Everyone in Baltimore is yearning for the days to get warmer and for spring to finally show up, but will this polar vortex ever vanish? Hope might be fading that the temperatures will rise above freezing any time soon, but the weatherman promises spring is on its way. The arrival of sunshine and blooming flowers also brings the annual chore of spring cleaning. This spring, while you attempt the inescapable feat of cleaning out your closets and going through the leftover junk from years past, don’t forget that you might need some mental cleansing as well. The weather will be changing, so why not take this opportunity to change you?  Why not kick old habits, face your fears, and create a healthier, happier you? In case you’re looking for some inspiration on how to spring clean your soul, here are a few ideas:

            Exercise:

The benefits of exercise and physical activity are endless. By simply being active you can heal your mind, body, and soul. The key to success is setting realistic goals for yourself and slowly working exercise into your everyday life.  Although exercise might seem like a chore rather than a fun activity, getting in shape doesn’t always have to mean dragging yourself out of bed every morning at the crack of down to get to an expensive gym. For example, an easy and simple thing to do is to go on a hike with some friends. On the next pleasant weekend pack a delicious picnic, grab some friends, and go for a hike! There are plenty of nearby trails, and my favorite is Robert E. Lee Park, which is right off of Falls road.

Grab Some Grub:

If your New Year’s diet didn’t quite work out, it’s not too late to start fresh. Spring is a wonderful time to reinvent yourself and your diet. By simply swapping greasy chips and sugary cookies for wholesome snacks filled with naturally delicious nutrition, you will find yourself feeling rejuvenated. In addition to munching on the right foods, try to schedule your meals at the right times of day. Everyone knows the old saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but does this expression actually have some truth to it? It has been proven that people who regularly eat a healthy breakfast tend to be healthier and to weigh less. Breakfast jump starts your metabolism, which helps it run more efficiently throughout the day.

            Adjust Your Attitude:

Even if the frigid temperatures have frozen your heart during these past bitter months, the sunrays of spring are coming just in time to thaw it out. It is very common for people to feel symptoms of depression during dark and chilly days, so if you’ve been feeling this way lately, you’re not alone. An easy way to pick up your spirits is by simply planting or buying flowers for your home. Research conducted at Rutgers University showed that flowers have an immense emotional impact on happiness. This reaction was universal, “occurring in all age groups.”

As the days get longer, the temperatures rise, and your life becomes even more demanding, don’t let your spiritual health weaken. Give yourself mental health days to unwind and to take care of yourself. Make it your mission to get active, healthy, and to relax. Starting…NOW!