Spring showed up on my street this morning. Tiny buds on the maple trees! I spotted them on my walk and got way too excited about a few green dots.
Isn’t it weird how fast spring changes us? Literally overnight. A couple days ago I was happy as a clam in my sweats watching Netflix. Today, I’m obsessed with washing windows and keep staring at my disaster of a closet thinking “Today’s the day I finally fix you.” My mood shifts with the season like clockwork. More daylight = sudden cleaning urges. Every. Single. Year.
Our bodies are synced with nature whether we admit it or not. The world wakes up, and boom – so do we. It’s why we suddenly crave salads after months of comfort food. Why we get the urge to purge our stuff and plant things and maybe actually use that gym membership. Spring is just nature’s reset button. And you don’t even have to tell me, I know you, too, feel like hitting that button at the first signs of spring.
Ready to channel that spring energy into something meaningful? Here are some simple ways to refresh your life along with the season…
Spring Cleaning (That Actually Makes a Difference)
Spring cleaning sometimes gets a bad rap as this massive, overwhelming project. But really? It’s just about clearing space for what matters in this new season of your life.
I like to start in the kitchen because the payoff is so immediate. Pull everything out of your pantry and be ruthless. Those random ingredients you bought for that one recipe you never made again? The five partially used bags of different flours? The spices you can’t even remember buying?
Time to let them go.
Start with one cabinet or drawer if tackling everything feels overwhelming. Small victories build momentum, and suddenly you’re on a roll.
Your closet likely needs attention too. We all have clothes we’re holding onto for someday – that magical day when we’ll suddenly love that shirt we never really liked when we bought it three years ago.
Here’s my rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn it in a year AND it doesn’t bring you joy when you look at it, it’s time for it to find a new home. Also worth asking: does this item actually fit the life I’m building, or am I keeping it for some imaginary future version of myself? Someone else might absolutely love that sweater you always feel “meh” about.
The digital clutter in our lives can be just as draining as physical stuff. Take an hour to clear out your phone. Delete those apps you downloaded and used once. Sort through photos (after backing them up) and only keep the ones that make you smile. Unsubscribe from those email lists that make you feel inadequate every time they land in your inbox.
Ever notice how clearing your counters somehow clears your mind too? It’s no coincidence. That random pile of mail and receipts you keep shuffling from spot to spot? It’s stealing mental energy every time you look at it. Your brain is quietly tracking all that stuff, keeping little tabs on “deal with this later” that add up fast. When you finally sort through it (or let’s be honest, sometimes just toss it), your mind gets to cross it off the mental checklist. Suddenly your brain can focus on stuff that’s actually important. It’s like giving your brain permission to think about something better.
Your entryway needs attention too, after months of winter traffic. Clear out heavy coats and boots now that you don’t need them daily. Wipe down door frames and baseboards where winter salt and mud have collected. A fresh doormat makes a surprising difference – both for catching spring mud and as a clean welcome for the new season. Don’t forget to look up and clean light fixtures where the dust is suddenly visible in spring’s brighter light.
If you’re ready to tackle your own spring refresh but aren’t sure where to start, check out Good Housekeeping’s Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist for a Tidier Home. Having a well-structured plan makes the whole process less overwhelming and ensures you don’t miss those easily forgotten spots.
Getting Your Body Ready for Summer Fun
Winter does a number on our bodies. More comfort food, less movement, and basically no sunshine for months. By spring, most of us feel a bit… sluggish.
Your skin probably looks as tired as you feel after months of indoor heating and cold, dry air. Time for some TLC! I’m all about simple solutions – mix some sugar with olive oil for a quick scrub that does the job without the fancy price tag. Then slather on a good moisturizer like you mean it. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re not dealing with alligator legs in shorts season.
Drinking more water makes a massive difference this time of year. I know, I know – most boring advice ever. But it works! Jazz it up if plain water makes you want to take a nap – fresh cucumber and mint turns regular water into something you’ll actually want to drink. Plus you can pretend you’re at a spa instead of just meeting basic human needs.
About movement – you don’t need to go crazy here. Nobody’s saying run a marathon tomorrow. Just find small ways to remind your body it’s not actually part of your couch. Maybe a quick walk after dinner. Or stretching while waiting for your morning coffee. I started with ten minutes of literally anything, and now it’s one of my favourite parts of the day – just walking around the neighbourhood watching everything turn green again.
Your feet have been hiding in boots for months, and they’ll be front and center soon. Give them some TLC with a simple home pedicure – a warm soak with some Epsom salts, a gentle scrub, and your favourite moisturizer before bed. Sleep with socks on after applying lotion for extra softness. This isn’t just about looks – taking care of your feet prevents painful cracks and calluses when sandal season hits. Plus, there’s something deeply relaxing about paying attention to a part of your body that carries you through every day but rarely gets appreciated.
