The change of seasons from #winter to #spring can often leave people feeling exhausted, sluggish and demotivated. It’s a phenomenon known as spring fatigue, and it occurs as the body adapts to changes in daylight, temperature, air quality and overall routine. To keep your energy level up, get quality sleep, seek out the sun early in the day, stay active, hydrate and eat a balanced diet, Georgetown Behavioral Health says. Seek professional help if the fatigue lingers, starts to interfere with daily activities, or is accompanied by symptoms of depression and anxiety. #EndOfWinter
Tag: spring cleaning
Conquering the Springtime Blues
#Seasonal affective disorders aren’t limited to #winter, says Brown University Health. Any change can spur anxiety, and allergens and toxins in the #springtime outdoor environment can aggravate inflammation. Exercising just once a week can elevate mood; mental stimulation is also important. Getting out in the sun — if you can find it — can aid Vitamin D production and boost serotonin. Getting #organized can also relieve stress: “When you #declutter the home, you #declutter the mind. Messy spaces tend to make us tense, so removing that small #stress from your day might help boost your mood.” #EndOfWinter
Check Your Home for Needed Spring Fixes
Believe it or not, #spring is almost here. And that means it’s time to prepare the house for warmer temperatures and fix anything that might have worn over the #winter. “Check flashing, caulking and shingles on your roof for damage from winter weather,” BluSky says. “These are prime opportunities for water to enter your attic and cause damage.” Also check the siding for loose pieces, clean gutters and downspouts, inspect electrical outlets for fire hazards, look for leaks on the water heater and washer, trim trees, and check caulking and insulation around the windows and doors. #EndOfWinter
Winter’s End Is in Sight
Late-season snowstorms and deep freezes notwithstanding, #winter will end one day. Embrace the #spring by getting started now on a few tasks to ease your schedule when the #weather takes a turn for the better! Check your home’s exterior for roofing damage, peeling paint, rotten wood and loose siding, and take note of anything that looks like it’s in need of repair, TNT suggests. Inspect your pipes and schedule spring #cleaning. Continue to avoid the contagious illnesses that are in the air. And if there is anything you meant to do outdoors in the winter weather such as walking, skiing or snowshoeing, get on it before it’s too late. #EndOfWinter
Embrace Simplicity During Lent and Ramadan
The season of repentance arrives for approximately 3 billion people this week. Christians and Muslims throughout the world will begin observing the traditions of Lent and Ramadan Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 by engaging in fasting, prayer and abstinence.
If you’ve ever wondered why the observances are so similar, it’s because the two religions trace their origins to the mystical experiences and religious quests of Abraham. Lent commemorates the 40 days the Hebrews spent in the desert; the month-long Ramadan recalls the moment God revealed the Koran to the prophet Mohammed and follows the broader theological principle of advancing toward holiness on a pilgrimage.
Whatever religion you practice, the season invites everyone to embrace #simplicity. Even if you aren’t observant of a major religion, the monthlong or 40-day timeline can support you in your efforts to be more sensible, healthy, penitent and/or #organized.
Lenten sacrifice calls for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. You may be familiar with the season’s abstinence from eating meat (particularly on Fridays) or individual choices such as abstinence from temptations such as chocolate, alcohol, television or gossip. Almsgiving includes #charity in many forms, including #donations of money, services and goods.
Similarly, Ramadan suggests that Muslims strengthen their connections with Allah by practicing selflessness. “Through acts of charity, Muslims express gratitude for their blessings and demonstrate compassion towards others, embodying the values of empathy and kindness,” says Al-Ayn Social Care Foundation.
For Christians, Muslims and anyone else who feels beset by #clutter, we offer a simple strategy to add to the calendar: #Clean out a #closet, drawer or other #household space and #donate any #extra #stuff to ClothingDonations.org. You can feel good that the simple act of almsgiving will go toward programs that help #veterans in need.
Whatever else you choose to do during the season of Lent and Ramadan, make a #donation! Whether or not it is part of your religious observance, it will help you embrace a more ascetic and sustainable existence.