If you’re anything like how I used to be the idea of changing your day-to-day schedule sounds not only daunting but also unnecessary however last Spring I made a change in how I live and the mindset I choose to enter everyday with. As March is sailing by it is time to look forward to warmer weather and new beginnings as Spring is just around the corner. Traditionally associated with the imagery and symbolism of starting anew the season of Spring provides ample reason to make important changes in the way you live. Here are some top tips that can positively impact your daily life.
Spring Cleaning
The idea of Spring Cleaning can be traced back as far as the Persian New Year, whilst others believe that the origins lie within the ancient Jewish practice of Passover where Jewish followers would thoroughly clean their homes in anticipation of the springtime festival. You don’t have to be a staunch believer in Fung Shui to acknowledge that tidying and cleaning can have a drastic impact on your happiness. In fact there has been a direct link between people living in cluttered homes and depression and fatigue1. Other studies have found that a cluttered home can lead to a lack of concentration and an inability to complete simple tasks efficiently. The very basic principle of Spring Cleaning is regaining control and asserting that control over your life1 and home which I’m sure after the last two years is something we are all in dire need of. As well as improving mental health, cleaning can also help you destress. A Clorox study from 2018 claimed that just one extra hour of cleaning per week can increase levels of happiness by 53%2. It’s clear to see that Spring cleaning can provide a much-needed sense of control in these tumultuous times as well as a new found enthusiasm that Spring Cleaning can supply. Here at Alliance Online we stock some of the finest UK cleaning product manufacturers, browse our range for more.
Exercise and Warm Weather
It has been well documented there is no better time to exercise and get fit then Spring time3. With an emphasis on the warm weather, the ideal time to get in shape and exercise is the beginning of spring. Whilst it is well known that exercise and fresh air can increase joy and wellbeing exercise is also an excellent way of reinventing yourself3. If this sounds like you will need to get a dietician and a Peloton bike don’t worry this isn’t the case, most people will largely benefit from simple walks or jogs every so often3. The warm spring weather also has a large impact on happiness as warm weather stimulates a release of endorphins which can positively affect our mood. This is a stark contrast from Winter where darker days lead to the release of serotonin and melatonin which makes the average person sleepier, lethargic and less sociable3. So how does this relate to new beginnings? The premise is quite straight forward that to reinvent your mind and attitude you must first reinvent the way you live and eat, finding new active hobbies that will provide an increase in happiness and joy as well as an improvement in your physical well-being. If you are unsure as to where to start, we at Alliance Online would urge you to browse our range of exercise and healthy lifestyle essentials from Brita Fill-and-Go water bottles to the Deb Stokoderm Sun Protect 30 Pure UV Skin Protection Cream that is an essential for warmer weather conditions.
Important Changes
The most important changes that should be prioritised when changing your mindset and outlook are the 3H’s:
- Hobbies
- Happiness
- Hopes
The first and foremost change that you should make for the beginning of spring should be changing or starting new active hobbies. Don’t panic, this doesn’t mean joining your local marathon running club (unless you want to) it can be a lot simpler such as riding a bike once every week or joining a walking club with other people. Remember the main aim of starting a hobby is to change your mindset and outlook and the best way to accomplish this is through meeting other people and doing regular exercises in the fresh Spring air.
The happiness aspect will change once you have started new hobbies. Happiness comes in many forms and can have different meanings for an individual. But in the context of Spring it is important to note that one of the best ways of improving your general well-being mentally and physically is through exercise whilst another would be spring cleaning which as mentioned earlier can lead to less depression and fatigue. For some people baking and cooking can be a relaxant that can improve your health and mental wellbeing. We understand that happiness isn’t a switch that can be turned on and off and appreciate that this is a process that takes time but there is no better time to start this journey than Spring.
The final step in the process is the creating goals and aspirations for yourself to accomplish, this can be short-term or long-term5. It is dependent on the individual; we recommend creating both. A short-term goals plan for Spring can be brilliant paving for the road to an adjustment in mindset. For Spring this year it would be exceptionally beneficial for the reader to create both short-term and long-term goals which can be checkpoints for your progress in changing your mentality5. Here at Alliance Online we appreciate any apprehension or worries that could be faced when knowing where to start, to help have a browse through our cleaning section or peruse our cooking and baking section.
Sociable Activities
One of the greatest ways of improving your happiness and self-esteem is by becoming more sociable. If you’re wondering well, how do I become more sociable? Don’t fret there are simple steps and activities that can be done this Spring that will massively improve your mindset. One of these being picnics with friends. Like I previously mentioned the warm Spring weather and fun activities with friends can be an excellent way of changing your mindset and improving mental health. Other social activities that can be partaken in during Spring are the previously discusses hobbies. There is no better way this spring to improve mental wellbeing and Covid-19 fatigue than joining a leisure club or team. Effectively killing 2 birds with 1 stone, hobbies provide much needed interpersonal social interactions whilst also delivering exercise and the benefits of warm weather. This reaffirms the notion of Spring being the ideal season for new beginnings. With a wide range of party and picnic essentials we at Alliance Online would highly recommend for your to browse our website6.
Gardening
There aren’t many times during the year when people can attend to their gardens appropriately especially in the UK. Our persistent unfortunate weather can often be unforgiving during the winter and autumn months making it especially important that we take full advantage of Spring to properly allow our gardens to flourish. Now if gardening isn’t your cup of tea, we get it. The gardening process can often be very time-consuming and wearing that most people just don’t have enough time or energy for. This can be avoided by simply acquiring a house plant or desk plant, remember the premise of this is that you are consistently attending to another living being such as a plant. This provides an individual with a constant presence in their life like a hobby. It is widely accepted that the best time to maintain or start gardening is in Spring. Here at Alliance Online we understand the importance Spring has in terms of gardening and how gardening can reinvigorate a person’s mentality.
At Alliance Online we understand that during Spring it remains as important and critical as it does all year round that we respect the Coronavirus guidelines that are imposed. To experience Spring to the fullest we recommend browsing the Alliance Online website for the suggestions made in the article.
References
1. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496
2. https://www.bhg.com/news/cleaning-makes-you-happy-study/
3. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10798/6-reasons-why-exercise-makes-you-happy.html
4. https://www.trueself.com/great-new-hobbies-to-try-out-in-the-spring-2651134620.html
5. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/goal-setting-the-why-behind-the-what.html
6. https://www.allianceonline.co.uk/home/homewares/picnic.html
