Ready to shake off the winter blues and put a spring in your step? We’ve got you. With better weather just around the corner (probably…we are in Scotland, after all) we’re ready to give ourselves a bit of a boost. Join us with some tips for a better and brighter spring – and feel more braw, less blah.
Swap your phone screen for sunscreen
At the risk of sounding like your mum, go outside and get some fresh air! Being outside in the sunshine – even for just a few minutes – can give you a real boost. Getting some sunlight on your skin for between ten minutes and half an hour can give you a much need vitamin D fix. And that can benefit your bones, blood, and immune system. Plus being outside on sunny day can boost your serotonin levels which can improve your mood.
PS: even the Scottish sunshine can damage your skin, so make sure you use sunscreen if you’re outside for long periods.
Be hydrated
We might be a bit biased, what with being team Macb and everything, but drinking water really is one of the best things you can do for your health. And thanks to our refreshingly fruity flavours, drinking loads of water doesn’t have to be dull.
Staying hydrated helps you be your best and stay active. It can boost your skin, energy levels, mood, and even your brain, it can help your body get more nutrients from your food and help your digestion. It’s pretty amazing stuff really.
Make healthy choices
Now the warmer days are here, eating a salad or two seems less of a chore, so grab some veggies and get one step closer to your five a day.
We don’t buy into the whole “beach body ready” pre-summer diet thing – life’s too short and cakes are too delicious – but making a few more healthy choices about what you eat can make a real difference to your mood and energy levels.
Make some me time
Hanging out with your pals is great for your mood and is a pretty important part of life for loads of reasons, but a bit of alone time is pretty good for you too. Setting some time aside every so often for things like journaling or meditation can have a positive impact on your mental health. Get over your FOMO, put some me time in your diary and you might be surprised what a difference it can make.
Have a laugh
Whether it’s Kevin Bridges who has you helpless with laughter or classic comedy movies have you clutching your sides, a good laugh is good for your health. No joke! A good giggle doesn’t just boost your mood, it can increase your oxygen intake, soothe tension, and release endorphins. So, find your fave funny YouTube videos, binge watch that sitcom, or get together with your mates and check out your local comedy club.
It’s murder on the (kitchen) dance floor
Let’s be honest, we all enjoy a kitchen disco from time to time, and it turns out they’re not just a good excuse to belt out your fave songs into a teaspoon microphone, they’re actually pretty good for your health. Shaking it off to Tay-Tay or attempting to line dance to Queen Bey’s new country album doesn’t just brighten up your day, it counts as exercise, so make up a playlist and get ready to release your inner diva.
Be active
Being active isn’t just about hitting the gym at 6am or working up a sweat in spin class – unless that’s your thing! It can be as easy as taking the stairs instead of the lift at work, making the most of the lighter evenings and getting off the bus home a couple of stops early, or going for a walk in your lunchbreak. Moving a wee bit more can help you feel braw in all sorts of ways.
Set yourself a challenge
If you struggle to get up and outside, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Sometimes one more episode of your fave show is way too tempting, or you find yourself faffing about and run out of time to go for a walk before it gets dark. Setting yourself a wee daily challenge can help motivate you to get out there and make the most of spring.
One that’s really worked for us is a daily photo challenge – just grab your phone, head outside and take a photo. It can be of spring blossom, ducks on the river, a cool shop window, it doesn’t matter, just walk until you get your photo! As well as a cool Insta grid, it also helps you focus on things around you and find joy (and photo opps) wherever you go.
We hope our list has given you some ideas and inspo for making the most of spring. Remember, whatever you’re doing taking some time to prioritise yourself is essential. Be ready for the new season, make the most of the warmer weather, and get to feeling your best.