike, or walk around your neighborhood.

Pack a picnic and head somewhere for a local adventure. Pay attention to the signs of spring all around you.

But…

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, be extra gentle and kind to yourself. If you feel icky, make sure to rest whenever you possibly can.

But if there’s a comfortable way for you to enjoy the outdoors, be sure to get outside.

4. Do something creative each day

If you’re saying, “But I’m not creative” then I’ve got one response…

I don’t believe you!

I truly believe that every single human being on this earth is creative.

It’s just a matter of what our unique talents, interests, and experiences combine to produce.

We’re all creative!

Keep this simple. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time, nor does it need to cost a lot of money or add another complication to your life. In as little as ten minutes a day, you can exercise your creativity.

Spend some time sketching, writing, painting, or decorating. Pick up a musical instrument, do some gardening, cook, bake, sing, or dance.

Don’t create with the goal of producing anything particular and for goodness sake, try your best to check your perfectionism and dive headfirst into an activity you enjoy.

Allow your creativity to provide you with some well-deserved self-care.

5. Enjoy fresh, seasonal produce

What fresh produce is currently in season in your area?

Consuming things locally when they are in season means that we usually spend less since we’re buying in season. It also allows us to enjoy produce at its absolute freshest.

Where I live in California, asparagus, artichokes, and peas are in season throughout spring. And the end of the season will bring fresh strawberries and cherries.

Yum!

So if you’re able to, enjoy fresh, seasonal produce to enjoy savings, better flavor, and a sense of connection to your local surroundings.

6. Enjoy your favorite flower(s)

Do you have a favorite flower?

My absolute favorite are tulips.

This means that every spring, I give myself a special treat of (almost) weekly tulips. While this favorite flower of mine doesn’t last long at all, (unlike say, orchids!) the enjoyment I receive having them in the house makes this extra cost worth it.

If you have a favorite flower, buy them, plant them, or enjoy them while you’re out!

7. Practice A FEW MIN OF DEEP BREATHING EACH DAY

Taking the time to pause and take a few deep breaths can help to reset everything.

I mean REALLY stopping to tap into your breath.

When I received my yoga instructor teaching certification in 2010, we spent a lot of time meditating and practicing breathwork. These practices were transformative and continue to be tools I use to this day.

The trick is to get out of shallow, chest breathing and to instead, tap into using the diaphragm.

If this is unfamiliar territory for you, consider trying the following practice:

1. Lay down with your legs bent and your feet on the floor
2. Place your hands on your belly
3. As you breathe in and out, notice if your belly is expanding by lifting up then down. If it isn’t, and your chest is the only thing moving steadily, you aren’t using your diaphragm but just your chest. This means your breathing is shallow and not nearly as deep as it should be.
4. Count for a few seconds as you inhale through your nose
5. Hold for a few seconds as you pause
6. Exhale through your mouth for a few seconds

Feel free to sit if that feels more comfortable for you. You can also change your counting to a lower or higher number depending on what feels best for you.

Taking this time each day to take a few minutes and practice deep breathing is truly transformative.

8. Incorporate background music throughout your day

You might opt for music that is upbeat and energetic. Or maybe you prefer something mellow and soothing.

Sometimes I get so busy and caught up in what I’m doing that I forget how mood-altering music is. Often when I’m having a bad day or engaging in a task I don’t enjoy, playing some background music is just what I need to turn the day around.

Consider playing some background music throughout your day. Anything you find enjoyable will work.

9. Connect with a loved one

Is there a friend or family member you’d like to connect with that you haven’t seen for awhile?

Life can get so busy and overwhelming with our day to day tasks that our relationships can suffer if we’re not intentional about prioritizing them.

If you’re able to get together in person, what a huge bonus! But if all you can manage right now is some form of virtual connection, don’t let this keep you from reaching out.

Who could you call, text, or email today?

10. practice Daily gratitude – One thing each day

Gratitude is the single greatest tool I know for recognizing the beauty and abundance in our lives.

I know some people keep detailed journals and other people write down three things they are grateful for each day. I think these are beautiful practices but they’ve never worked long term for me.

While I love writing, I’ve never been much of a journal gal. And at times in my life, coming up with three things to be grateful for has been tough.

But one thing each day?

Now that is doable!

I have a small journal on my nightstand where I keep my gratitude journal and a pen. Each day, (it doesn’t matter what time) I write down one thing I’m grateful for.

If I miss a day, no biggie. I just add an extra entry the next time I open up my journal.

If I write the same thing down three days in a row, that’s not a problem either. As long as I’m genuinely grateful for what I’ve written down, I’m playing by the rules.

My dog’s sweet face. The super-soft blanket I snuggle up with. A book I’m reading. The sound of the rain outside. My husband’s sense of humor. A favorite candle. Twinkle lights. Seeing a double rainbow. My son’s laugh. My daughter’s creativity. A favorite show.

There are no rules about what is worthy of being grateful for. Just choose something that you are genuinely grateful for.

Be sure to check out simple self-care tips for the other three seasons too!

• 10 Simple Summer Self Care Tips
• 10 Simple Fall Self Care Tips
• 10 Simple Winter Self Care Tips

OK, so now it’s YOUR turn! Are there any spring self-care tips you’d like to share? Reply in the comments below; I’d love to know what they are!