Spring is in the air, and everything is blossoming. Why shouldn’t you be in bloom, too? It’s time to leave Winter behind and transform, like a butterfly, into your best, most beautiful self—inside and out. From brightening up your makeup to fitting in Me Time, here are ten spring mood lifters.
SHAKE UP YOUR MAKEUP
Although a moisturizer or foundation with an SPF of at least 15 should always be a staple, try freshening up your makeup routine with something bright and unexpected—a crimson lip stain, perhaps, or a champagne shadow. And while you’re choosing a new lipstick or eye pencil, take a few minutes to go through your makeup and toss out old cosmetics.
FRESHEN UP YOUR ‘DO
There’s no better time to shake off those winter dregs than spring—and no better way to do it than to head to the salon with a new ‘do on the agenda. If you’ve been playing it safe for years with the same look, it’s time to step outside your comfort zone with something new. If you’ve recently gotten your hair cut, try some highlights or a new color to brighten your look just in time for the warm weather.
Read Related: Spring Health Tune Up: A Chance to Bloom!
UNLOAD YOUR CLUTTER
Spring cleaning happens when it does for good reason; it’s all about shedding the weight of a long, gray winter and emerging brighter and happier. Decluttering your home will take a weight off your shoulders and leave you feeling calm, energized, and ready to enjoy what Spring has to offer!
COOK FOR THE SEASON
Spring means sunshine, flowers, and a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that, when purchased in season, will not only taste amazing, but will be more cost-effective, too (in-season produce is cheaper than out-of-season). You can even join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to buy your produce directly from local farmers (check out Local Harvest to learn more and to find a CSA near you).
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD
Nothing is more local than your backyard or kitchen window box, even if you start small—a tiny herb garden, for example, or a tomato plant. Not only does it feel great to whip up a summer cocktail using mint you grew yourself or tortilla soup made with your own tomatoes, creating your own veggie garden or window box is a great activity for the whole family.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
You probably spent the entire winter griping about the cold weather. Now that the sun is shining, don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend time enjoying it as a family. Use family time to plan for outdoor adventures, whether it’s a car trip to a sculpture garden, a day at the local park, or a hike in the woods. You’ll not only benefit from the family bonding, you’ll sneak in some exercise, too!
WALK IT OFF
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: taking even just a 30 minute walk every day is rewarding in more ways than one. Walking helps you stay fit and reduces stress, too. And with spring in the air and flowers in bloom, what could possibly be stopping you?
TRY OUT A NEW HOBBY
Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to try, like rollerblading. Or maybe it’s a beloved pastime—sewing, DIY upcycling, crossword puzzles—you simply haven’t had time for in the past, oh, decade or so. Learning—or rediscovering—your skills is a great way to boost your confidence and have fun. If you can make it a family affair, that’s great too, but don’t forget that it’s about exploring something that you enjoy.
HANG WITH YOUR BFF
Have you ever noticed how good you feel after making time to hang out with your closest friends? Taking a walk, chatting over dinner or cocktails, talking books with a book club—if the wintertime left you longing for the companionship of your BFFs, don’t wait to drop them a line. Call, email, or text them to let them know you miss them and that you’re ready to make a date ASAP!
MAKE TIME FOR ME TIME
You’re so busy taking care of everyone in your life—arranging a carpool for the kids, making a dentist appointment for your spouse, scheduling family dinners—that it’s probably been awhile since you squeezed in some Me Time. You deserve to be taken care of too, so don’t wait another second: whether it’s a massage at the spa or a mani/pedi, get yourself in gear for spring by taking some time out for you.
Editor’s Note: This article is one in a series of pieces inspired by the onset of spring and April being Stress Awareness month, brought to you by Colgate. Smile up!
