Wellbeing: Spring-clean your body and mind

Warmer weather, blooming bulbs, and leaping lambs - spring has officially arrived! And so, as we wave goodbye to the cold, dark, days of winter and warmly welcome the beaming sunshine, what better time to recharge your body, boost your wellbeing, and give yourself a seasonal makeover.

Not sure where to begin? Simply follow our self-care tips and you’ll be blooming with the flowers this season.

A fresh lease of life
Bored of this monotonous routine you’ve fallen into and can’t seem to shake? Let’s take a second look at that skill set. Learning something new has a variety of benefits, from boosting your self-esteem and increasing your confidence, to providing you with a sense of purpose. So, time to throw caution to the wind and join that Salsa class you’ve been fancying since the very first episode of Strictly Come Dancing! Be brave and get out there - you’ll be feeling like your fabulous self again in no time.

Step away from the screen
Even when we aren’t at work, we constantly find ourselves plugged into several social media platforms, accessing emails and texting throughout the day – and it’s draining! We think it’s time for a digital detox! Why not take this weekend to just switch off. When possible, turn off your mobile, avoid electronic devices, and get in tune with yourself. Ferris Bueller pretty much sums it up - “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Why so serious?
Take a moment and ask yourself – “What makes me happy? What brings me joy?” Maybe it’s singing in the rain? Walking your golden retriever? Or firing up the BBQ in your back garden? Whatever it is, get those feel-good hormones flowing by doing something that makes you smile – every day.

Clear the clutter
Need more breathing room? We hear you! It’s time for a sort through. Having order helps us feel happier and in control. A clear-out will encourage you to make active decisions about what belongs in your life. It’s about focusing on what matters to you – an opportunity to release not only material clutter but emotional clutter too. Donate, recycle, or sell your unwanted items. Ask yourself “does this bring me joy?” If the answer is ‘no’, you know what to do!

Refresh your workspace
Whether you’re at home, or at the office, make sure you have a quiet, dedicated place to work that supports productivity. File any paper, give your desk a wipe, and remove any clutter. And don’t neglect your digital clutter! Just like an overflowing email inbox, an overloaded computer desktop is distracting and tough to navigate.

Top tip: Simply adding a plant to your workspace, can help reduce stress, boost creativity, and make you more productive! Who else is heading to the garden centre this weekend?

Body movin'
We know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but regular exercise really can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Try and be active every single day – every minute counts! An adult’s goal should be at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This will help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and keep your weight at a healthy level. If you are inactive, just start slow and break this down into manageable sessions.

Why not search for new and exciting ways of staying active as a family? Dancing, roller skating, swimming, or cycling are all fantastic forms of cardio – and great fun too!

I will walk 500 miles
Change is in the air; Spring is encouraging us to set some goals and come alive. Feeling optimistic about the future is important for our happiness. We all need goals to motivate us and these need to be challenging enough to excite us, but also achievable. Don’t attempt the impossible, this will just bring unnecessary stress! Choosing ambitious but realistic goals gives our lives direction and brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when we complete them.

So, what are you waiting for? Think of a goal you're aiming for and do one thing to get started. Make a call, fill in that form, or just tell others about it - take that first step!

Fresh food feast
Improve your heart and brain health by eating a nutritious balanced diet. Ditch all those stodgy beige foods and opt for a vibrant rainbow. Eating the correct foods provides us with plenty of energy to stay fit and active, and helps us enjoy life to the full. On your next trip to the supermarket, load that trolley with brightly coloured fruit and veggies, such as kale, spinach, beetroot, and rhubarb. Not only are they jampacked with flavour and heart-healthy nutrients, but they are also super versatile!