Spring is the perfect time to step outside, to slow down, to notice things again. I swear my heart skips a beat when I am driving my kids to school this time of year- the dull, dreary Midwest winter has disappeared and is replaced by buds, blooms, and a sea of green. The feeling it evokes in me is palpable- my family knows Spring is my ‘Super Bowl’. The smells, the extra daylight, the weather gently warming up- it’s the ultimate sensory experience! Spring is such a great opportunity to slow down and reset. Below, I’ll share some of my favorite free and low cost ways to embrace the spring season.
1. Wander Through Greenhouses and Nurseries
If you’re anything like me, I could spend a fortune at the local greenhouse or nursery. Whether it’s on houseplants, garden vegetables, or flowers- if I don’t go in there with a plan, I end up walking out with way more than I need!
A couple of years ago, when Harper was still patient enough to ride in a stroller, I decided to pop over to the local nursery and slow roll through every aisle. I had no intention of purchasing anything- I just wanted to soak in being at one of my favorite places. Hello, its warm and humid there while still being a cool 45 degrees outside (we can pretend we are in the tropics!). Again, the sensory experience is top tier. Earthy dirt, florals, the colors! Harper loved it too! Now, it’s something we do a few times during the spring season as a nice little mood booster.
2. Notice The Birds
It’s really that simple! You don’t realize how quiet winter was until spring arrives and you’re surrounded by the sounds of birds chirping from sun up to sun down. Years ago, I remember sitting on the back porch with my husband’s grandparents and they had an array of birds visiting the various feeders in their yard. It was so serene- I don’t think I had ever really sat and observed birds before. Needless to say, it has become something I truly look forward to year after year.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, step outside and allow yourself to be completely present for a few minutes. In my backyard, we have our usual visitors- Blue Jays, Cardinals, House Sparrows, Mourning Doves. However, this time of year brings Orioles, Hummingbirds, and my personal favorite- Indigo Buntings into the yard. The colors and bird calls are so calming to observe.
My kids have enjoyed watching the birds, too! They love helping me fill the feeders and they each have their favorite birds they look for when we’re out there. I’m planning to share my simple DIY suet ornament recipe soon! It’s such a fun, easy project- especially with kids. For Mother’s Day a couple of years ago, they gave me a bird feeder with a camera and oh my gosh I love that I can see the birds up close! You definitely don’t need to have bird feeders in your yard to catch a glimpse of them in the spring. However, I will share a few of my favorite feeders and feed if you want to attract some more birds to your yard.
Birdfy Camera Bird Feeder // Tube Bird Feeder (similar) // Oriole Feeder // Hummingbird feeder
3. Wake Up a Little Earlier
Let me be clear, I’m not saying adopt some wild early morning regimen that makes you dread getting out of bed before you even fall asleep! I’m saying, get up 15-30 minutes earlier than you typically would. The sun is rising much earlier this time of year and it makes it a little easier to climb out of bed. With that time, I like to wrap up in a blanket, sit outside (of course listening to birds!), and take a few minutes to jot down three things I’m grateful for. Once I’m done with that, I write down an intention for the day. It doesn’t need to be fussy or stressful, just a positive way to start your day.
4. Al Fresco Dining Whenever You Can!
Spring is the ideal season to enjoy eating outside. We haven’t hit the point where it’s buggy and humid so the conditions are just right to grab the plate and head out the door!
I don’t put together a fancy set-up or use special dinnerware when we head outside to eat. If the conditions look good, I’ll open the back door and we plop ourselves down in the grass or on the furniture. So often, I find myself running around at dinner and I am guilty of not sitting down and enjoying my meal with my kids. Heading outside allows me to slow down and really be present with them. We play I Spy, talk about the clouds, the kids will run off and make wishes on dandelions- it’s so simple, but brings us together. My Greek chicken bowl recipe I shared a few weeks back is a great one to enjoy on a beautiful spring evening! You can find that recipe HERE.
5. Venture To a Local Coffee Shop For a Seasonal Drink
This one is super easy! Pop into a local coffee shop and try a unique seasonal drink. A couple of the local coffee shops near me have amazing honey infused lattes made with local honey (yum!), but perhaps try something with floral notes, lemon- you get it. Better yet, take that delicious drink and wander through a greenhouse (or a garage sale, a walk in the park).
How Will You Embrace Spring?
Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that I don’t need to do anything extraordinary to enjoy this season. You know that saying “the best things in life are free?”- they weren’t kidding! Stepping outside with a warm cup of coffee, taking in the scenery, and allowing my senses to ground me is the kind of peace & joy that my soul craves. I hope this post inspires you to find your own small ways to welcome spring in.
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