Spring Into Greater Wellbeing

Research shows embracing the spring season can enhance your health and happiness. Here’s how…

As winter fades and the days grow longer, you may have found the sun on your skin this week has left you feeling uplifted and energised. Spring brings a fresh sense of renewal, making it an ideal time to focus on your overall wellbeing. Research has shown that seasonal changes can have a profound impact on mental and physical health, and by embracing the natural benefits of spring, you can boost your mood, energy levels, and overall health in ways that feel both effortless and enjoyable. Let’s take a look how…

1. Harness the Power of Natural Light

Spring’s longer daylight hours offer increased exposure to sunlight, which plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms and boosting serotonin levels. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (2019) found that individuals who received more natural light experienced improved mood and reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Wellbeing Booster: Take advantage of this by spending time outdoors in the morning with a morning walk, cup of coffee in the sun, or even laying in bed and opening your blinds, or working near a window to increase your light exposure.

2. Get Moving Outdoors

Exercise is of course a cornerstone of wellbeing, and spring provides perfect conditions for outdoor activities. A 2020 study in Environmental Science & Technology revealed that people who exercised in natural settings experienced greater reductions in stress and anxiety compared to those who exercised indoors.

Wellbeing Booster: Whether it’s hiking, jogging, or practicing yoga in the park, moving your body in fresh air can amplify the benefits of physical activity while enhancing mental clarity.

3. Engage in Spring Cleaning for Mental Clarity

This is something we touched on in the January retreat - your space isn’t just about aesthetics, it can have psychological benefits too. A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2018) found that individuals who described their living spaces as cluttered experienced higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Wellbeing Booster: Time for a spring clean? The instinctive drive we often feel to clean and organise our homes can create a more peaceful environment that supports relaxation and productivity.

4. Connect with Nature for Mental Wellbeing

Walking out into the garden or sitting in the park with a coffee for the first time after (what almost always feels like) a long winter can be a truly life-affirming experience! It’s time to get back out there guys! Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall wellbeing. A groundbreaking study from Nature (2019) found that individuals who spent at least 120 minutes per week in green spaces reported significantly better health and wellbeing.

Wellbeing Booster: Whether it’s gardening, walking through a botanical garden, or a simple walk through your local park or woodland, immersing yourself in nature can be a simple yet powerful way to rejuvenate your mind and body.

5. Refresh Your Social Life

Warmer weather and longer days provide more opportunities to connect with friends and family, which is essential for emotional wellbeing. A study in *Psychological Science* (2022) found that meaningful social interactions contribute to increased happiness and longevity.

Wellbeing Booster: Plan outdoor picnics, attend community events, or simply take a walk with a friend to strengthen your social bonds while enjoying the benefits of spring. Booking a retreat can be a great way to socialise and make friends with likeminded people - in fact, our recent group of retreaters who joined us earlier this year are all meeting up soon after connecting on our January Retreat!

Spring is more than just a transition between winter and summer—it’s an opportunity for renewal and growth. By embracing natural light, engaging in outdoor movement, eating seasonally, decluttering, connecting with nature, and refreshing your social life, you can harness the power of this vibrant season to enhance your wellbeing.