It feels like it’s been a particularly dark and dreary start to the year but winter is finally coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. That means lighter and brighter days which can positively affect our mood and stress management. We can amplify this positive change by using our improved motivation to engage in self-care practices regularly.
I know during the winter it’s hard to motivate yourself to do things. Snuggling up under a blanket in front of a fire is much more appealing. The fresh energy of spring gives us an opportunity to review how we have been looking after ourselves and fill any gaps in our wellbeing routine. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. You could just commit to doing things you used to do but fell to the wayside over the winter. If you are looking for ideas on how to lean into the spring energy and pick yourself up, I have a few suggestions.
Self-care practices to reintroduce to your routine for spring
Different people connect to different self-care practices. Give these a go and see how they feel to you. I recommend having a couple of self-care practices you engage with regularly so you are filling your cup in a variety of ways.
Aromatherapy
If you’re looking for something quick, easy and flexible, aromatherapy is a great option. Essential oils work with your brain to switch off stress responses and rebalance your nervous system so you physically and mentally feel better. It can be as simple as lighting an essential oil diffuser in the evenings or keeping a rollerball on your desk for when you feel stressed. Or you can expand your aromatherapy practice by using essential oils alongside meditation and other grounding practices.
I guide you through essential oils and how you can use them in your everyday life in my brand new workshop. A Journey to Relaxation gives you the space to relax, prioritise yourself and learn about aromatherapy. As part of the workshop, you’ll create a personalised essential oil blend and we’ll practice using it as a grounding anchor. Join this self-care session on Saturday 21st March at Drumshallon Forge Heritage Centre.
Mindful movement
Movement isn’t just good for our bodies. It’s also good for our brains! It hones our focus on the present moment, helps us to release stress and creates time that’s just for us. A type of exercise I’m a big fan of is walking. Yes, simply walking. It’s an easy entry point that you can fit into your routine whenever it suits you. The bilateral movement involved in walking is linked to the healthy processing of emotions. I’ve also got into Tai Chi recently for the days when it’s just too rainy to face going out for a walk. I feel like it strengthens me physically and mentally. What kind of movement do you find mindful? How could it fit into the pockets of time you have available?
Mindful breathing
Another accessible grounding anchor is the breath. I’m going to talk about this in the workshop! The breath is a constant that we can connect to at any moment. It’s also linked to our stress response. Just like how our breathing gets faster when we’re panicking, by slowing our breathing, we can slow down the stress response. Combined with essential oils, such as the Relax Rollerball, it’s even more powerful. Breathing in the aromas is the fastest way to feel the calming effects of essential oils. They can support any breathwork exercises you’re doing by relaxing the mind and body.
Meet up with the girls
I went for lunch with a couple of friends the other day and it reminded me of how replenishing it can be to spend time with people who care about you and understand you. So I want to remind you too! Don’t only prioritise running the kids around to their clubs and meet-ups. Plan some of your own so you have that time away connecting with people. It’s a chance to get a new perspective on things, be inspired by what others are up to, and feel encouraged and uplifted.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as I’ve gone through my journey of burnout recovery, learning how to look after myself and starting my own business, it is that what you focus on blooms. So focus on bringing release and lightness into your routine. It doesn’t matter that you got out of the habit of things over winter. Spring is a new start and a new calling to find balance, peace and a place from which you can grow!
If you’re interested in using essential oils to support you, check out our essential oil infused skincare and bodycare products in the Esker Fields shop.