Plant Something Green
Every single August, someone tells me they wish they’d planted something in the spring. Don’t be that person!
You don’t need a huge garden plot to grow things. A few pots on a windowsill, balcony, or doorstep can give you fresh herbs all summer. Basil, mint, and rosemary are particularly forgiving for beginners (and I should know, as the person who has killed multiple “impossible to kill” plants).
If you have actual outdoor space, now’s the time to plan. Even a small raised bed or a few containers can produce a surprising amount of food. Just focus on things you actually eat – there’s no point growing tons of zucchini if you hate zucchini.
Not into vegetables? Flowers feed your soul in a different way. I’m a huge fan of pollinator gardens – plants that support local bees and butterflies. They’re beautiful, AND you get to feel smug about helping the environment. Win-win.
Serial plant killer? Start with something that refuses to die – like pothos or snake plants. They can survive weeks without water and still look perfectly fine. For outdoor success without effort, throw some sunflower or marigold seeds in dirt and watch what happens. Getting just one plant to survive does wonders for your gardening confidence.
Refresh Your Social Life
Winter does a number on friendships. We all get it – nobody wants to bundle up and brave the cold just to grab dinner when Netflix and sweatpants are right there. Those “we should get together soon” texts pile up while actual plans don’t happen. By February, you might realize you haven’t actually seen your favourite people in months.
Spring changes everything. There’s something about sunshine that makes us crave actual human connection again. This is your chance to send that text – nothing fancy, just “Finally warm enough to sit outside somewhere – free this weekend?” No need to explain your winter disappearing act. Trust me, they’ve been hiding out too. Everyone’s ready to emerge from their caves right about now.
Think about joining something new this spring. It’s the perfect season to try activities that get you outside with others – hiking groups that explore trails as they reawaken, community garden projects just getting started, or recreational sports leagues forming for the season. Having something regular on the calendar ensures you’ll actually make those social connections while enjoying the freshness of spring.
And look ahead at summer weekends now – yes, NOW – before they fill up with other people’s weddings and events. Plan a couple of simple gatherings, even just a casual cookout or picnic. Having dates on the calendar gives everyone something to look forward to.
But don’t schedule every second! One of summer’s greatest joys is those unplanned afternoons with nowhere to be. Block out some “no plans” time on your calendar now, before the season gets overbooked.
Making the Most of Spring
Spring gives us perfect weather before summer’s heat kicks in. Here are some easy ways to enjoy it.
Take your morning coffee outside. Even ten minutes sitting on your porch or steps with that first cup can change your whole morning. You’ll notice birds returning and neighbours emerging that you haven’t seen all winter.
Refresh your home without spending much. Switch out a few darker items for lighter colours. Move plants to sunnier spots as the light changes. Open different windows than you did in winter to create new cross-breezes through your home.
Eat outside whenever you can. Regular meals feel special when moved to a balcony, porch, or even just a blanket in a patch of grass. Food tastes better in fresh air, and conversations linger longer without walls around them.
Add spring touches to your entry. A simple vase of branches or spring flowers by your door reminds you that the season’s changed every time you come home. Swap out any winter decorations for lighter, brighter options.
Put down your phone and look around more. The time you’d spend scrolling through the same feeds could be spent watching clouds move or noticing which neighbours have daffodils popping up. Real life is happening right outside.
Bring spring scents inside. Open windows whenever possible to catch that fresh-air smell that only happens this time of year. Simmer a pot with lemon slices and herbs instead of using artificial air fresheners. Or just grab a bunch of hyacinths or lilacs when they bloom – one $5 bunch can make your whole house smell amazing for days.
Create a playlist that feels like spring to you. Music that matches the mood of open windows and longer days makes even regular chores feel fresher as the season unfolds.
Try seasonal drinks beyond just coffee. Spring herbs like mint and basil make amazing sun teas or simple syrups for drinks. Even just adding cucumber or strawberry slices to your water feels like a tiny celebration of the season.
Bring back lunch breaks outside. Even 15 minutes sitting on a bench or wall near your workplace with a sandwich changes your whole afternoon. The midday sun feels especially good after winter, and actually stepping away from your desk resets your brain in ways that scrolling while eating never does.
Embracing Spring’s Natural Rhythms
Winter locks us into these really rigid routines – dragging ourselves out of bed when it’s pitch black, forcing gym sessions because who wants to jog in freezing rain, and sticking to the same boring meals because fresh options are practically non-existent. But spring? Spring messes with all that structure in the best possible way.
Are you waking up before your alarm these days? Your body’s just picking up on the changing daylight. Instead of fighting it, just go with it. Those early morning minutes are perfect for quiet thinking or actually drinking your coffee while it’s still hot. We’ve been tuning into seasonal changes way longer than we’ve had alarm clocks. Don’t fight what your body’s trying to tell you. Use this time to add something extra to your daily routine.
