With all the shenanigans in the world and the lack of sun, this winter has seemed so long. I am grateful to see the first shoots of new growth in the countryside, to have daffodils on my kitchen table and to have made the first cut of lawn. I’m beginning to move again, feeling my body awaken from its winter slumber.

Springtime is also the perfect time to start to renew and freshen up your mindful living routine:

1. Embrace creativity.

I made a promise to myself this year to embrace more creativity in my life. So far I’ve had my first tango lesson, and I’ve taken myself off to the theatre a couple of times.

2. Mindful Baking.

Mindful baking can help you with mood regulation and lower stress. This is because you engage all the senses when baking including touch, taste and smell. It really doesn’t matter what the end result looks like, it’s the making of the memories in between that counts!

3. Get Lost.

Literally… Get Lost…literally… for a little bit.  Do something that allows you to explore without a plan. Maybe you wake up and the sun is shining and you just decide that day to visit the new cafe in a part of your town or city you’ve never been to before. Perhaps try and find it without a map and enjoy the sights and sounds along the way.

4. Enjoy spring flowers.

Nothing marks the end of winter and the springing of new life like spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils and primroses.  Perhaps plant some in your garden to enjoy for Springs to come. Or, if you are like me and fortunate enough to live near many parks, I enjoy taking a walk around the parks to soak in the arrangements.

5. Listen to the birdsong.

Laying in bed listening to the dawn chorus is my favourite pastime. Or taking myself off on lunchtime walks to the park or nearby fields to connect with nature.

6. Watch the sunset.

Sunsets remind us that each day comes to an end and a new day is a new beginning. Embrace the sunset.

7. Mindful Eating.

Eating mindfully means to be aware of what food and drink you are putting in to your body. Eat slowly and observe the signal your body is telling – whether the food is satisfying, how it tastes and if it makes you feel good

8. Get outside.

Fresh Air! It just works.

9. Declutter.

Decluttering and either selling things you don’t need, recycling them or donating them is a great way to do good for you, your home and the planet.  In yoga, you have to to let things go to allow space for new things. Your physical space is no different. Besides you’ll feel so much better energetically.

10. Try something new

In trying something new we get out of our comfort zone, expand our mind and learn more about ourselves.