Spring Awakening

By dr. Jen altman

We spend the winter months focusing on all that is cozy. We look forward to sitting by the fire, cooking soups and stews, drinking hot chocolate, wearing boots and sweaters and hunkering down. We seek warmth and comfort, leaning into the darkness that comes with overcast weather and shorter days. And that’s all good…until it’s not. Come mid-winter, the blues start to settle in. It’s Groundhog Day (literally!) – the same day over and over again. While routines are vital to our daily rhythm, they make life stagnant when the world feels smaller and darker. Symptoms include feeling restless but also fatigued; discontented but also unmotivated. Winter months mean hibernation – static and unchanging. But then something amazing happens – spring arrives!

With the onset of more sunlight and budding trees, moods lift. It is suddenly easier to be optimistic. It’s as though the sunshine helps to germinate those interests and feelings that lay dormant within us. Spring is a time for curiosity. We are so fortunate to live in a county where there are beautiful parks and greenery –watching it all come back to life makes you appreciate the marvel of nature and our surroundings. Newton’s first law is “an object in motion tends to stay in motion.” The energy that starts to generate moves us outside –off the couch, into the light, replenishing the vitamin D of which we are all so desperately in need. Once we have emerged from the cave that is winter, we feel lighter. We are reminded of the world beyond the couch and are propelled forward.

So how do we capitalize on thiS moment? how do we nurture that wonder?

• Be spontaneous. Stop thinking about it and just do it. Book the tickets to visit the tulip fields. Take the drive to see the new installment at the botanical gardens. Make the reservation for the outdoor dining experience you’ve been eyeing. Spring gives us permission to get out of our heads – to stop waiting and act.

• Shake it up. What better way to nurture our wonder than by trying something new? You’ve always been curious about composting? Take a workshop offered by a local farm or town environmental committee. Want a new workout? Sign up for a trial at the new boxing gym opening in your town. It doesn’t have to be a big change to be impactful.

• Get outside. No more excuses to stay inside. Once the frost is gone, time to revitalize the garden. Dust off your bicycles and get the rack back on the car. Hike your favorite trail. Visit your local farmer’s market. The opportunity is literally right outside your door – go for it!

• Clean it out. Few things feel better than a good closet overhaul. In addition to moving the winter clothes from their prominent places, it’s a great time to purge the things you know you’ll never wear and donate them to organizations where they will be put to good use. Or start smaller with that kitchen junk drawer…

• Fill the bucket. With renewed energy comes opportunity to change perspectives. Sunlight allows for more levity. When we see possibility, we start to feel more optimistic. Institute a gratitude practice for your family; have everyone say one thing they are grateful for every day. This encourages a shift in attitude and helps build a more optimistic mindset. What’s better than helping your family see the good? It builds resilience and once again, helps them move forward even when life is challenging.

We may be loath to give up our Uggs and cozy throw blankets. It’s natural to resist the change that the season brings. However, as we restore the bulky winter coats to their cedar closets in exchange for denim jackets; when the thaw arrives and the trees are budding; while we notice the days are longer and brighter; we can allow the promise of what’s to come to germinate, and welcome spring with excitement and gratitude.

Dr. Jen Altman is a New York- and New Jersey-licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She is currently in private practice in Saddle River. Dr. Altman works with children, teens and adults dealing with a variety of issues related to anxiety, depression, learning differences, motivation, social skills and family conflict. Dr. Altman consults with schools, offers professional development workshops, writes social-emotional learning curriculum and presents on a wide variety of topics. Dr. Altman is also the mother of two amazing teens, and co-creator of The Worry Chest. Find out more at www.drjenaltman.com.

Pony Power Therapies held their, “A Farm to Stable Affair” honoring Lindsey Inserra. For more information visit: www.ponypowernj.org