21 Spring Self-Care Ideas To Refresh Your Routine
Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your self-care habits! Here are 21 spring self-care ideas to refresh your routine.
Hello and welcome to Ironwild Fitness! I’m Chantal – a mom, certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and the owner of this little corner of the internet.
I’m also the creator of the nutrition bundle designed to help you build healthy habits, master clean eating, and dial in on your mindset to achieve weight loss sustainably. It’s nice to “meet” you!
Spring is one of my favorite seasons because everything is renewed and the sunshine breathes new life into every area of my life. Everything seems to get a fresh start – from the flowers in my garden to my energy and motivation!
I live in the Pacific Northwest, where spring is welcomed with open arms after months on end of rain and darkness. I get pretty bad Seasonal Affective Disorder by the end of winter, and I long for the sunshine and spring blooms daily by February. To put it lightly, I live for spring weather so that I can come out of hibernation and my world can come back to life.
It sounds a bit dramatic, but winter really is tough for a lot of people. That’s why it’s so important to take care of yourself so that you stay healthy and keep your head above water.
Related Reading: 21 Fun & Healthy Spring Bucket List Ideas
In today’s article, I want to talk about spring self-care ideas to kickstart the new season. Sometimes, recovering from winter and all that it comes with (holidays, sickness, darkness, and cold weather) takes a little extra effort. A little self-care can go a long way as you step into brighter days.
So let’s get to it!
21 Spring Self-Care Ideas To Refresh Your Routine
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
Journaling is great self-care any time of year, but it can be an especially nurturing and renewing way to kickstart the spring season. You can keep it super simple by just writing down three things you’re grateful for every morning, or you can opt to get a journal dedicated to gratitude. Either way, journaling is a great spring self-care idea.
You Might Also Like: 67 Self Love Journal Prompts (For Self-Esteem)
2. Try a New Morning Routine
Spring is all about refreshing your life, making it the perfect time to change up your morning routine. You can try simple things like waking up earlier, morning stretching, and enjoying a slow start to your day. If you need a little more inspiration, be sure to check out these healthy morning habit ideas or these morning stretches to wake you up.
3. Unplug for a Weekend
In the winter, it’s hard not to watch more Netflix or spend more time on your phone. Either the weather just doesn’t allow for as much time outdoors, we get sick, or sometimes it’s just gloomy and your body needs rest. But in the spring, it can be helpful to scale back on springtime and get back out into the world. If you’re serious about spring self-care, why not take a digital detox to reset your mind?
4. Read a Personal Growth Book
If you’re a personal development junkie like I am, you love this spring self-care idea. I don’t know about you, but I always start the new year with the best of intentions when it comes to reading and self-improvement. I usually buy a handful of mindset and self-help books that I plan to read, but by the time late February rolls around, I’m totally slacking.
My motivation also starts to wane around this time, making it the perfect time to pick up a personal growth book. So this spring, why not pick up an inspiring book to boost your mindset? Here’s my list of the 30 Best Books on Mindset To Change Your Life Forever.
5. Practice Daily Affirmations
I used to think that affirmations were “woo-woo” and silly, but positive thinking really wasn’t my strong suit for a long time. When I started to simply read affirmations I saw online, I began to see how reframing your thinking could have an impact on your mood, motivation, and productivity. If you’re ready to start speaking positivity into your life every morning, and health is one of your priorities this year, give these positive health affirmations a try!
Pro Tip: Pick one or two to memorize and repeat to yourself each morning.
6. Go for a Nature Walk
Spring is the perfect time to start building a walking habit since getting outside more regularly is an option again. I live in Oregon, so a nature walk is not really a thing (we’re either walking or straight-up hiking), but you might not live somewhere as abundant with nature. I’m personally trying to get my family to get into the habit of walking daily right after dinner, and since it’s staying lighter out, it’s finally possible.
You don’t have to walk outside every single day to enjoy the fresh air and get some movement in. Aim to walk outdoors for at least 15 minutes 2-3x per week and you’ll notice a huge boost in your mood!
7. Try an Outdoor Workout
This is one of my favorite spring self-care ideas. Exercising outside (especially if you’re lucky enough to do it in the sun) will energize you like nothing else. You’ll get more oxygen and Vitamin D, and you’ll really start to come alive!
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Take your yoga mat outside, or if you’re brave, do a bodyweight circuit in the park. Or, keep it as simple as a workout can come by going for a good old-fashioned run!
8. Hydrate & Refresh Your Diet
I don’t know about you, but winter is the hardest time for me when it comes to nutrition. It’s not only full of holiday festivities, it’s just a tough time during which my instincts seemingly tell me to load up on food to get me through winter. Plus, it’s harder to get fresh fruits and veggies for reasonable prices.
Luckily, spring is the perfect time to start adding more fresh fruits and veggies to your meals. As it becomes more readily available in stores, load up on fresh produce and give your nutrition a boost!
If hydration is on your spring to-do list, check out these 17 Healthy Hydrating Snacks to Replenish Your Body.
9. Book a Massage or Facial
Massages and facials are quintessential ways to practice self-care and take care of your body. Spending the time and money to get one says, “I’m worthy of self-care.” If you want to kick spring off with a self-care bang, give your body some well-deserved pampering by booking a massage or facial ASAP. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to conquer.
