Spring has sprung and with the clocks moving forward, we shed the winter blahs and step into spring renewal. Spring cleaning is not just about our homes but our mental and physical beings. It is about renewal, rejuvenation, and re-energizing. We should have a 4 tier approach of mindset, behavior, presentation and body. Here are 4 ways to spring forward to maximize the next quarter of the year.
Mindset
It’s a fact that the lack of adequate vitamin D during the winter affects our behaviour and mood. It’s very important that this is the first place for us to start our spring renewal process. Write down bad habits you might have developed in the winter months or ones you want to get rid of. Consider goals you want to achieve in the next three months. Write out a detailed plan on how you will achieve those goals with specific date markers. Start visualizing how you will look and feel once the goal is achieved, hold this visual in your mind’s eye like a snapshot. Let every thought and action you take be in service to this snapshot. Here is a great book by Brian Keene to help rewire your mindset.
Behavior
Of the four ways to spring forward, behaviour is crucial. Now that we have our visuals and plan nailed down we should move into the action phase. Our habits form behaviour, and what we practice becomes who we are. Discipline can feel monotonous, but it is our greatest skill to try and master. With discipline, we can achieve almost any goal. When we rise in the morning, we have to be purposeful in what we do and how we do it, in other words consistent. This is to ensure that we are staying true to the commitments we have made. How we start our day, how we approach our work, and how we fuel our mind and body are all disciplines. It will shape our behaviour and determine if we will reach the set goals.
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Proper sleep, exercise, and fuel are our best tools to keep prepared for success.
Presentation
This area is twofold because it covers not only how we present our physical selves but also our personal spaces.
Personal Spaces
Whether it be our bedroom or entire living space, decluttering is the first step in renewing our personal spaces. Going through and packing away winter gear as well as getting rid of items that are no longer useful to us. In this cleansing process, do a deep examination of what’s in your space and how it is serving the goal. Every item should either be very useful or provide a source of energy. If it is serving neither, then let it go.
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Bring in some indoor plants, flowers, or colorful ornaments that inspire. Maybe paint an accent wall in a color that speaks to the energy you want in your space.
Clothing
Most of us tend to slack on our style during winter because we can cover up with a scarf and winter coat. As spring comes it will have to get lighter and brighter. Focus on colours that give you energy and present you as energetic. While the air is still chilly and requires a light trench coat, bomber, or peacoat, we should stay fashion-forward and true to our personal style. Your visual presentation is the currency that you always want to keep high and in demand.
See also: 5 Ways To Define Your Personal Style
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Body
We all should know the physical and visual benefits of regular exercise. Increased strength, pronounced muscle tone, slimmer waistline, compliment-worthy developed butt, and a better overall cardiovascular system, the hidden perks are just as important. Consistent physical exercise of whatever kind you choose provides a plethora of lasting benefits.
Without doing a deep dive into neuroscience, our brain loves physical exercise. It leads to better absorption and retention of incoming data. Regular exercise also increases serotonin levels, or our natural mood drug if you will, which aids in our self-confidence and how good/happy we feel.
Since we are priming the body to be at an optimal physical level, we have to also take care of the skin covering it. Proper exfoliation and moisturizers are key. For the face Atwater is a great new line that provides an arsenal. Bath and Body, has several great options to take care of the body.
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Lastly, for those of us that have a heavier layer of body hair, maintaining that is crucial to keep us looking less like a Star Wars Wookiee and more like a well-groomed gent. Gillette Intimate has a great kit for manscaping without knicks, cuts, or chafing.
Save this blueprint and refer to it often to help you stay focused.
Feature Image by EYÜP BELEN
