Spring is here!

Let’s have a garden party

March 19 is the first day of spring this year. It’s earlier than usual, which works to our benefit. The new season prompts us to get back to outdoor activities, like gardening. Many of us will be preparing our gardens during these upcoming weeks, and that includes Marylou, who has been tending to her garden in our backyard for years. She grows both fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, raspberries, tomatoes, and zucchinis, among other produce.

Marylou embraces the whole farm-to-table concept by growing many of the ingredients of the meals she prepares – and I happily assist her with both the cultivation and the cooking. She grew up in western Pennsylvania, where locals famously can fruits and vegetables in early fall to be used during winter, so Marylou’s garden is enjoyed all year-round. She loves that garden, and it brings her – and me – so much happiness during the spring and summer.

“Spring cleaning” for our mental healthSpring not only offers a chance to renew our connection with nature but also serves as a reminder to shake off the remnants of winter and prioritize our mental well-being.

One of the best ways to do that after months of hibernation and inclement weather is to get out of the house and connect with friends and neighbors. The arrival of spring gives us the chance to enjoy lots of outdoor activities that bring us together, including watching or participating in spring sports (I return to cheering on my beloved New York Mets), attending flower shows, or tending to community gardens in urban areas, which have been growing (pun intended!) in popularity in recent years.

Just thinking about all that is synonymous with spring makes me smile. Last year, we provided useful tips on how to achieve happiness. I thought it might be useful to share some of those tips, which are still relevant today. You can see the whole list here , but they include moving on Monday, talking on Tuesday, socializing on Saturday, and solitude on Sunday.

You can go one step further. Dr. Chloe Carmichael of our Connectivity Council has developed a “psychological check-up.” It consists of three questions you can ask yourself to assess your mental health.

As our moods begin to brighten from those pesky winter blues, let’s use this time to “spring clean” our mind, body, and spirit to fully enjoy the benefits of the coming days of sunshine and warmth that spring represents.

All the best

,Jim