5 Tips to Get Motivated Before Spring

March 14, 2010

Do you watch TV? If you do, you may have noticed plenty of commercials for pre-emergence herbicides. I was thinking about that name. Pre-emergence. (Or as my mother calls it, pre-emergency). That’s me, I think… I’m almost ready to… emerge, and believe me, it IS an emergency! If I don’t get out of the house soon, I will surely crack. Although I live in the Southeastern US, where the winters are normally mild, this particular winter  has been brutal by southern standards. (Right, I know I have no right to whine). Nonetheless, the result is that I have burrowed into my house and become complacent, less motivated and well, stagnant. Like the weeds in my yard, I’ve lain dormant all winter, just waiting to emerge. Well, get ready, y’all! It’s time to peek your head out the door, because spring is just around the corner.

So, my little weeds, what are you doing to chase away those final winter blahs and emerge fresh as a daisy? Here’s how I get ready for the grand blossoming of spring. Today I went out and bought a couple of pallets of rock, 25 bags of granite and some landscape fabric. That probably isn’t the average girl’s idea of a fab shopping trip, but for me it was rejuvenating. (More on this little project to come). Never mind the fact that I strolled the nursery amidst howling winds, gray skies and the occasional raindrop, I faithfully believe that spring is really going to arrive. After all, it’s showed up every year so far!

Need some motivation but you say you’re not ready to traipse out and purchase a thousand pounds of stone? Well, there are easier (and less expensive) ways to gear up for spring. Here’s a few ideas:

• Purchase potted herbs or tulips. Think of it as color in a pot. You don’t have to work, or plant, or anything. Just set a pre-potted spring flower in your window, add a little water every now and then and Voila! Instant spring! When the blooms get crunchy, pick off the bloom and plant them in your yard. You can plant over them, if you wish. They will remain dormant just waiting for next spring, when they’ll pop up fresh in your yard.

• Get a jump on spring cleaning. Just a little de-cluttering will go a long long way towards making you feel lighter and a little more free. Isn’t that the purpose of spring, to feel lighthearted? And when it comes time to really clean, you’ll be ahead of the game. While you’re at it, if the weather permits, fling open your windows. The benefit? Fresh air and less energy use!

• Go to your local nursery. Yes, put on a raincoat if necessary. Just browse the aisle to see the early selections. Soon you’ll have mentally dressed your porch or garden in spring color. Still too early where you are? Browse the library shelves for a whole slew of books on landscaping, gardening and color design!

• Visit your local farmer’s market. It may seem early, but there are early crops and some markets feature local farmers who are growing early vegetables in hydroponic greenhouses. One of my favorite local markets, Pepper Place Saturday Market now has a year-round store as well. When vegetables are few and far between, you can browse locally made soaps, books on gardening, local honey, yummy preserves and more. Don’t know where your local market is? Visit LocalHarvest.org to find a farmer’s market near you.

• Get your body moving! When spring arrives, you’ll most likely be outside. Whether you are a gardener, a part-time cyclist or a walker, chances are you’ll be moving your body more than you have all winter. Avoid those early spring stiff joints with a little prep now. Visit your gym. Bundle up and take a brisk walk. Whether you are a yoga fan or not, here’ s a little exercise to detox and get ready for spring. Try it now at Living Healthy.

Any other suggestions?

photo via Flicker, David Turner

Filed under: Eco Around the House,Energy,Healthy Living,Inspiration,Uncategorized