“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

I’ve always struggled with making resolutions and intentions in January. But come September, I’m ready for change. There’s a sharp shift in energy heralding a desire to declutter, buy new clothes or get a haircut.

As far as nature is concerned spring is the New Year. Plants come to life, animals get frisky, and humans – as Tolstoy observed – leap into action with plans and projects.

We also tend to become acutely aware of our body. Lighter clothes have a habit of displaying bulges where we don’t want them, pale legs and puny arms.

Unlike the calendar new year that offers twelve whole months to put plans into action, when spring arrives we have only three. There’s not enough time for procrastination. A single season is a manageable time frame for change. Use the energy for short projects, one-off events or to initiate bigger things.

Spring offers a month each to spruce up body, mind and spirit. Here are some ideas to kick start your spring tune-up.

Body

Start the day earlier – this gives you more daylight hours to put your new plans into action.

Get moving again. Take a lead from the dawn chorus and greet the morning sun with a walk, yoga or your favourite physical activity. You need to build your strength and stamina to make the most of the busy season.

Start adding raw food to your plate – it’s time to get reacquainted with salad. An easy way to transition your spring diet is by mixing up cooked grains with fresh toppings in brown rice or quinoa bowls.

Mind

The phrase “spring to mind” implies a quickening of our mental process, something that suddenly comes into our thoughts. This time of year often inspires ‘brainwaves’, solutions and new ways of looking at things.

As nature wakes up it’s a perfect reminder to become more aware of the world again. We can use our senses as an anchor of mindfulness – to truly look, hear, smell, taste and feel all that is around us. To help kick start this habit, each night take note of a distinctive sound, smell, sensation, sight and flavour that you’ve encountered during the day.

Spirit

Spring is the season of love. Nothing makes the spirit soar higher than being connected with others. While romantic love is a bonus, platonic friendships are equally important. Be present when connecting with others. Be curious about what they have to offer and practice compassion on a daily basis.

For those in intimate relationships, especially ones long beyond the honeymoon phase, be mindful to not take your partner for granted. It’s the perfect time to make new plans for projects and outings together.

Spring is a great reminder to nurture all our relationships, with ourselves, others and even our animals.

I hope you enjoy the rising energy that spring offers. Do you have a plan or project you want to complete this season?

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