March, 2025

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Spring symbolizes renewal, making it an ideal time to refresh mental and emotional well-being. As the seasons change, so can our mindset and habits. Many people feel an innate urge to reorganize their spaces, engage in outdoor activities, and set new goals. This seasonal transition is an opportunity to embrace a holistic mental wellness reset.

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The Science of Renewal

Research suggests that seasonal changes can significantly impact mood and energy levels. Longer daylight hours increase serotonin production, enhancing feelings of happiness and motivation. A study published in Psychological Science found that engaging in positive, intentional changes during seasonal transitions leads to increased mental well-being.

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Key Strategies for a Spring Mental Reset

• Declutter Your Space: Studies show that a clean and organized environment reduces stress and improves focus. Try the KonMari Method or minimalism principles to simplify your surroundings.

• Increase Outdoor Activities: Spending at least 20 minutes outside daily improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances cognitive function.

• Adjust Sleep Routines: Longer daylight hours can disrupt sleep. Maintain a bedtime routine, limit screen exposure before bed, and use blackout curtains if needed.

• Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Journaling, meditation, and gratitude exercises help clear mental fog and encourage positive thinking.

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Spring provides an opportunity to embrace new habits that nurture mental and emotional health. Small, consistent changes lead to lasting improvements in well-being.

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Resources for Mental Wellness

• Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Article: "The Science Behind Spring Cleaning and Mental Clarity" (Psychology Today)

• Free App: Calm (guided meditations and relaxation techniques)

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Handouts for March

1. "10-Minute Spring Mental Refresh Checklist" 

2. "Spring Cleaning for Your Mind: Daily Self-Care Guide" 

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Somewhere along the way, as responsibilities piled up and life got louder, many of us discovered just how easy it is to become emotionally isolated, even when we’re surrounded by people.

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Jobs, caregiving, grief, moving, health challenges, or just the natural shifts of adulthood can leave us wondering: Where did all my people go?

And yet, few things are more powerful or more healing than a solid, honest support system.

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Why Adult Friendships Matter (Even When Life Gets Complicated)

As children and teens, friendships formed through proximity and play. But as adults, they require more intention, vulnerability, and trust. When done well, they offer:

• Emotional grounding: Friends remind us who we are when we forget.

• A sense of belonging: We all need a place where we can be our full selves.

• Accountability and growth: Real friends challenge us—in the most loving ways.

• Joy in the ordinary: Sometimes a good laugh or a shared meal is the best therapy.

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Finding Your People: It’s Never Too Late

If you’re in a season where friendships feel distant or hard to maintain, you’re not alone. Many adults find themselves rebuilding their support systems later in life due to loss, divorce, relocation, or personal growth.

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Here’s the truth: It’s never too late to build your village.

• Join groups where people share your interests: dance, book clubs, walking groups, faith gatherings.

• Make the first move. Invite someone for coffee, a walk, or a chat after class.

• Be open but patient. The best friendships often grow slowly and quietly.

• Don’t underestimate the power of one. Even one deep, mutual connection can change everything.

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Resources about making meaningful adult friendships: 

 

How to Make Friends As An Adult

 

How to Make and Keep Friends in Adulthood from the New York Times

 

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Spring is the perfect time to wake up both body and mind. As the days grow warmer and brighter, movement becomes more than exercise-it becomes a celebration of life.

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You don’t need to train for a marathon or join a gym. A daily walk, gentle stretching, gardening, dancing, or just stepping outside to breathe deeply can shift your mood, energy, and mindset.

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Physical activity in spring helps:

• Boost mood and mental clarity

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Increase energy and sleep quality

• Reconnect you with nature and yourself

This season, let movement feel good. Let it fit your rhythm, your body, and your joy.

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Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Move for your health, but also for your healing, your happiness, and your future.

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A few resources to get your body moving, active, and ready for Spring and Summer Wellness:

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Spring Training Preparing Your Body for Activity

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Spring Into Action with 7 Total Body Exercises

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​Move Into Spring: About Healthy Meal Planning

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Changes with physical exercise also includes consideration of an improvement in planning  healthier eating habits and meal preparation. 

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Re-evaluating your current caloric intake, the types and quantities of foods that are consumed during the day, and monitoring your weight can improve wellness. Take time to check out some of these resources to review and possibly reconsider ways to maximize your health, in combination with exercise and a new looks at healthier meal planning. 

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Resources

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Eating the Right  Foods for Exercise

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Eating and Exercise: Five Tips to Maximize Your Workouts

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10 Healthy Eating Habits to Fuel Your Fitness Goals

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