If you want to “spring forward” this season, here are some tips for highly sensitive people and introverts to help renew your spirit:

• Get more outside exercise, and spend time in nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program, or modify one you already have to ensure the proper support for your body and mind. Working up a sweat releases tension and eliminates toxins, which can lead to fewer doctor visits.

• Get rid of clutter. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms that haven’t seen light for years. Don’t be afraid to reorganize and let go of things. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. Removing clutter helps clear your mind and prevents feelings of overwhelm.

• Do at least one thing every day that uplifts your spirit. This can be something very simple like playing with your pet, taking a relaxing bath, or reading a good book. If you can do more than one thing, that’s even better!

• Evaluate the key areas of your life. Consider your work (career), relationships, and health. What’s working for you? What’s not? What steps can you can take to bring these areas into alignment? Come up with an action plan. Start with small, short-term goals that you can easily achieve. Celebrate your successes!

• Eliminate a bad habit. We all have bad habits. Perhaps you’re staying up too late and not getting enough sleep. Or maybe you eat too many sweets. For a period of three weeks, focus on eliminating one unhealthy habit and replacing it with a healthful one. Since studies show that it takes about 21 days to break a habit, you can succeed!

• Seek ways to be of service. Some examples include caring for a loved one, helping an elderly neighbor, or volunteering at an animal shelter. Doing for another is beneficial for both you and the recipient. As highly sensitive people and introverts, we lament our sensitivity to negative emotions, but don’t forget that we are equally sensitive to positive emotions!

• Indulge your creativity. As highly sensitive people and introverts, the expression of our creative talents can have an incredibly restorative effect. Do you like to paint, write, cook, garden, decorate, or play an instrument? Whatever your talents, set aside time for some fun and engaging projects. These activities will give you something to look forward to and also provide a sense of accomplishment.

• Make time for rest and relaxation. Highly sensitive people and introverts have a strong work ethic and often feel guilty about taking time off. However, you will be more productive if you take the time to rest and recharge your batteries. Take breaks when you feel tired, and set aside time to do things you enjoy.

  What specific actions can you take now to “spring you forward?” How can you eliminate clutter and baggage in life? Are there things that you can do to tap into your creativity and renew your zest for living? Perhaps you can incorporate some of the above suggestions, or maybe you have ideas of your own. Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings! I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.

  If you find my content useful, I would appreciate it if you would share it with others! Feel free to use the share buttons below, or to add your comments to this post. I do respond to comments!