Sleep gets weird too. The same eight hours feels completely different as the balance of light and dark shifts. Most of us need slightly less sleep as spring rolls in, but it’s better quality. Even though nights are getting shorter, the sleep we get often feels more restful. Paying attention to when you’re actually tired versus just following winter’s early bedtime helps you tune into your body’s changing rhythms.
Your energy hits different now as well. That 3pm crash that felt absolutely inevitable all winter suddenly isn’t so brutal. Pay attention to when you’re actually focused now versus a month ago – I bet it’s shifted. Moving your important stuff into these natural energy peaks makes everything feel less like pushing a boulder uphill.
And food? The heavy comfort meals that felt absolutely necessary in January suddenly seem… excessive. Your body just naturally starts wanting lighter options as things warm up. It’s not about forcing salads when you want pasta – it’s about noticing when your cravings naturally shift with the season.
Even how we hang out changes. Conversations don’t end just because it’s dark at 5pm anymore. Spontaneous “want to grab a drink after work?” texts feel doable again. The hibernation that seemed totally normal in winter suddenly feels unnecessary. Following these natural expansions in your social world means connections that don’t require a calendar invite six weeks in advance.
Movement stops feeling so forced. Winter workouts require straight-up commitment (and sometimes bribery), but spring just naturally gets us moving. You catch yourself taking the long way home, stretching randomly throughout the day, or bouncing between inside and outside without thinking about it. All these tiny movements add up without the grind of winter’s “must exercise or feel guilty” vibe.
Spring isn’t demanding anything extra from you. It’s just quietly shifting your internal settings while you’re busy making other plans. All those tiny changes you’ve been feeling? They’re supposed to happen. When you finally drop winter’s strict rulebook and just go with what feels good right now, you’ll stop second-guessing every little thing. Your body’s been handling seasons since forever—maybe it’s smarter about this stuff than your brain gives it credit for.
Embracing Spring’s Natural Rhythms
Spring isn’t just for cleaning out closets and planting flowers. It’s a perfect time to plant some new intentions for yourself too.
Think about how trees spend all winter gathering strength before they push out new leaves. We do the same thing. All those quiet winter thoughts and realizations? They’re ready to turn into real changes now.
What’s been growing in your mind these past few months? What ideas or changes are you ready to bring to life?
Take a moment to think about what really matters to you right now. Instead of trying to change everything at once (which never works anyway), focus on one or two things that feel most important. Real growth happens when you put your energy where it counts.
A new season calls for a new, updated vision board. Visualizing what you want to create this spring can help clarify which goals actually deserve your time and energy. When you see your intentions displayed visually, it becomes easier to recognize which pursuits genuinely light you up versus those you think you “should” be doing.
Remember that everyone blooms at their own pace. Some flowers pop up in early spring, while others take their sweet time. Neither one is wrong – they’re just following their own timeline. Your growth works the same way.
Don’t rush yourself just because someone else seems to be moving faster.
Things grow better when they’ve got what they need. Plants won’t do much in crappy soil with no water, and honestly, we’re not that different. You need your version of good soil too – maybe that’s actual sleep, people who don’t drain you, or just some breathing room in your day.
As spring rolls on, do a gut check now and then. Ask yourself – is all this running around getting me anywhere I actually want to go? Or am I just busy because everyone else is? There’s a difference between movement and progress. That quick “wait, what am I doing?” moment can save you from spending spring spinning your wheels on stuff that doesn’t actually matter to you.
Growing with Purpose This Spring
As the world wakes up around you, pay attention to what’s naturally capturing your interest. What activities are you drawn to? What spaces in your home suddenly bother you? What foods are you craving? These instincts often point toward exactly what you need in this season.
Maybe you feel called to create more beauty through planting flowers. Maybe your body craves movement after winter’s stillness. Maybe connections with certain people feel particularly important right now.
Follow those gentle nudges. Spring has a wisdom all its own, and aligning with its energy of renewal makes change feel more natural and less forced.
Start small. Stay consistent. Be kind to yourself in the process. Remember that in nature, growth happens gradually – a little each day, not all at once.
The trees don’t pressure themselves to produce full-grown leaves overnight. Seeds don’t criticize themselves for the time they spend developing roots underground before anything is visible. They simply follow their natural rhythms, trusting the process.
You can approach your own renewal the same way. Trust that small, consistent steps in a positive direction add up to meaningful change over time. Trust that this season of growth is supporting you in ways you might not even fully recognize yet.
What small step are you feeling drawn to this spring? What seed are you planting – literally or figuratively – as the world wakes up around you? I’d love to hear what’s coming alive for you in this season of possibilities! Join the discussion here.
Ready to take your seasonal growth to the next level? Check out the Seasonal Glow-Up Journey! A full year of self-improvement with support and accountability. The most transformative year of your life!
