Today marks the Spring Equinox. Equinox comes from the Latin words aequi, which means "equal," and nox, which means "night." The Spring Equinox is considered the first day of spring: finally, the day and night are of equal length.

 

Traditionally, the equinox was celebrated as a time to cleanse out stagnant energy within the self and homes.

 

Even now, when we think of Spring, for many people, it symbolises: new beginnings, growth, spring cleaning, positive change. Of course there's also the longer days, warmer weather and lighter evenings to enjoy.

 

So, I'd like you to ask yourself: What positive change could you embrace this Spring? What are you doing in life and in business to ensure you thrive through this fabulous season?

 

Here are 4 key ways you can make positive change this Spring:

 

1) Get outside

 

During the winter, everyone spends more time indoors. The truth is it's not as appealing or accessible to spend time outside when it's freezing cold and miserable.

 

Spending time outside is proven to lower stress, blood pressure and even heart rate. Some research even suggests that green space is associated with lower risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Whilst exercising outside is also fantastic for physical and mental health, it has not been proven as necessary to increase well-being, just the ability to get outside in nature – sitting in a park or garden even is enough to have a positive impact.

 

So, if you're wondering how to fit this in your diary – maybe consider the following:

 

  • Take a call outside or whilst walking in a garden or park
  • Walk to the shop or to a nearby venue, park further away or choose a scenic route through a city park
  • Have a scheduled meeting or 121 outside or on a walk
  • Choose locations that have an outdoor options if weather permits
  • Make time for a short break each day and go outside

 

2) Have a Spring clean

 

There are many benefits to having a ‘Spring clean' in life and in business. It can help you to feel more accomplished or even accomplish more, become more focused, feel destressed and also brings clarity.

 

In your personal life this may consist of: taking unwanted clothes and old electronics to the charity shop or tip, destroying unnecessary paperwork, throwing out expired kitchen items or clearing clutter from drawers, cupboards and forgotten spaces. It could also mean making a commitment to meal prep, assessing your finances or kicking a habit that you know doesn't serve you.

 

In your business you could:

 

  • Review your goals with a fresh pair of eyes. Ask yourself: Are we on track to meet short and long term goals? How valuable are these goals? What needs to change?
  • Make sure the KPIs you are tracking are the right ones and they support the goals. Ensure everybody in the business understands them and how they can contribute.
  • Review your supplier relationships. Are there any you no longer need or could re-evaluate? Are there opportunities to save money or innovate?
  • Test your processes and training materials. When were they last updated, are they still fit for purpose? How do they add value for your teams?

 

3) Find the balance

 

As my Dad says, “you haven't known balance until you've met imbalance”! Whether this be work and life or in time spent between your different roles, it is important that we feel content with the commitment we make to each area and not just in quantity but in quality too. Sometimes an hour spent dedicated to doing something with no distractions and being completely present in the moment is far more valuable or well received than hours of physical presence alone.

 

Consider your different roles, in your business, as a parent, friend, colleague, mentor or group member. How much value are you adding, how present are you in each of these situations, are you proud of your contribution? What would you change if you could?

 

And don't forget… you can't pour from an empty cup. You also need to make time for yourself and if that's not in your diary then you should start there.

 

4) Embrace change

 

Spring is a time for new beginnings, a freshly renewed mindset.

 

  • If you're considering taking a risk – go for it
  • If you want to learn something new – do it
  • If you feel like you want more – go out and find it
  • If you need help to achieve your goals – ask for it

 

Be the change you want to see.

 

Don't just succeed, thrive!

Maria