Spring is a beautiful time of year. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, the flowers are starting to bloom– and all that charm is completely nipped in the bud when you start sneezing. The CDC estimates that over 25% of adults in the U.S. struggle with seasonal allergies, so rest assured that you’re not alone! However, it can be disheartening to watch the world waking up from winter outside your window and not be able to enjoy it, especially if you also have to deal with the sun-soaked Instagram photos of your friends having outdoor fun while you’re stuck inside with a box of tissues.
Cabin fever is no joke, and feeling isolated, trapped, and left out can have poor effects on your mental health, but there are plenty of ways for you to combat these feelings until the pollen count goes down. Here are a few good ones to keep in mind!
Embrace the Sunshine
Just because you can’t go outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the warmth and bright sunshine of springtime. Exposure to sun rays has been shown to improve your mental wellbeing, so first thing every morning, throw open all of the shades and curtains and let the light in! Try to soak up as many rays throughout the day as you can. Reading in a sunny spot next to a window is a great way to do this, and if you can combine your sunshine time with your daily movement by doing some yoga in a patch of sunlight on the floor, for example, that’s even better!
Do Some Spring Cleaning
You’re bound to resent being stuck inside if your space is dreary and dull after the winter months. Spring cleaning is a tradition for a reason, so take this time as an excuse to tackle that closet you’ve been meaning to clean out or to throw away that pile of knick-knacks that’s been gathering on the counter. Opening up more room in your home, refreshing the space, and giving yourself a sense of accomplishment will all help you to feel better mentally while you’re dealing with springtime cabin fever.
Decorate with Colorful Crafts
In the same vein of making your home more cheerful, bringing the bright colors and flowers of springtime inside is a great way to help yourself perk up, especially when you can do it without having to deal with any real flowers making you sneeze. Take some inspiration from the season and use the gorgeous visuals to engage in a new craft. Painting, knitting, sewing– you can even craft fake flowers from colored paper and wire! Picking up a new hobby will help to keep you busy and entertained, and brightening up your space will improve your mental health as well.
Eat Spring Foods
Even if you can’t enjoy delicious seasonal dishes on the patio of your favorite restaurant, that doesn’t mean you’re banned from embracing the flavors of the season. Spring is a great time to pack your diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables that are best enjoyed at the height of their growing season. Some things that are ripening up right now towards the end of May include asparagus, peas, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, new potatoes, and lots of different herbs. Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with ways to enjoy these delicious kinds of produce!
Express Yourself
No matter how many things you try to cheer yourself up, there’s really no getting away from the fact that being stuck indoors can be miserable. Allowing yourself to be upset and finding ways to vent and express your frustration can be helpful! Consider journaling, commiserating with a friend or family member, or talking to your therapist. Bottling up your negative feelings never does your mental health any good, so find healthy ways to process your emotions, and remember that this is only temporary! Before long, summer will be here and you’ll be ready to enjoy the great outdoors again.
Interested in learning more about mental health and ways to improve your wellbeing? Make sure you continue reading our blog here!