Spring…AT LAST! The days are finally getting longer and the weather’s starting to warm up across the Bays. But this seasonal shift from winter to spring isn’t just about the elements – it’s also a perfect time to give your health and wellbeing a gentle spring clean.
The transition from winter to spring can be a bit of a mixed bag for our bodies and minds. While most of us feel naturally lifted by the increasing sunshine and vitamin D, seasonal changes can also trigger skin flare-ups, affect sleep patterns, or even impact mental health for some people. The good news? A few simple adjustments can help you make the most of this beautiful time of year.
Mind Matters:
Managing Everyday Stress
Life in Aotearoa is undeniably beautiful, but let’s be honest – everyday stress still creeps in. Whether it’s work pressure, family commitments, or just keeping up with the pace of modern life, we all feel it sometimes. Here are some strategies to help keep stress at bay as we head into the busier spring season:
Get Outdoors: You don’t need to tackle the full Rangitoto summit to reap the benefits of nature. A stroll along Browns Bay Beach, a quick walk with the pram around Mairangi Bay Reserve, or even just sitting on a bench with a view of the water can work wonders. The combination of fresh air, natural light, and the sound of waves has an almost instant calming effect.
Connect with Others: Whether it’s catching up with a neighbour, joining a local walking group, or reconnecting with a friend over coffee, human connection is a proven mood booster.
Practise Mindfulness: Before you worry that this means expensive meditation classes, remember that mindfulness can be as simple as taking a moment to truly notice the world around you. Try spending five minutes really watching the waves or paying attention to the progress of emerging spring flowers. Mindfulness is just about being present rather than rushing through each day.
Give Yourself Permission to Say No: Spring can trigger a flurry of activity – suddenly everyone wants to repaint, landscape, or spruce up the deck in time for summer. While it’s great to feel motivated, piling too much onto your plate will leave you knackered before December arrives. Choose one or two projects and enjoy them rather than overwhelming yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out: If stress feels overwhelming, remember that people do care. Whether it’s a chat with a trusted friend, a conversation with your GP, or a call to a helpline, talking to someone can make all the difference. You’re not alone in this.
Physical Wellbeing: Simple Steps for Spring Health
Looking after your physical health doesn’t require a gym membership or expensive equipment. Some of the most effective wellness strategies are completely free and perfectly suited to our beautiful home in The Bays:
Master the Fundamentals: Sleep well, eat reasonably healthily, and stay hydrated. With warmer weather approaching, it’s particularly important to drink plenty of water – especially if you’re spending more time outdoors. Keep a water bottle handy wherever you go and keep on sipping!
Embrace Movement: Spring is perfect for easing back into more active habits. The East Coast Bays offer endless opportunities for all levels of exercise – from flat walking to pickleball to swimming and paddleboarding.
Look After Your Skin: Seasonal changes can affect skin health, potentially causing dryness or triggering conditions like eczema. As you start spending more time outdoors, don’t forget sun protection – even on cooler spring days, the sun can be quite strong. A gentle moisturiser and sunscreen become your best friends as we head towards summer.
Ease Into It: Rather than dramatic lifestyle overhauls, small adjustments tend to stick. Maybe it’s adding an extra serving of vegetables to dinner, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or parking a bit further away from your destination. These tiny changes add up without feeling overwhelming.
Spring Forward in The Bays
We’re incredibly fortunate to be in the East Coast Bays, with its stunning natural beauty, small town spirit and modern convenience. As spring unfolds around us, there’s no better time to take advantage of everything our area offers.
Whether you’re enjoying a coffee catch-up on the beach, diving into a class at The Heart Of The Bays, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the views of Rangitoto, remember that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the best medicine is a gentle walk, a friendly conversation, and the simple pleasure of living in one of Auckland’s most beautiful corners.
This spring, give yourself permission to take things at your own pace, ask for help when you need it, and most importantly, enjoy the journey towards better health and happiness. After all, that’s what stepping into spring wellness is really about.
