10 Ways to Welcome Spring

Spring brings some relief from the long, cold days of winter. Flowers begin to bloom, the sunshine seems brighter and more people find themselves outdoors. There are several ways to embrace the spring changes in your home and lifestyle.

1. Open the windows

When the temperatures have gotten high enough, the first thing most of us want to do is throw open the windows. Let the fresh springtime breezes blow through and air out your home. The air begins to feel stuffy after the house has been closed up for months to keep the cold air out. Spring cleaning is a popular tradition because spring is an excellent time to open the windows. So the smells from the various cleaners will not linger or become as unbearable as they can when the space is closed in. It is nice in the evenings to relax in an environment that has been properly aired. Perhaps, it will even carry a bit of scent from the flowers beginning to bloom.

2. Plant Flowers

There is no better time to start planting some beautiful blooms in your own yard, than in the springtime. Flowers provide wonderful scents and colors that appeal to the senses. A bad day at work is quickly forgotten when one arrives home and is welcomed by the sight and smells of lovely blooms along the walkway. If there isn't a place available for you to plant your own flowers, look at getting an indoor plant. You can nourish it well in the springtime weather, and if it grows to a point it needs to be shared or moved outside, pass the plant on to your mother, friend, or neighbor.

3. Exercise

Spring is the perfect time to exercise off those holiday pounds. The weather is perfect to start a walking or jog routine. It is also a great time of year to take the kids to the park and play a sport. Remember, summer is right around the corner and you will be wanting to wear a bathing suit and shorts. So use the springtime as a break between winter doldrums and summer activity to get physically fit. Then you will be able to throw on your summer clothes without any worries!

4. Play With the Pets and Kids

The kids and pets have sat indoors all winter. They are ready to play! They have all this energy. Help them burn some of the energy off. Take them to the park. Spend an afternoon playing catch or Frisbee with the dog. Shoot some hoops with the kids. Spend an hour sitting on the sidewalk with the children, drawing with some sidewalk chalk. The spring rains will even wash it away for you when your done!

5. Clear out the Clutter

Once your windows are open, the pets and children are calmed down from some much needing playtime, it's time to spring clean the house. Attack the house with a duster, a vacuum, and a little bit of energy. Have the children help by sorting through their bedrooms. This is a good time for them to box up toys they have outgrown. Box up any winter clothing that you know the children will have outgrown next year. Including coats and jackets.

6. Hold a Garage Sale

Take the boxes of clutter and host a Saturday morning garage sale. Let the children help put price stickers on items, sell lemonade, or sit with you and help take the customer's money. This will teach them about money and help them learn how to deal with people in a courteous manner. Think of an idea that the money can be used for. If the kids want a pool this summer, let them know ahead of time the money raised during the garage sale will be the pool fund. Or the beach fund. Or vacation spending money. If there is nothing they want to earn money for themselves, try setting up what is earned to go to the local humane society as a donation or another charity of your choice. By setting a goal for the money raised, the children will be more encouraged to go through their things and really weed out the things they no longer want or use. When the sale is over, throw the boxes in the car and drive the leftovers to your local thrift store. Explain to the children what you are donating to and why. Not only do kids have a lot of fun with garage sales, but it can be a great learning tool for various things.

7. Wash the Car

Grab a bucket, sponge, some soap, and water hose. This is a great time of year to spray the salt and winter muck off the car. It also gets you outside enjoying the weather as you shiny up those wheels. When your done washing the car, do the maintenance. Check the oil and tires.

8. Lawn Care

Have the kids get involved and start picking up your yard. Clean up anything that has blown into it from various storms. Give the grass the first cut of the season. Touch up or replace the yard decor that has taken damage from the cold, winter season. Sweep the walks and deck. Spend a weekend of springtime on the lawn and all you will need to do this summer is maintain it.

9. Fly a Kite

Grab some kites and head outside. If you don't have enough room in your backyard, hit the local park. Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy flying kites. Get your spouse and children involved. After flying kites for a bit, take a break with a picnic under a tree. Bring books along and after munching on lunch, spread out on the picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing read.

10. Fish

Get your fishing gear ready. Make sure your fishing license is up to date. See what fishing is legal and available in your area. Then spend a day with the family or friends at the local lake or river. Fishing is relaxing and gets you out enjoying the spring weather. After a day spent outdoors, relaxed and refreshed you will be ready to tackle the other projects on your spring to-do list.

Spring brings warmer weather, new scents, and a sense of rejuvenation to our bodies. There are various ways to welcome this change into our life. Make sure you make the most of spring this year before you get lost in the bustle and rushes of summer activities and vacation plans. Take a few moments to just enjoy the moment.