March-ing- into Spring!

Hello lovelies and welcome to the first blog post of March!

 I'm so happy that the suns shinning and the daffodils on campus are peaking out because spring is right around the corner. I love spring and the scent right after it rains, all the lush greenery, fresh fruits, bright colours, and just general liveliness that often goes to rest during the colder months. So to really get myself geared up and ready to enjoy this season and everything it has to offer I've made a little guide to use throughout the month of March to get into the Spring vibe! 

Water: 

http://wholefully.com/2014/04/11/strawberry-lime-cucumber-and-mint-water/

 Start every morning with a big glass of water! This really isn't anything new, and you should be doing it all year round. But if you're anything like me it can be very easy to fall off the hydration train  and there really is no better time than now to get back on it! The benefits of water, especially first thing when you wake up, are immense. Water helps with everything from skin care to digestion and there are many resources available that discuss its benefits. This tip is also great because it instills routine. Starting every morning off the same way really helps settle any anxiety about the day, adds some discipline, and can be an activity to look forward to first thing in the morning. If you find water a bit boring try to infuse it with fresh fruits (strawberries, cucumbers, lemons, etc.) to add a slight natural flavour. I drink my water with a few slices of lemon because the lemons provide amazing benefits. Lemon's are anti-inflammatory and help with acne and dull skin, they are great for digestion, helps reduce excess weight, and I just like the taste! 

Read: 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/princess-saves-herself-this-one/dp/1532913680

Find yourself a great spring read! I am currently reading The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. It's a wonderful little encyclopaedia into the Danish way of living well. Although this book is quite autumnal and wintery in nature (it focuses a lot on coziness, fires, warmth, etc.) it has a lovely tone and really is about finding happiness and creating a slice of comfort in any atmosphere. I really enjoy beautiful illustrations and photography, both of which this book has! On my booklist I have The Princess Saves Herself In This One a poetry collection by Amanda Lovelace. I can't wait to get my hands on this book, I have heard some amazing things about it and it will definitely be my next read!

Music:  

Listening to music on my way to campus really puts a spring in my step! It gets me excited about my day, happy, and overall cheerful. Music has such an influence on emotions and connection to our memories. I suggest finding a song or even making a playlist for the month that will instantly bring you back to your happy flower filled spring moment. My song of choice for this spring is Pocketful of Poetry By Mindy Gledhill. Something about this song just screams "happy spring vibes" to me! It's cheerful, light, and definitely defines me very well! 

Colourful Food: 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/112519690662132493/

Try out a colourful recipe! Something bursting with bright fruits and veggies and maybe not as filling and warming as your favourite winter dish, rather something fresh and crisp! There are tons of recipes on Pinterest and all over the web! My absolute favourite spring salad (that's also very easy to make) is a Balsamic Strawberry salad! All you need is some fresh green spinach, cut strawberries, feta cheese, Balsamic vinegar, and some pumpkin seeds! Throw it all together and you've got yourself a sweet, tangy, and crispy salad! 

Mindfulness: 

I could write an entire post on mindfulness alone, so I'll keep this pretty short. Try to find some time to disconnect, wind down, and tap into yourself. Take a moment to really feel, see, and hear the things happening in your life without commenting of judging them. Just be present in a moment. Acknowledge your emotions but don't let them rule your life. I find I can often get into states of stagnation. Everyday feels dull and dreary and I can't seem to get out of this cloudy mood. I realized I often don't step back from these moments and ask myself "what would make me a bit happier" or "what is making me sad" by really targeting whats going on you can be mindful in the choices you make and improve how you feel. 

I hope you all have a wonderful and bright March! I'm so excited for all the new things spring will bring! Till next time lovelies! 

Xx,

F.