By Kaori Kay Cheslock, RHNC
– Spring –
The New Year is well under way, and a new season is just ahead of us. Spring officially starts March 20th, 2021! With the crisp cool air, glorious sunshine showing up more and more, and the days notably lengthening now, we bet many of you feel the beginning of the fresh new season.
As it gets warmer and brighter outside, many of us feel the pull to get out there and engage in some fun activities, marvel at the budding flowers, and/or get our heart pumping. At the same time, our first thought these days may be around how to celebrate the seasonal transition safely?
It’s unnecessary to sacrifice our enjoyment of this beautiful transition from Winter to Spring – this year, it’s all about getting creative, while remaining grateful for what we have today.
Appropriately, we’d like to share a list of our top 5 things you can do to enjoy the start of Spring 2021. Let’s get those idea wheels in motion!
1. Start a Vegetable Garden
Spring is a great time to start a home garden – there are many vegetables you can easily grow in your backyard or on your deck. Some of them require a little patience and maintenance, but why not spend the free time you have and enjoy gardening with beautiful sunshine at your back. The bonus is that you’ll likely feel accomplished when you consume your cost-friendly, organic, home grown vegetables.
Here is a list of some of the vegetables you could get started this Spring:
- Asparagus
- Kale
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Mustard Greens
- Onion Greens
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb (surprise! This is actually a veggie)
- Turnips
2. Spring Clean Your Home
To welcome the new season, we suggest that you set aside a day (or a few partials) for a – minor or major – Spring clean. It does make sense to do a good clean at this time of year with the weather getting warmer, as it’s easier to move around and take things to donate or bring big garbage outside.
Spring cleaning can improve the air quality of your home, making you feel better physically; on that note, cleaning is also a great way to get some extra healthy activity. As you get rid of the clutter, you will notice yourself feeling lighter, fresher, and more Zen overall. We bet your mood will also improve.
Let’s get rid of those things you don’t use anymore, and donate them to people who can make good use out of them. While helping yourself, you can help others as well.
Do you feel up to Spring cleaning your food environment soon? If you’re interested to learn more, give this blog a read where we go more in depth on this topic.
3. Change Up Home Décor for a New Season
New season, new home theme! After putting holiday decorations away, some of our homes might feel a little…..empty. And a change of décor doesn’t have to be Halloween and Holidays, have some fun here. After the Spring cleaning, your rooms are ready to welcome the new style.
Maybe change the colour of the furniture with fun slipcovers, buy new throw pillows or rugs, or switch up the artwork – you can even try painting for yourself! This activity is well known to help calm your mind.
You might also try buying some fresh flowers, moving around furniture, switching-up your bed sheet colour, altering the candle scents… again, have fun with it! You will notice little things like this can fill your soul with joy.
4. Make New Meal Plan Ideas with Seasonal Food
Let’s talk about nutrition, as there are so many seasonal foods in Spring. Making meal plans will be easier once you have a solid idea of the main seasonal foods you want to use for the recipes. Once you choose the main food items to work with, all you need is to start being creative with food combinations that go well with them.
Get some inspiration by using the internet or a beautifully illustrated cookbook. When you find a recipe you want to try, you might look into making things more nutrition-friendly according to your diet goals. Experimentation in the kitchen is always encouraged!
For information about what food is available seasonally, check out this chart. Once you know what you will be focusing on in your diet this season, you’re already ahead of the game – ready to embrace Spring in all its glory.
5. Picnic or Hike**
**Depending on the precautions and restrictions in your area, you may be able to go out for a picnic or a hike. Perhaps with your household or core bubble members, or you may prefer to eat by yourself on a sunny day.
Regardless, enjoy nature, feel the clear air, and get some exercise under the beautiful sun.
If you’re in for a picnic, bring your homemade dishes and enjoy the meals outdoors. When eating outside, simple meals can taste so much better. Savour each bite. The appreciation will bring you happiness and mental wellness that leads to physical wellness.