Spring is here
Spring is here and this is the best time to start working on your mental health and what you an do for self-care. A great way to start is to plan activities around your community for you or your family. Some spring ideas include going for a walk or riding your bike. These ideas can also be turned into a treasure hunt (How many birds can you find? How many different flowers can you see?). During this time, you can take advantage of the longer days by organizing activities at home. These activities may include having backyard barbeques, playing in your backyard or gardening. You could also play hide and seek or ball hockey. Activities such as these will not only get you outside enjoying the beautiful weather but it is a great time to bond or rekindle relationships with the people in your life, such as, friends, or family.
Do you enjoy yard work or gardening? Some people take pride in having a pristine lawn. Some find yard work relaxing as they watch and nurture their plants. A fantastic way to enjoy spring is to plan what your garden might look like in a few summers from now. What plants will you grow? Will you grow vegetables or fruit? What might you need to buy for gardening? Do you need tools, soil, or pots? This planning can get you, and your family excited about the upcoming months. The real investment of planting fruits and vegetables is that you are growing your own food and can enjoy fresh produce anytime of day.
During Spring you can participate in activities around town that are open to the public such as going to a local museum golfing or contributing to a community garden in your area. Other activities could include attending a local farmer’s market, going to a water park or going to a local sporting event. Great ways to be a part of your community or to get out of house is to try something new during this season. You could use this time to volunteer at a local charity, or organization. Remember, try to plan activities that focus on your self-care or that make you feel good. It is never too late to stop what you are doing, break free from the mundane everyday routine, and to start enjoying your life again!
Amy Becker is an educator with the Financial Administrator program at Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region, located at #204, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat. If you are interested in learning more about CMHA and are curious about budgeting or financial management, please call Amy Becker, BSW, RSW, at the CMHA office at 403-504-1811 ext. 101 or email abecker@cmha-aser.ca. Visit us online at www.cmhaaser.ca.