The official first day of spring is right around the corner, making it a great time to refresh and reset—like spring cleaning, but for the mind.
"The new season provides an opportunity to pause, reflect and reset our routines," said Raven Daer, communications specialist with Envision Counselling and Support.
As nature transitions, people can use this time to refresh their mindset, let go of what no longer serves them and adopt healthier habits for the months ahead.
One simple way to improve mental health is by spending more time outdoors.
"So some of those could be just as simple as getting outside. The daylight is very, very helpful in reducing stress," Daer said. "Even if we go out and it's a little bit cloudy, just having that daylight and letting our bodies enjoy that, as well as just the nature—you know, the grass, the dirt as that starts to come in—those are wonderful for grounding us and helping us to be more present in the moment."
With longer days and rising temperatures, it can be tempting to stay inside glued to a screen. However, Daer cautions that while technology may feel comfortable, it isn’t always beneficial to well-being.
"I know we spent a lot of lot of time probably on our technology indoors, doing things that aren't necessarily very helpful for our well-being," she said. "Any chance we can take to get outside, even if it's just a couple quick minutes in the morning or on your lunch break, will have positive impacts."
Outdoor time is also a proven stress reliever.
"The natural light helping to boost our serotonin levels and reduce the stress," Daer said.
In addition to spending time outside, practicing mindfulness can help people feel more present and grounded in their daily lives.
"We forget to just be present in the moment," she said. "So you know, focusing on those senses, those things that you're feeling. What are you seeing? What are you smelling, those sorts of things."
Social connection also plays an important role in mental wellness.
"If you have a dog, take your dog for a walk a little bit more often. Or if there's any local parks or anything like that, hop over there and just see if you can maybe find some connections within nature or with other people," Daer suggested.
When making changes, she recommends starting small.
"I know oftentimes in the spring we get excited, right? Warm, the sun is shining, we get that spring fever. But we want to stay mindful and not overwhelm ourselves and take on more than maybe we can," she said. "Focus on those smaller changes and implement them day-to-day and you will definitely notice that having an impact on your personal wellness."
If someone is struggling, Daer encourages reaching out for support.
"It's OK to reach out for support and maybe just get a little extra guidance in the moment," she said.