Spring is almost here, which means making space for more daylight, warmer days, and—you guessed it—spring cleaning. If you’re like me, you’re revamping your closet and giving the bathroom a solid scrub-down. While our homes are top of mind and get all the TLC when it comes to cleaning, there is another area in our lives that could use a good tidying up with the change in seasons: our wellness routines. Just like we are organizing and decluttering our space with the transition to spring, we should refresh our well-being routines too!
Spring Clean Your Skin Routine
The first order of business is clearing out any out-of-date products. Not sure how long you’ve had your moisturizer or that one face mask someone gave you for Christmas a few years ago? Any products that have a strange smell or color or the oils have separated, it’s a safe bet that it’s past its prime.
A new season calls for a reset in how we care for our skin. Soon the days of wind burn and freezing your nostrils will be gone. Switch up your heavy cream or oil cleanser that got you through dry winter nights with a gel-based alternative or lighter lotion. Remember we should be wearing sunscreen every day, but now especially since you will be spending more time outside!
Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine
The first thing to upgrade is how you’re working out. Whether your workout space is your living room or an actual gym, spring is the time to switch things up. Sweating it out at home? Add a new piece of equipment to make your workouts more versatile (I will be getting a set of Bala bangles this spring). Craving the energy of working out among other people? Barre classes or a gym membership may be something to think about.
Also, warmer weather means bringing your workout outdoors. Whether that is just getting outside for walk (almost hot girl walk season), going for a run, or bringing your yoga mat outside, exercising alfresco can do wonders for your body and mental well-being. I challenge you to spend some time outside every day (once the snow melts and the temps reach above 50).
Lastly, I’m here to tell you it’s time to say good bye to that overstretched sports bra that’s been in the back of your drawer for way too long. For me, a cute workout fit gives me major motivation to move my body. Treat yourself to a new workout set – Fabletics is my go to!
Spring Clean Your Diet
When we’re in hibernation mode during winter, our bodies crave comfort food, but now, you’re probably starting to crave something fresher and lighter. But tune out the voices that tell you to go on a cleanse, and instead eat seasonally. The best place to start? Your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Purge any expired foods that don’t make you feel your best. Then, restock your kitchen with lighter fare that will fuel your body.
Head to the farmers market and reach for vegetables like leafy greens or asparagus and fruits like strawberries and kiwis. When you plan your meals around local, in-season produce, you’ll not only get more nutritional value out of them but also a few extra dollars in your pocket.
Spring Clean Your Self Care
Don’t forget the “self” in self-care: reflect on your self-care practices and ask yourself if they serve you or if you’re doing them because you saw them on TikTok. Self-care is personal and doesn’t have to be extravagant, and it can be a daily practice or just something you do occasionally, like bringing a new plant into your space, lighting a candle, taking a day off of work, or having a night in and Grubhub-ing pizza. My form of self-care? Some days, it’s getting lost in a book, going for a walk listening to a podcast, calling my mom, and every now and then, it’s indulging in a facial and a mani/pedi.
Spring Clean Your Schedule
Spoiler alert: For those of us that struggle with FOMO, this one is especially for us! With warmer days on the horizon, it may be tempting to pack your calendar with social events, but think about whether you’re spreading yourself too thin with too many commitments.
Do you have trouble shutting off work and not checking emails over the weekend? Turn off email/Slack notifications on the weekends so you won’t even see them until Monday. All in all: Use this new season to take a step back and look at your calendar. That goes for both your personal life and work.
Spring Clean Your Finances
Now is a good a time to review your financial goals and reevaluate any expenses that may be keeping you from staying on budget. Especially since it is tax season, I alway use this time to go over my finances and budget. Come up with an updated plan to pay off debt, check your credit card statements for unnecessary costs, and check in with your budget. You can also start that emergency fund you’ve been putting off or save up for an upcoming large expense. I can’t believe it is coming up on a year since buying my own condo!
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house, it is for all aspects of your life!
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