Although it seems the holidays were just here, the Spring Equinox is on March 20. For some, Spring can be a time of cleaning and renewal, but for others, sometimes it doesn’t seem as hopeful as we’d like. Taking some time to focus on our needs and discover the things that make us happy can help clear and refresh our minds, body, and spirit.

1. Move your body

Physical activity is important to mental health and overall well-being. Try going for a quick walk during your lunch hour, taking your kids (or nieces and nephews, grandkids or neighbor kids) to the park or attending a new yoga class (additional bonus: yoga is great for renewing your spirit!)

2. Eat a balanced diet for mental health

March is also National Nutrition Month, so it’s a great time to focus on cleaning up your eating habits! Eat a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, limit bad fats and oils and drink plenty of water. Perhaps even check out our Wellness class being spotlighted this month: Cooking on a Budget!

3. Create a WANT-to-do list

Instead of mundane tasks and chores lists, create a list that inspires you and gives you hope about the coming months and even years. You can write the words or make something more visual. Do you want to travel to a foreign country? Learn to play the guitar? Volunteer more? Anything is possible; write it all down!

Spring is a new beginning and a great time to start (or continue) taking steps toward improving your mental health. Even if times are difficult, just remember each day is a fresh start.

Shannon Gwash is the Director of Wellness Services for Jefferson Center for Mental Health and is also a Certified Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach. She earned her MS from the University of Denver in Strategic Health Communications/Behavior Change. She has nearly 10 years of experience in the communication world and nearly three in parenting … which clearly makes her an expert there. To stay sane, she runs around Sloan’s Lake, hikes with her daughter, enjoys outdoor concerts and reads nerdy books.