Mindive

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." — Winston Churchill

Spring is here!
Spring tends to symbolize change and rebirth as we move away from the colder weather to embrace new growth. There is more sun, warmth, and blossoming flowers around us. However, spring and early summer months tend to see the highest rate of su***de as well as increased depression and anxiety. Why is that?
Spring produces a lot of change. For some, change feels like an exciting opportunity, while others may feel an intense instability in their lives. Changes in school, weather, and routines can all produce anxiety. Warmer weather also invites more activities, social events, and responsibilities. Many people experience spring allergies, where our immune systems are working twice as hard. Hormones (specifically melatonin) might also contribute to mood changes in the springtime. It plays a vital role in regulating our sleep cycles, and any change in this system may produce sleep issues.
During these times it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. When planning your schedule try to not overextend yourself. Make room to focus on your own wellbeing, hobbies, and happiness.

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand melting like a snowflake.” – Francis Bacon Sr.

Remember to slow down.
Take a moment and focus on your breathing. Each breath is life. Have you given yourself a few minutes to just breathe?
Focus on your body. Have you taken care of yourself today? Consider if there are parts of you that need extra attention.
Focus on your thoughts. Examine any intense emotions or negative thoughts and consider where they come from. What effect do they have on you? Then release them. They have no power over this moment.
Look around you. What can you see, or smell, or touch? Perhaps the sunrise early in the morning. Or the smell of fresh coffee wafting from a mug. Or maybe the soft sensation of a sweater on your skin, or the chill of the air on your face. How do you feel?
The past is gone and the future does not exist yet. There is only the present moment. Your moment. Remember to appreciate it, they go by so quickly and we tend to forget to be present.