It’s that time of the year where winter isn’t quite over, but yet spring isn’t here either. Which leaves many of us wondering what to do with several parts of our lives. What about our wardrobe? It’s still kind of chilly and not really time to put up sweaters yet, but still not warm enough for those light spring dresses, tops, and shorts. Depending on where you live, you may get a few days that feel like spring is already here! Our fitness routines may even change as the treadmill is swapped for the great outdoors. And what about our homes? The big fuzzy pillows and warm throws are looking a little less appealing the more the sun shines and weather warms.
We know that on Feb. 2, 2018, Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog, peeked at the ground and saw his shadow that morning. That equates to six more weeks of frigid winter if you trust Phil’s forecasting skills! Phil’s official website touts that he has issued a correct forecast 100 percent of the time. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that Phil’s forecasts have shown “no predictive skill,” however. So – whether we have had a lot of cold weather since Feb. 2 or not – we can still prepare for spring.
Wardrobe:
- Box up all of the heavy sweaters, but keep out those that can easily be layered.
- Brighten your wardrobe with light denim and other top and jacket choices that are still warm, but yet have more spring colors.
- Mix in some spring accessories that blend with some of your lighter winter-wear – jewelry, scarves, etc.
- Gradually start ‘lightening up’ by wearing less instead of a dramatic shift from sweaters, skirts, and boots to a sundress. Make a small change like skipping the tights or hosiery and instead going with a capri pant or longer skirt.
- Take a look at Pinterest and get some great ideas, as well as other fashion websites. There are tons of fashion ideas and mags online!
Fitness:
- A big “first” is that it you were inactive during the colder months, to start SLOWLY and make sure you check with your healthcare provider before getting out there and getting busy. If you are a planner, maybe you have already planned a check-up before spring gets here and gets your attention, calling you outside! And if not, consider getting an appointment on the books soon.
- WebMD has a great detailed article on getting back into a routine when spring hits. See what the experts have to say.
- Did you know that there are big differences in running or walking on a treadmill versus outdoors? The impact forces are much greater when running on the roads, and the treadmill surface is more forgiving. Also, movement patterns vary. On the treadmill you are keeping up with the tread while it glides under your feet, as opposed to outside where you’re propelling forward. Resources like Runner’s World have great tips on transitioning from an indoor treadmill to outdoors.
- Just do it. Spring is THE perfect time to get started or to swap up what you were doing before for indoor activity.
Home:
- Take a look around your home and see what needs to transition. Pillows, rugs, and linens are usually easy targets for making seasonal changes. Out with the flannel, in with the cotton! Look not only at textures and fabrics, but also colors. Think brights! And don’t worry about what’s ‘in,’ just go with what you like.
- Switch out your artwork on the walls and on tabletops to something that reflects your mood and the changing temperatures and sunlight outdoors.
- Consider repainting! There are always wonderful new colors to choose from and painting is one of the most inexpensive décor changes one can make.
- Again, go to Pinterest! It’s easy to spend DAYS on there creating some really great transitional ideas for your home.
ENJOY the weather, whatever it may be in your part of the world. And prepare yourself for the awesome season ahead as winter thaws and Mother Nature reveals a new palette. Spring is in the air!
Sources:
Washington Post, Groundhog Day 2018: Punxsutawney Phil spots shadow and forecasts six more weeks of winter. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2018/02/02/groundhog-day-2018-punxsutawney-phil-spots-shadow-and-forecasts-six-more-weeks-of-winter/?utm_term=.891cd53cf491. Accessed Feb. 26, 2018.
Web MD, Spring Back into Your Exercise Program. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/spring-back-exercise-program#1. Accessed Feb. 26, 2018.
Runner’s World, How to Transition from the Treadmill to the Roads. https://www.runnersworld.com/ask-coach-jenny/how-to-transition-from-the-treadmill-to-the-roads. Accessed Feb. 26, 2018.
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