Any time is the right time to adopt healthy habits, but taking advantage of the benefits of a new season can motivate a change. Habits of any kind, but especially healthy ones, always take a little more intention, a sprinkle more accountability, and some environmental factors to really stick.
Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the gentle reemergence of natural beauty. Whereas winter can feel like a season for hibernation, springtime fosters a return of energy and motivation.
We’re also well past the chaos of the winter holidays. There is sometimes less temptation in the spring as well—we haven’t yet hit the summer season of barbecues, pool parties, and family vacations. So people (at least theoretically!) can exert more influence on their day-to-day schedules and choices. It makes the timing very ripe for implementing those habits you’ve been eyeing for awhile.
In this opportunity for more downtime, people can not only take time to reflect on what they want operating differently in their lives, but can also carve out some time to make that happen.
Our St. Louis therapists offer four healthy habits for your mental health to revisit this spring:
Make walking part of your daily routine
With spring upon us, getting into the habit of reaching your daily step goal feels more manageable: it’s typically pretty temperate out, it can be easy to find buddies to join you, and the daylight hours are adequate. If you need an extra nudge, switch your next therapy session at Marble Wellness to park therapy, where you and your therapist will walk and talk. Take care of your mind and your body at the same time!
Prioritize a consistent bedtime routine
We’ve moved past the change to daylight savings time and days are getting longer. It can be tempting to let your bedtime inch later and later, but prioritizing sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. Stick to a set bedtime and start to train yourself to be getting those 7+ hours of sleep each night.
Pick up a new hobby, and engage in that hobby a few times a week
So many of our therapists’ clients don’t have much that they do outside of work, family, and social obligations. It means that so many of us don’t know how to engage in actual leisure time, which can be a protective factor against burnout, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Spring can be the ideal time to try out an outdoor activity like biking or hiking.
Or if indoor activities are more your speed, reading, crafting, or puzzles are just a few options. Take a stroll through a craft store and see what catches your eye! Try out a few things. And remember: you don’t have to be good at whatever you choose, you just have to enjoy it!
Cook at home
Okay, we know. A lot of people don’t really like cooking. And trust us, we get it. It can feel daunting and time-consuming and it’s hard to find the motivation. But spring can be a time to practice the art of cooking. That kind of cooking CAN be enjoyable. It also increases the likelihood that you are eating nutrient-dense foods (which is fantastic for your mental health), saving money (less financial stress is a big win), AND getting another hobby. Win-win-win.
Cooking in the spring is even more enjoyable as farmer’s markets return and the produce section of the grocery store has more in-season fruits and vegetables. You can start small; grab a cookbook or check out a new food blog and choose one recipe to try this week.
Making small changes can have a big impact on your overall health.
You don’t have to reach all four of these goals at once. Pick one category to focus on this week, then add on each week after that. These simple tips will help you have a healthy spring season and empower you to create lasting habits through the whole year.
Spring is the perfect time to consider adding therapy to your healthy practices. Our team at Marble Wellness is ready to help you reach your goals year-long. Whether meeting your therapist in our Ballwin office, virtually from home, or in Queeny Park for park therapy, we look forward to seeing you soon.
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Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
Counseling services designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life.
St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of therapists have a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. We can also help new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
Chicago
Our Chicago team of therapists offer a wide range of mental health services to help our clients through the different challenges and hurdles in their life. In addition to anxiety, depression, grief, therapy for men, and maternal overwhelm, we are specialized in professional burnout, therapy for breakups, and love partnering with working moms.