10. Stretch or Do Yoga Before Bed
Stress management is an underrated but crucial component of self-care. Part of managing stress is getting better sleep, and that can include calming your muscles. That’s why stretching or doing yoga before bed is on my list of spring self-care ideas.
So why not wind down with gentle movement? Here is an easy full-body stretching routine to try, and here is a list of yoga poses to do for better sleep.
11. Declutter & Organize a Space
I don’t know about you, but cluttered spaces stress me out. I’m not quite a minimalist, but I do not like visual busyness or overfilled spaces. In the spring, I almost always get the spring cleaning bug, and it goes way above and beyond my regular cleaning duties.
In fact, I like to deep clean and declutter my entire house the moment the sun starts to shine. If decluttering and organizing sounds good to you, start by tidying up an area that’s been stressing you out. If you feel like going all-out, print out my free decluttering checklist to get your whole house in order.
12. Switch Up Your Scents
Spring is the perfect time to switch the scents in your home up by moving to floral or citrus essential oils to uplift your mood. This is a super-simple way to embrace spring without spending a lot of time or money. I am not big on using scents in my home, but when I do, I use soy candles and essential oils.
13. Get Fresh Flowers for Your Home
There’s just something about having fresh flowers that instantly lifts your mood. Whether it’s a simple bouquet from the grocery store or hand-picked wildflowers from a walk, adding a little nature to your space makes everything feel brighter and more inviting. (I like to wait until the first blooms from my garden open up, but sometimes it’s too long of a wait!) While this may seem like a small act of self-care, you deserve beautiful things just because!
14. Open Your Windows & Let in Fresh Air
After months of being cooped up, it’s time to let that fresh spring air work its magic. Crack open those windows, let the breeze flow through, and breathe in the new season. (I know it’s cheesy, but I do this the minute it’s above 55 degrees F.) There’s something so refreshing about the scent of blooming flowers and crisp morning air…it really is an instant mood booster.
Pro Tip: This spring self-care idea is even better when you pair it with your favorite playlist, an iced latte, or your favorite herbal tea. 🙂
15. Start a Garden
There’s something so rewarding about watching something you planted grow and thrive. Whether it’s a little herb garden in your kitchen, a few flowers on your patio, or a full-blown veggie patch, getting your hands in the dirt is a great way to slow down and connect with nature. (You can start from seeds or just go get some starts at the store – I don’t judge.) 😉 Plus, it’s a gentle reminder that good things take time – just like self-care.
Related Reading: Is Gardening Good Exercise? The Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening
16. Try a New Spring Recipe
Fresh seasonal produce is one of the best things about spring! (Partially because it no longer costs an arm and a leg for fresh fruit lol).
Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your meals with bright, seasonal flavors. Think crisp salads, fruity smoothies, or a light pasta with fresh herbs. Trying a new recipe is not only fun, but it also keeps healthy eating exciting. There’s something so satisfying about making a delicious meal from scratch. Give it a try!
You Might Also Like: Easy Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie
17. Start a DIY or Craft Project
Here’s another spring self-care idea: tap into your creative side and make something just for fun! Whether it’s painting, scrapbooking, knitting, or even upcycling an old piece of furniture, a hands-on project is a great way to unwind and express yourself. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about using your hands, then stepping back and saying, “Wow, I made that!” (Even if it doesn’t turn out that great, creating something is still a great feeling!)
18. Take Yourself on a Solo Date
Who says you need company to enjoy a little adventure? Sometimes self-care means treating yourself to a coffee date at a cute café, wandering through a bookstore and picking out something new to read, or strolling through a museum at your own pace.
Doing things alone can be incredibly refreshing! You get to fully enjoy the moment without distractions or compromises.
19. Plan a Girls’ Day Out
Nothing says self-care like a girls’ day. Grab your besties or some friends you haven’t seen in a while, and make some time exclusively for fun! Plan a spring picnic with fresh snacks and a cozy blanket, hit up your favorite brunch spot for mimosas and laughter, visit the local farmer’s market, or take a spontaneous day trip to somewhere new.
Life gets busy, but there’s nothing like quality time with your girls to refresh your soul. Go ahead, text the group chat, and make it happen!
20. Listen to a New Podcast or Playlist
Sometimes, the right soundtrack is all you need to shift your mood. Whether it’s an inspiring podcast that gets you thinking or a fresh playlist that makes you want to dance, switching up what you listen to can bring a whole new vibe to your day. Try something upbeat for your morning walk or a chill acoustic mix for winding down for an instant mood booster!
I love motivational and health-related podcasts and have been loving this one so far! If you’re looking for a new playlist to pump you up, check out this one on Spotify.
21. Set a Healthy Springtime Goal
Focusing on your health is the ultimate form of self-care, and setting new goals is always a good way to improve. That said, spring is the perfect time to set a fresh goal for yourself!
Whether it’s committing to more daily steps, trying a new fitness class, or making time for a mindful morning routine, a seasonal goal gives you something to work towards. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the new season. Just remember to keep it simple, achievable, and exciting… you’ve got this!
You Might Also Like: Cute Free Habit Tracker Printables
Final Thoughts on These Spring Self-Care Ideas
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, just like spring should be a time of joy and energy. I suggest that you pick 2 or 3 of the spring self-care ideas on this list to start with, then do a few more later in the season. (Rather than trying to do all of them at once.)
Regardless of what you pick, I hope you have the best spring. Let me know if any of these speak to you by leaving a comment below!
Until next time,
Chantal from Ironwild Fitness
