The days are getting longer and warmer, the skies are clearer, and the first daffodils are starting to appear.
As the proverb goes, no matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.
We have come to the end of a long and difficult winter, and spring is a time of joy and new beginnings. It’s time to scrape the mud off our shoes, brush off the winter blues, and celebrate!
Here are our top tips to help you clear your head, celebrate the new season, and spring into action.
Make a fresh start
It’s normal to feel a little low and sluggish over winter at the best of times, and this hasn’t been a normal year. But spring is a time of renewed energy, so if you’re beginning to feel a little livelier, make the most of it!
You could begin a new hobby, explore a new interest, or pursue a new passion. There’s nothing like a new challenge to put a spring in your step.
If you’re stuck in a rut, it’s a great time of year to shake off old habits and reassess your routines. Did you skip the exercise over winter? Introduce a daily walk and enjoy the changing of the season. You’ll find that even a little bit of exercise each day will boost your productivity.
Have you found yourself leaving your assignments to the last minute? Try a change of approach, like creating a study schedule. As eCampus Student Advisor, Cecilia, tells her learners, “procrastination is the thief of time.” Don’t keep putting off your study to the last minute: get organised, break large tasks into smaller chunks, and set simple, achievable goals.
Seize the day!
Spring clean
Doing a good, old-fashioned spring clean can be a surprisingly effective way to reduce anxiety and help you find calm in your home.
Donating or throwing away unnecessary clutter and cleaning those hard-to-reach spots may help you to regain a feeling of control over your environment.
We’ve all spent a lot of time inside this winter – it’s time to fall in love with your home again!
Set new goals
As sure as the seasons change, so do our lives. We meet new people, encounter new situations and obstacles, and find out new things about ourselves. That’s why goal setting is an ongoing process.
Student Advisor, Brenda, suggests that spring is a great time to reflect on your goals and reward yourself for the milestones you have achieved in the year so far.
You might also take this opportunity to write out some new goals for the rest of the year. Sitting down and putting your goals on paper can be a great motivator and will help you focus on the bigger picture.
Pause for a moment, and enjoy your surroundings
Student Advisor, Rachel, recommends taking a moment to reflect and focus on the positive.
“As we look to spring and nature shows off the joyous colours of the new season, enjoy them, take a moment to feel uplifted and optimistic, do your best to release negative feelings and be kind to yourself.”
You may find that it’s a little easier to appreciate your surroundings and show yourself kindness and self-compassion now the sun is out and the skies are blue.
Of course, sometimes it’s easier said than done. We all need a little help in managing our mental heath and wellbeing at times. If you’re struggling, consider talking to someone you trust and checking this page to explore the mental health and wellbeing tools and services available to New Zealanders.
Stay Social
Many of us go into hibernation mode over winter and find ourselves saying ‘no’ to seeing friends and whānau a little more often. This year, it was unavoidable.
But staying connected is so important for mental and emotional wellbeing, so if you’ve been hiding away, now is the time to start reconnecting with loved ones and making new memories.
Research shows that we tend to enjoy activities more if we’re sharing them with others. This goes for online learning too, so take some time to connect with other learners in your course, begin a conversation with your course facilitator, find a study buddy, or start a study group.
Think about your favourite moments of last spring. Were you enjoying a picnic at the beach with whānau? Biking through the park? Pick up your phone, rally your crew, and start making more springtime memories.
As Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party!”
If you’ve decided that now is your time to spring into action and learn online, contact eCampus NZ at [email protected] and let us help you achieve your new goals.