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There is something about spring that makes everything seem possible again. The longer days, the lighter air, the instinct to open the windows and start again: they are energizing in a subtle but very powerful way.
If you’re coming out of a season of hibernation (more comfort food, less movement), I’ll first say this: Don’t feel guilty, because there’s a season for everything. But spring has this particular energy that makes me want to be more intentional: choosing how I feel each day, rather than waiting for a future version of myself to magically appear.
So this is what I’m really doing this season to feel my best. I have learned that it is never just one thing. An approach that encompasses nutrition, movement, sleep, and nervous system support is what really moves the needle. And once you’ve tapped into that cycle and gotten really hooked on feeling good, you’ll want to repeat those healthier habits over and over again.
I’m being completely transparent here because I love reading other people’s real, unfiltered routines; It’s the only way these types of posts are really useful. I’m not a doctor. I am simply someone who has done a lot of trial and error, read and experimented with myself. Take what works for you and leave the rest.
If you’re craving a reset right now, here’s the simplified spring self-care routine that’s made the biggest difference for me.
What really is spring self-care?
For me, self-care is less about adding more to your routine and more about refining what works really well:
- Eat in a way that gives me constant energy.
- Move my body consistently (but not excessively)
- Prioritize sleep and recovery
- Supporting my nervous system
- Letting go of what no longer feels aligned
It is a shift from “fixing” yourself to supporting yourself.
Food as fuel (delicious)
As someone who honestly loves to cook (and eat!), I really lean on the mood of a season to inspire a rotation of healthy foods that I love and know make me feel good.
My favorite spring foods
Breakfast (after a period of intermittent fasting, I love my morning meal again):
- Greek yogurt with red berries and granola
- Cottage cheese toast with fruit and honey (here are all the health benefits of cottage cheese)
- An egg fried in olive oil with avocado
Lunch (simple and repeatable):
- A fully loaded sandwich with turkey, avocado, sprouts, and Dijon
- Large Kale Salad with Leftover Protein
Dinner (where I take my time: I cook something simple but sit down to really enjoy it):
The biggest change: Prioritize protein and healthy fats at meals so you don’t constantly reach for snacks. It keeps my energy stable and makes meals more satisfying.
Less but better movement
If there’s one thing I’ve changed when it comes to exercise it’s this (and it may seem counterintuitive): I exercise less, but more intentionally. Feeling strong and fit doesn’t have to mean trying harder. For me, it’s about consistency and how movement makes me feel—Which, ultimately, is much more motivating than exercising solely for aesthetics.
My weekly routine
- Daily walks (non-negotiable):
30 minutes most mornings + a short walk after dinner - Strength training 2 or 3 times a week:
Pilates, weights, or a home workout focused on full-body strength
That’s all. Walking gives me energy and clears my head. Strength training makes me feel strong and capable. I’m no longer chasing a feeling of exhaustion – I’m focusing on sustainability, energy and feel-good endorphins.
A More Intentional Approach To Supplements
Over time, I’ve built a supplement routine that supports my energy, sleep, and digestion, but I’ve also learned that more isn’t always better.
If you’re setting your own spring self-care routine, start simple:
From there, you can add more layers depending on your needs.
Sleep is the basis
Consistent, high-quality sleep is the foundation of everything—it affects every other aspect of your health, but it’s often the one that doesn’t get the high priority it deserves. After years of struggling with sleep, I can honestly say that I have managed to sleep well most nights. And when I don’t, I know exactly what to do to get back on track. These are the sleep rules I follow:
- Go to bed earlier (before 10 p.m. whenever possible)
- Read instead of watching TV at night
- Keep my phone out of the bedroom
- Creating a cool, dark and quiet sleeping environment
When my sleep stabilizes, everything else (energy, mood, cravings) falls into place. You can dive into my full sleep toolkit here, where I share exactly how I check all of these boxes each night.
Your nervous system is key
Regulating my nervous system has been a long journey, but it’s been the biggest change for me over the last year and it has nothing to do with food or exercise.
It’s really about simplifying my life. I’ve been doing it slowly through:
- Saying no to things that don’t seem to align with my top priorities/values.
- Reduce unnecessary commitments and leave blank spaces on my calendar
- Letting go of versions of myself that I’ve outgrown
- Trust my instincts more quickly and follow my instincts
Naturally, spring invites us to clean things up physically, but I think the deeper work is clearing what is draining us mentally and emotionally. When your nervous system feels supported, everything else, from digestion to energy, begins to improve.
5 Simple Spring Self-Care Habits to Start This Week
Well, if you want to kick-start your own spring wellness routine, here are some easy ways to do it that will make a big difference in how you feel:
- Eat a protein-rich breakfast. that will really keep you full until lunch. Here are my favorite ideas for high protein breakfasts.
- Go for a walk every day. They only count between 10 and 20 minutes.
- Strength training 2-3 times a week. This could be lifting weights, but also Pilates or any type of resistance training.
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier every night this week. We got the best quality sleep before midnight.
- Delete one thing from your calendar that doesn’t feel aligned with how you want to spend your time.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
The simpler it is, the more likely it is to stick. For me, this season is about choosing habits that support how I want to feel: energized, clear, and fully present in my life. Not perfectly optimized, just aligned.
And that change, more than anything, is what makes everything seem to fit together more easily.
