March brings us from deepest winter to the brink of spring. Days are getting incrementally longer, and little by little, the weather is warming up. There are plenty of benefits to embracing the change in season and applying “spring cleaning” energy to yourself. 

Think of it as a time for reset and renewal: an opportunity to detox your mind and body as you reawaken your spirit. 

You can start by setting an intention for the season ahead: What do you hope to bring into your life in this new season? What would you like to jettison or change? Are there some new activities you’d like to try? 

Focus on the body 

Start with your physical health first: Are there new habits you’d like to incorporate into your life? Consider eating more healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep and exercising daily. Don’t overlook the importance of spending more time outdoors — studies show that spending time in the great outdoors can increase energy, lower stress levels and lead to a more positive mental outlook. 

Surprisingly, for something that feels good and is free, Americans don’t manage to get outdoors very much: the Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans spend 93% of their lives indoors or in their cars and only 7% outdoors. So work on getting more vitamin N(ature) into your life! As the poet Frank O’Hara wrote, “One need never leave the confines of New York to get all the greenery one wishes.” 

Focus on the mind 

Detoxing your mind means clearing out old habits that increase your stress and anxiety. Ruminating on problems is a double whammy: It prevents you from being in the moment (your mind is elsewhere, focused on the negative) and it increases your stress hormone (cortisol), which has been linked to many negative health conditions. 

If you’ve heard from friends and family to “just let it go,” you know that’s easier said than done. Try to embrace mindfulness and observe your thoughts without judgment. Focus on being fully present in the moment without multitasking. Do one thing at a time and put all your attention on that, whether it’s making a healthy meal, going for a walk or cleaning your house. 

Meditation can also be a great way to move out of a negative cycle of thoughts and become more present in the moment. Even meditating for just five minutes has been shown to help people feel more grounded. 

Other ways to detox include exercise or any kind of movement you enjoy, connecting with friends, journaling … the list goes on, and it’s open to whatever calls to you. 

Renewal 

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Embrace the season, the warmer days and flowers in bloom. Think of ways you’d like to feel renewal in your own life. Make the time for a new experience, to explore a new hobby or to be of service to others. Make sure to schedule time for yourself and set your own priorities. Be open to surprising yourself!