"Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a
sunny spring day." - W. Earl Hall
Waking in darkness. Going to the medical center in darkness. Leaving the
medical center in darkness. That’s a lot of darkness in the last 3 months. That
darkness, much like our near record snowfall, can bury our awareness of and
appreciation for the world around us. With this can come fatigue, the winter
blahs, cabin fever and a general seasonal malaise.
But once again, spring is around the corner! Given our especially harsh
winter this year, RWBC suggests we all make a deliberate effort to be mindful of
this spring. Here are some simple things we can do to more fully attend to and
enjoy this spring:
- Stop for a moment as you walk from the medical center to your car. Look up at the sky and notice it. Notice the clouds, the increasing lightness from day to day. Take a deep belly breath. Hold it for 3-5 seconds and slowly exhale- all while looking up. Then smile.
- Go for a walk. Walk your neighborhood and look for the first signs of ground reemerging from the snow. Notice the return of colors as you walk. Find the first crocus and again take a breath, slowly exhale. Then smile.
- Get dirty. When the ground thaws, get into it. Spend time in your yard or a friend’s yard. Prepare the yard for growth- rake or dig. Plant. Enjoy getting out of your resident identity and get you hands full of earth. Look at your earth stained hands. Then smile.
- Open windows. Let in the sun, the fresh air and the sounds of spring. Breathe in the smells of spring as they enter your home. Then smile.
- Attend the Resident spring workshop Thursday April 24. This year RWBC will hold the all residents’ workshop at Wildwood Park. We will spend time outside as we explore a variety of self-care topics. Think about spending a day with other residents discussing and practicing ways to relax, and manage the stresses of residency. You will receive more information about the workshop soon. For now, take a deep breath, let it out slowly. Then smile.
We look forward to spring and seeing you at the Resident Well-Being Workshop.
