Spring Check-In

It gets warmer, the cicada burrows her way up near the surface of soil. At the rise of dawn, she emerges from the blanket of darkness. She climbs up the trunk of the blossoming tree and sheds her final shell. Spring marks a time of rebirth. Our days are suddenly longer and the possibilities seem endless. It is time to reconnect with the world around you and break back out of your comfort zone. There is still a crispness to the air that you can feel against your skin, but the summer holidays are close on the horizon which makes the last few months feel worth it.

You now actually have that extra hour or two of sunlight after work you were hoping for during winter and a newfound energy as nature emerges from hibernation around you. Try to catch some tulips in bloom or simply notice as the trees start to turn green with new growth.

Productivity

When you think about productivity what comes to mind? Maybe it's more done in less time? Or finding ways to help you achieve better results? Maybe it's taking time to learn how you work best? Take a look at some ways which could help you.

Take breaks using the 'Pomodoro' method.

Set a timer on your phone for 30 minutes. When the alarm sounds, have a 5 minute break to make a coffee, check your phone or stretch your legs. This process is called one 'Pomodoro'. Once you have done four 'Pomodoros', have a longer break, then start over again. Doing this reduces the likelihood of being distracted and trains your brain to focus for short periods.

Decorate your space.

Check your surroundings to see if you can declutter any distractions and create a space you find motivating and calming to work in. It could be adding a desk plant, small calendar, an inspiring quote or picture.

Identify your most productive work time.

For example, are you a morning person or a night owl? This can help pin-point which hours of the day you feel most alert and attentive. Use these hours for your most important tasks.

Organise your inbox by redirecting emails to different folders.

This will sort the emails you need to respond to from sale and marketing ones that you can look at when you have some spare time.

Finally, it's important to remember there is productivity in rest. Sometimes life is all go-go-go and what we actually need is to take a minute to have a break or a moment of stillness to recover. It's key to productivity!

Spring Hobbies

Some other ways of enjoying Spring and easing into the seasonal shift is reconnecting with old hobbies and interests. Think of those things that used to bring you joy and give them another go. Or even try something new! Here are some ideas...

• Head outside and start some gardening. Plant some veges, herbs or wildflowers.
• Maybe you want to take up a sport? Check if your workmates, friends or family want to start up a social team.
• Explore your abilities in the kitchen. Perhaps with a new recipe, ingredient or technique?
• Do you want to get back into reading? You could start up a book club with some friends.
• Is there a new skill or something you've wanted to try? Try finding a community class where you can socialise and learn in a group environment.

Spring Styling Tips

Finally we are seeing some more daylight! The gardens are coming to life with new leaves and buds. Time for a wardrobe refresh once again. What spring cleaning can you do in your closet?

Put your winter things away

• Take your wool coat to the drycleaner, get it ready to put away so it is fresh for when you need it next Winter.
• Pull out your lighter weight trans-seasonal jacket. My favourite is a trench but there are lots of other great options. This is also the time for shorter jackets to replace the long wool layer.
• Making these small changes really does help to lift your mood and shift into the new season.

Play with your spring outfits

• As you did in Autumn, it’s time to pull out your garments for the warmer months and have a play.
• What’s making you feel good? Have fun gathering some new outfit ideas and combos!

Are there new combinations?

• What no longer feels good or is feeling worn out? Remove these items.
• Take them to a charity shop
• Sell them online
• Host a clothes swap with friends All ways to get that wardrobe refresh you crave.

Say goodbye to winter tights

• A tricky but important shift to embrace the new season.
• Each year I find it hard to do but once I do, I always feel fresh and like the new season has really come.
• Get a good scrub and hydrating moisturiser to help your skin along the way. For me, I always feel better with a lick of fake tan!

Check in on your underwear

• What’s underneath your clothes makes a massive difference to how you're feeling.
• Is it time for an update?
• Has the elastic stretched out?
• Are the bra cups damaged and showing through?
• Does it make you feel good? This is the perfect time to freshen up for the warm seasons ahead.

Spring Has Sprung

Daylight savings means longer days and warmer evenings. After a long Winter, we are more than ready for some sunshine! Here are some ways to embrace Spring and the extra light it brings.

• Evening walks are a great go-to. Whether it's on your own or with a friend, this is a great way to wind down from your day.
• Find a rooftop bar, grab a drink and watch the sun go down!
• Take a trip to your local community gardens and notice all the bright, fresh blooms!
• Grab a book or magazine and head to a park and notice the difference it has on your mood.
• Take some time to re-arrange your wardrobe and get those spring pieces ready. This may even be the perfect time to treat yourself to a new addition to be excited about.
• Lastly, don't always feel pressured to make the most of the extra light.

Listen to yourself and your body and enjoy it how you want to. Allow yourself to slowly adjust to the changing seasons and add things into your routine that make you feel good!