Spring is in the air! And, for many, spring is the perfect season for a fresh start. Starting new projects, planning a vacation, or doing a little spring cleaning around the house are all excellent ways to celebrate the energy of spring. With that in mind, spring also happens to be an ideal time to take inventory of your mental health. And whether you feel mentally prepared heading into springtime or feel like you need a little mood boost, keep reading! Below are a few spring mental health tips to help you improve your emotional wellness and help guide you through springtime with clarity and ease.
Spring Activities for Depression
Springtime often means saying goodbye to chilly winter temperatures and hello to warmer weather. Depending on where you live, however, springtime does not always equal blue skies and sunshine. In fact, many states throughout the U.S. will experience a gloomy, wet, and cool spring. With that said, rain or shine, springtime can still be an awesome time to honor your mental health and engage in spring mental health activities that can boost your mood. Don’t let your spring forecast get you down! Here’s a list of the top spring activities for depression:
Nature’s Antidepressant: Dirt
While we are not suggesting you start taking daily dirt pills, we do think you should get your hands dirty this spring. That’s because one of the best spring activities for depression happens to be getting out and getting down (quite literally) in the dirt. One study showed that microbes in soil (dirt) can stimulate serotonin production and act as a natural antidepressant. Therefore, whether you love gardening or need an excuse to get out in nature, getting your hands dirty this spring may just be the key to happiness.
Boost Your Mood with Spring Outdoor Workouts
Apart from getting your hands dirty for a serotonin boost, exercise plays a huge role in mood stability. Research consistently proves that exercise can help combat depression and reduce anxiety. Aerobic exercises include anything that gets your heart pumping, like jogging, running, cycling, and dancing. Moreover, according to a University of Toronto researcher, low-impact activities such as walking or gardening could prevent the onset of depression in all age groups. With all this in mind, if you are looking to improve your mood this spring, mixing a brisk workout with the great outdoors is the perfect recipe for mental wellness.
Looking for some simple spring mental health exercises to squeeze in before work? Check out our article on how to stay fit as a busy per diem nurse.
Spring Hiking Trails to Help with Mental Health
Hiking is a favorite pastime for millions of Americans. And it’s no wonder why, considering that hiking has a ton of physical and mental benefits. According to research, hiking outdoors is a low-cost and accessible intervention that helps people to be physically active while in nature. Furthermore, hiking and time spent outdoors can lead to decreased blood pressure and stress levels and enhance immune system functioning. The best part about hiking is that you don’t need to climb the highest mountain or hike for hours to reap its mental benefits. Hiking trails in local parks are also a great alternative for those who want to get out in nature and give hiking a go. Ultimately, if you are looking for an awesome spring mountain mental health boost, hiking should be on your list of activities to do.
Spring Clean for Mental Health
Finding nourishing springtime activities that can give you an energy boost is what spring is all about. Along with decluttering your mind this spring, it may also be time to declutter your home. Therefore, coming up with a few springtime cleaning tasks can help you jumpstart the season with a fresh slate. Springtime cleaning tasks could include anything from reorganizing your closet and donating old clothes to undertaking an entire kitchen renovation. In any case, focused and intentional spring cleaning tasks can help you bring in the spring season with a healthy and clear mind.
Spring Health Is Mental Health
Spending time in nature, setting exercise goals, and focusing on positivity are all ways you can stay mentally fit this spring. Additionally, practicing and engaging in daily self-care activities will lead to optimal mind-body wellness. However you choose to nurture your mental health, it’s time to be proactive and kick off the spring with a strong and healthy mind!
