Spring Stress Relief Ideas for 2023
There's something to be said for winter. It's peak sweater weather, after all, and the holidays bring a time of gratitude and comfort. Once the holidays are over, though, we may start to feel that winter is just dragging on. Snow days are now just an inconvenience rather than a magical excuse to stay in with hot cocoa. The winter chill that made us want to cozy up is now getting in the way of enjoying the outdoor activities we're itching to do. While we're not here to hate on winter, we do think it's fair to say that spring can never come soon enough.
Spring is a time for new beginnings. With the cold and gray of winter starting to give way to sunnier days, spring is definitely the season that gives us all a little added pep in our step. Given that this season is all about freshness, from the blooming flowers to spring cleaning to refreshing our wardrobes with some breezy cotton sundresses, spring is also a great time to de-stress and clear our minds. With many of us spending the winter cooped up inside, it's more important than ever to take time out for some much-deserved self-care. Read on for some spring 2023 stress relief ideas that we hope you'll love.
Go on a Hike
Getting outside in nature and moving our bodies is a great way to de-stress. While having an at-home workout routine or going on regular walks around the neighborhood are both great ways to stay active, planning a long or simply beautiful hike can really be a game-changer for our moods. We think that hikes are the most fun with family or a friend, but you can decide which walking buddies to include. If possible, opt for a trail that has a nice view at the end, or a loop that goes by a body of water like a creek, and come prepared so this outing can truly be stress-free. Plan your route, don't overexert yourself (this is supposed to be relaxing, after all!), pack a few snacks, bring extra sunscreen, and, because spring weather can be somewhat unpredictable, stick a waterproof packable jacket in your backpack.
Organize Your Space
Some people find cleaning relaxing, while others find it to be an added stressor. So, instead of putting spring cleaning on our list, we're going to call it spring organizing. For this activity, you'll want to start by choosing a room in your house that might be stressing you out. Maybe your home office has become a bit hectic, or your kitchen is just feeling blah, or your bedroom is overdue for an upgrade. While such household projects can feel daunting, it's better to tackle them head-on to get them out of our headspace, so we can focus on the things that matter (like choosing springtime recipes to try or making plans for summer).
Once you have picked out the space, save the project for a rainy spring day and find reasons to get excited about it, like opting for pretty seagrass baskets for storage in your home office, or adding fun touches like a dried wildflower bouquet after you make room on that cluttered shelf you've been avoiding.
Plan a Spa Day
This one might feel a bit obvious, but there's a good reason that so many of us equate a spa day with stress relief. For this pampering session, we highly recommend opting to stay home. While going to a spa can feel oh-so-luxurious, something about an at-home spa day can really be the pinnacle of relaxation because you don't have to deal with things like appointments or finding parking.
For a perfect at-home spa day, start by ensuring everyone in your household knows that you're taking this time out for you and that you won't be available. Put a sign on the bathroom door, text the kids—whatever you need to do to get this point across so everyone knows you're serious. From there, fill a clean tub with some relaxing essential oils or bubble bath, light a few candles, dim the lights, and soak for as long as you want. For an added touch, crank up your favorite music app and play some springtime sounds (think birds chirping, a babbling brook, or wind in the leaves). After you're ready to get out of the bath (if this time ever comes!), simply step into your favorite women's robe and move on to your next self-care activity, like a nice calming face mask or a lavender foot soak.
These are just a few simple ideas for relieving stress and improving your mood this spring. With so much to look forward to with this seasonal shift, you'll be glad you took the time out to clear your mind and enjoy the season before summer gets into full swing.