When you hear the words, “spring cleaning”, your first thoughts might be of washing windows and dusting shelves. But it’s not only your house and gardens that could benefit from a freshen-up this time of year.

Why not take your own wellbeing twist on the Great British Spring Clean – the UK’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign – that runs from 21 March to 6 April?

Giving your mind and body some much-needed care and attention could provide a welcome boost to your physical and mental health.

Read on to discover four health-boosting ways to improve your wellbeing this spring and beyond.

1. Declutter your mind and set new intentions

Just as you might “declutter” your lounge, your mind could benefit from a clear out too.

In today’s busy world, many of us rush around with buzzing brains that are struggling to process everything going on around us.

This might leave you feeling stressed, frazzled and unable to switch off.

Writing down your worries, goals, and tasks could be an effective way to declutter your mind. Once you’ve “downloaded” all these thoughts into your journal or calendar, your mind no longer needs to remember them.

After creating a little space and calmness in your mind, you’ll be in a strong position to set (and stick to) new intentions.

Unlike new year resolutions, which often focus on stopping negative behaviours, intentions are all about being positive and finding the motivation to lead a more fulfilling life. For example, rather than resolving to stop eating junk food, you might set an intention to make more mindful food choices (see above).

Setting intentions is a bit like planting seeds and spring bulbs in your garden; you’re laying the groundwork for healthy shoots to grow.

2. Eat seasonal and local foods

Spring heralds the arrival of a tantalising array of fresh fruit and veg that are jam-packed with the vitamins, minerals and iron your mind and body need to function at their best.

Juicy strawberries, tart rhubarb, and deliciously earthy asparagus are just a few of the seasonal foods you’ll see appearing on the shelves at your local supermarket or greengrocer’s.

The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends that adults aim to eat at least five portions of different fruits and vegetables each day. With so many options to choose from in spring, it’s an ideal time to up your intake.

What’s more, locally grown foods spend less time being transported, which means they’re not only fresher and tastier, but their vitamin and mineral content stays intact. According to Climate Conscious Catering, fruits and vegetables start to lose their nutrients as soon as 24 hours after they are picked. So, the fresher the better.

3. Ease hay fever symptoms with natural remedies

Spring is a beautiful time of year when trees blossom, temperatures begin to rise, and the days get longer.

However, if you suffer from hay fever – and figures published by Allergy UK show that 49% of UK adults do – you might dread March rolling around.

Thankfully, the NHS has shared some helpful tips for easing the symptoms of this common allergy with natural remedies, including:

  • Rubbing Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen before it enters your nose.
  • Wearing wraparound sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen entering your nose and eyes.
  • Showering and changing your clothes after you have been outside to remove pollen.
  • Keeping windows and doors shut.
  • Vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp cloth.

While you can’t cure your hay fever, these actions could make the symptoms more manageable so that you can enjoy this beautiful changing season.

4. Spend time in nature

While you can enjoy the outdoors all year round, milder weather might make the prospect of a walk or cycle more appealing.

With the evenings gradually getting lighter as we move towards the longest day on 21 June, you’ll also have more hours in the day to safely and enjoyably spend time in nature.

So, whether you like nothing better than a gentle stroll with your dog or you thrive on adventure activities such as wild swimming, try bringing nature into your everyday life as part of your wellbeing spring clean.

According to the mental health charity, Mind, spending time in green spaces can boost your mental and physical health by:

  • Improving your mood
  • Reducing feelings of stress
  • Encouraging you to be more physically active
  • Helping you to meet new people and feel less lonely.

What’s more, you could benefit from a dose of Vitamin D, which your body produces when the sun hits your skin.

Your Vitamin D levels may be at their lowest after the long, dark winter months, so safely enjoying a little sunshine – while remembering to layer on the suncream – could be just what your mind and body need to put a spring in your step.

Get in touch

While you’re in the mindset of spring cleaning and setting positive intentions, why not review and refresh your finances too? Please get in touch to find out how we can help.

Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.