As the days become longer and the sun lingers a little later in the sky, there’s a quiet shift in the air. The warmth returns – not just to the weather, but to our routines, our moods, and even our memories.
For many people, the arrival of warmer weather is more than just a seasonal change; it’s a gentle invitation to rise, reconnect, and rediscover the simple pleasures that bring joy and wellness.
A morning ritual
There was a time, not too long ago, when mornings started with the gentle clink of a spoon against a teacup and the rustle of a newspaper unfolding. My dad often sat on the front porch right after sunrise, a light cardigan draped over his shoulders, sipping hot tea as the world gradually woke up around him. He’d nod at passing neighbours, wave at the postie, and sometimes hum a tune from his youth.
That porch became his sanctuary – a place of stillness, routine, and quiet joy. And though he never called it ‘self-care,’ that daily ritual was exactly that. It was connection, mindfulness and joy all wrapped into one.
Health tip: Create a simple daily ritual that brings you calm and joy. Just like sitting on the porch with a cup of tea, taking a few quiet moments each morning can help you feel more grounded, connected, and ready for the day.
The taste of the season
As the weather warmed, I remember our kitchen counter would be covered with bowls of fresh fruit – strawberries, oranges, peaches – each one glistening and fragrant. Mum would slice them with care, layering them into glass jars for jam or tossing them into salads with mint and a splash of lemon. There was something magical about those meals. They were simple, colourful, and bursting with life. And they reminded me that food isn’t just fuel – it’s comfort, creativity, and connection.
As the weather warms, our bodies naturally crave lighter, fresher foods. Seasonal produce not only tastes better, but it’s often packed with nutrients that support hydration, digestion, and energy.
Health tip: Explore your local market or grocery store for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Try blending berries into yoghurt or tossing fresh greens with olive oil for a cool afternoon snack. For inspiration, try some of these recipes.
The garden as a healer
In my grandparents’ backyard, there was a small garden patch – nothing fancy, just a few rows of tomatoes, capsicums and lettuce. My grandfather would kneel in the dirt with his sunhat and gloves, humming as he worked. I remember watching him press seeds into the soil like tiny promises, each one destined to grow into something nourishing. Gardening, he’d say, was his therapy. And now I understand why. The act of tending to something, watching it grow, and being part of that quiet cycle of life is deeply grounding.
Gardening – whether in a backyard, balcony, or even a windowsill – can offer gentle exercise, mental stimulation, and a sense of purpose.
Health tip: Start small. Plant a few herbs like basil or parsley in pots, a tomato plant, or even a flower box. Gardening supports mobility, reduces stress, and encourages time outdoors.
A song for the season
There’s a CD I remember from my childhood – worn and faded, with a sticky label that simply read ‘Spring Mix.’ My mum would play it every year as the weather warmed, filling the house with the sounds of Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Barnes, and the occasional crackle of static. It wasn’t just music – it was a mood. The soundtrack of open windows, fresh sheets, and lemon-scented breezes. She’d hum along while folding laundry, sometimes dancing a little as she moved from room to room. I’d sit nearby, watching her, letting the music wrap around me like sunlight. Even now, when I hear those songs, I’m transported back to that feeling – light, calm, and quietly joyful.
Music anchors us to moments. It lifts the spirit, stirs memory, and brings rhythm to our days. Creating a personal playlist can be a beautiful way to reconnect with those feelings.
Health tip: Listening to music can reduce stress, improve sleep, and support memory. Play your seasonal soundtrack during morning tea, while gardening, or as you wind down in the evening.
When the weather warms, we do.
Warm weather doesn’t just change the temperature – it changes us. It softens our routines, brightens our moods, and opens the door to memories long tucked away.
Whether it’s a quiet morning on the porch, a bowl of fresh fruit, or your favourite song, these moments remind us that wellness isn’t always found in big gestures – sometimes, it’s the smallest things that bring joy.
If you would like support to create healthier habits this spring, complete the free online Health Check today to see if health coaching is right for you.
