Spring is starting to poke its head out! As we shake off the winter blues and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, we may be thinking about the season ahead of us. Springtime brings thoughts of spring cleaning, new habits, more energy and daylight, and opportunities to have a fresh start after winter.
If you’re looking to make the most of your entry into springtime, we’ve gathered 4 of our blogs to help you jump in head first and shake of the remaining winter frost:
3 Ways to Freshen Up Your Mindfulness Practice This Spring
Mindfulness is a practice that benefits us, no matter when we practice it. But the warmer weather, the sound of birds, the blooming nature can offer a peacefulness and a revitalizing energy that makes a rich opportunity to practice mindfulness.
“Springtime offers lots of opportunities for mindfulness. Even just sitting outside in the springtime can be a mindfulness practice. There are so many parts of your environment coming alive and interacting with one another, paying attention to the sounds and smells and sights around you can be a simple way to practice grounding yourself.”
Read the full blog here.
How to Make Self Care a Part of Your Daily Routine
Developing habits is never easy, but the burst of energy we get from the start of spring can help us kick start that process–but it’s important to remember ourselves when developing those routines.
“It might seem like a lot of work to take care of yourself every day. After all, you’ve been doing fine with a little self-care here and there up until now, right? Even if that’s true for you, this year has been unlike any other, and just because the number on the calendar is about to flip doesn’t mean things will magically change. We are in the middle of a really tough situation, and it’s only natural to need more support when things get tough.”
Read the full blog here.
Set Goals You’ll Actually Accomplish
New goals aren’t just for the new year. But, just like New Year’s resolutions, when we find ourselves setting new goals that don’t take our day to day realities into account, we’re not actually setting ourselves up for success. As we start to set new goals for the season, remember to take your specific circumstances into consideration when setting new goals.
“When the goals you set are ones that are fun to achieve, you’ll begin to love the goal setting process. It can be a form of self care: finding things that you are excited to try and pushing yourself to try them. And when you enjoy the process, you’re more likely to continue on setting goals after you’ve achieved your first one!”
Read the full blog here.
Why Self Compassion is Important for Dating
Now that we’re coming out of our winter hibernation, folks are starting to dip their toes back into the dating world! If you’re looking for love to bloom this spring, don’t forget the importance of self compassion as you begin or continue to put yourself out there.
“When you factor self compassion into the experience, it’s a reminder to check in with yourself. Ask yourself how you’re feeling and be compassionate to the answer. If you’re feeling like someone isn’t giving you the same care or attention you’re giving them, self compassion allows you to recognize that as a need of yours that isn’t being met, whereas self criticism would have just judged you for being “too needy.””
Read the full blog here.
Do you need support this spring? Pivotal Counseling Center has therapists with a variety of specialties. We have locations in Woodstock, Illinois, and Lake in the Hills, Illinois. If you are in need of someone to help, please consider giving us a call at (815) 345-3400.
Pivotal Counseling Center is now accepting Medicaid including Blue Cross Community Medicaid, Meridian Medicaid, and Molina Medicaid for outpatient counseling.
