A spring in our step at Birchwood Care Services
That’s right, it’s spring already! Time has flown by this year, and it’s been so nice to finally get a bit of sunshine. A lot of people associate spring with a happier time – the increased sunlight exposure leads to better sleep, more social interaction, and beautiful green spaces.
But for some, changing between seasons can feel a bit overwhelming. And at Birchwood Care Services, we want to make the transition from winter to spring as smooth as possible.
Here’s how we celebrate the springtime, and how we can support clients to do the same.
Connecting with our surroundings
Many trees and plants go dormant in winter to conserve energy, but spring gives them the sunlight they need to grow and bloom. It’s the season for renewal, replenishing ecosystems and supporting biodiversity through both plants and animals coming out of hibernation.
That’s why it’s important to stop and notice your surroundings, to pay attention to the changing nature around you. Gardening not only relieves stress but has physical benefits such as improving hand strength and coordination. It’s also very grounding, allowing a multi-sensory connection to nature.
If you prefer to watch the flowers rather than plant them, you can look in your local area for any flower shows or anything outdoorsy. For us in Kent, we love a visit to Penshurst Place and Gardens, a fortified manor house that was once the property of King Henry VIII! The gardens are beautiful, and it makes for a great family day out.
Either way, a day in the sunshine increases our serotonin levels and helps regulate our circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep. According to Calm, just 10 – 30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week is sufficient to produce the necessary vitamin D needed to stay healthy.
Spring Cleaning
When you’re resting in the sun, it’s a good opportunity to think back on winter and re-evaluate any goals. With the longer days, you might find that your routine needs a reset, or that you have more energy to try new things.
This is where ‘spring cleaning’ comes in, as it’s a time to clean up from winter and re-organise certain aspects of your life. If it’s your living space, you could try creating a new spring wardrobe, swapping out bulky clothes for ones with brighter colours and lighter fabrics. If it’s at work, you could declutter your desk or sort through your email inbox. Even day to day activities like unsubscribing to unnecessary subscriptions, or organising the photos in your camera roll, can help you feel more accomplished and productive.
In your new spring schedule, it’s always good to leave some time for spontaneous activities. Whether it’s a quick walk with a friend or a last-minute coffee date, people are extra social when the sun’s out, so try and make the most of the warmer weather.
As always, our team of experienced carers are also on hand to support our clients to do so with comfort and confidence.
Creating time for ourselves
When you’re re-setting routines, it’s good to carve out time for yourself and what you consider self-care. For some people this is skin care – if you’ve been relying on a heavy-duty moisturiser to combat winter dry skin, it may be time to look for something more lightweight. For others, this might be cooking – seasonal fruits like strawberries and rhubarb are perfect for desserts and jams, and lamb always inspires new recipes.
It’s also a time for mindfulness, as spring is great at activating our senses and showing nature come alive. It could be blocking five minutes of your day to sit outside and listen to the birds is all you need!
If you’re looking for support this spring, we offer a range of services to suit your needs. Get in touch to learn more.
