By Adrianne Szabo-Payne

Springtime, particularly May is one of my favourites times of the year, because it brings a promise of colourful flowers, fresh cut grass and the warm days of summer ahead.

This year, in this strange season we are living, being shuttered in our homes, hiding from this invisible menace, getting excited for spring may be tough for many who have to stay home while we wait this out. I struggle daily with keeping routine and finding ways to boost my spirits, because I easily get sucked into the what-ifs, and the feeling of when will this be over? But, as is for all seasons, there is an end and this too shall pass.

So this month, instead of giving into our anger, sadness and anxiety, let’s challenge ourselves to find the silver lining of each day. Some helpful tips I recently picked up from a coaching program I follow suggests to:

Keep a gratitude journal. Log the little things that make your day brighter, whether it’s calling a friend to wish them a beautiful day; getting excited about the new bud you found growing on your orchid plant; or simply being able to share precious time with your loved ones, without the rush of daily life. There are a million things that bring us joy, so long as we look for it.

Start your day with purpose and set a routine. Tonight, think about what your day will look like tomorrow. Set an alarm for 20-30 minutes earlier than you woke up today and when it goes off, get up, wash your face, drink a big glass of water and take that extra 20-30 minutes to do some exercise to get your heart pumping. Take a shower and get dressed. Make a list of todos and make sure it’s achievable. Check off your completed tasks. You’ll finish your day feeling productive and satisfied.

Set an intention for the day. This can be as simple as choosing to respond with kindness to something that irritates you; or making a point to stay away from your couch and keep the TV off until after dinner.

I know these tips are not new or revolutionary, but sometimes the reminder of them is helpful. And so, as we work through this month, look for the silver lining in every situation because of the gift it will yield in the end.

 

Adrianne Szabo-Payne can be found at Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness located at 800 Islington Ave. As a certified holistic nutrition and wellness practitioner, her passion for helping others find their path to wellness drives her to bring unique tools and methods for healing to her community. Connect with us @monkeytreefitness on Facebook or #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram, or on our website at www.monkeytreewellness.com