Spring Refresh

I love spring for various reasons. There's the sunny skies, blossoming flowers, cropped pants paired with flats, and the pastel resurgence. But, I also love spring for the sense of growth and renewal. The month of March always seems to drag for me, but this year I am actually finding it to be moving pleasantly along. There are a few things I like to do every year around this time to refresh for the season. Whether it's revolves around my closet, body, the home, or just in my mind, I am ready to revitalize after a long, dark winter! Here are some ideas if you're looking to hop into spring with a clear mind and happy spirit.

THE CLOSET 

I like to start with the closet. I always pick this time of year to do a real purge and go through all my clothes and giveaway what doesn't fit, doesn't work, and what I've been pushing aside for too many months. I take this time to grab items I may need to get altered, if I can't be bothered they become giveaways! Piles propagate on the bed and floor as I go through the dresser, closet, then move to the places that people often ignore--  the sock, underwear, bra drawers, then I finish off with the bags, shoes and accessories.

Not only is it important to purge what you don't need, but you are also re-organizing in the process, putting away winter essentials and bringing forward your spring/summer wardrobe. I like to take the purge a step further and really look at how I am building my closet. I make a list in my phone of key pieces I may be missing (i.e.: boyfriend jeans, black blazer, white button down, etc.), that way when I go shopping I am not tempted to buy every floral/pastel/blush pink dress I see and focus on what my closet is lacking. Quality over quantity! 

THE BODY/MIND

Spring is also a great time to give your body a little detox. The weather is finally getting warmer which makes it the perfect time to add outdoor walks on your lunch break. Sitting at a desk all day can really make me go a tad crazy, and my butt ache! I hate not being able to get outside during the colder months, so once spring hits I'll be heading outdoors on lunch. I also love that spring allows me to add more outdoor runs to my work out routine. Just getting the fresh air can do wonders for your mental state of mind. Bye-bye treadmill! 

Spring is not only the perfect time to do a little detox or cleanse, but also add in a bit of pampering! I don't treat myself to spa services often, so I take the change in season as the perfect opportunity to get a massage,  facial or mani/pedi. Not in the budget? Hit up the drug store and treat yourself to a fun nail polish, face mask or body scrub. Add in a quality candle, an interesting book and bubble bath to that mix and you're set for a spa night at home.

Taking care of the mind is just as important as taking care of the body. Sometimes the change in season can create such stints of low energy. I like to really up my green intake to keep my mind clear (and it's great for the physical body too). I've been getting inspired from Julie Cove's new book "Eat Better, Live Better, Feel Better" lately, and although the whole lifestyle isn't realistic for me to follow, she has some great tips on how to sneak more greens into your meals, and what to cut out if you are feeling sluggish,bloated/gassy or have low energy. For example, eating too many types of food in one meal can cause bloating, so try taking a digestive enzyme. Or swap out banana for avocado in your next smoothie to really up the greens.

THE HOME

Over the winter months, junk seems to pile up. Take the upcoming month to clean, de-clutter and organize. Start with the make up and toilettes that seem to have been sitting around for too long, then move to other areas of the house like the office, kitchen (yes, you-- Mr.Pantry) or front closet. It's amazing what a little purging can do for your mental state. Just knowing that things are more organized helps me sleep better at night. While we're on the topic of sleep, if you do need help getting back into a good sleeping routine, check out these tips for a better sleep. 

So! To sum it up for you-- surround yourself in a clean space, with positive people, try to get outside more and eat more greens. Pretty much guarantee a fresh start to a new season! How do you prepare for a new season? Do you have any tips to refresh for the spring? Let me know!