Every spring, I open the windows, light a candle, and pretend for a minute that I’ve got my life together. Something about the sunshine hitting just right makes me want to throw things out, scrub the baseboards, and start over. But a few years back, I realized something important: my house wasn’t the only thing that needed a reset—my body did too. I was tired. Not just “I need a nap” tired. I’m talking bone-deep exhaustion. Stressed out, snapping at my kids, constantly sick, and dragging myself through the day on caffeine and adrenaline. It felt normal because everyone around me was doing the same. But normal doesn’t mean healthy.
That was my wake-up call. It wasn’t about a new diet or workout plan—it was about taking back control of my health in a world that made it feel impossible. So this spring, I want to share the little ways I’ve learned to reset. Not in a “you have to do all these things or you’re failing” way—but in a “maybe one of these helps you breathe easier” kind of way.
1. Clean Out the Real Junk
Start with your pantry. And no, I don’t mean toss your kids’ snacks or feel bad about the occasional treat. I mean the sneaky stuff. The boxes of ultra-processed “health” food that leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and still hungry. I started reading labels—and wow. It was like learning a new language: seed oils, artificial dyes, hidden sugars. When I began cutting those out and swapping for real food—things that actually come from the earth—I noticed a difference. I had more energy. Less brain fog. My kids even started sleeping better (go figure). A good place to start: replace just one thing a week. Switch the margarine for real butter. Grab fruit instead of fruit snacks. Try bone broth instead of that salty canned soup. This post on nourishing your body with whole foods breaks it down in a simple, doable way.
2. Detox More Than Just Your Diet
I used to think “detox” meant drinking lemon water and starving for three days. Nope. For me, detoxing meant looking at everything I let into my life—food, yes, but also stress, chemicals, toxic relationships, even what I scroll through on my phone. This spring, maybe take stock of what’s weighing you down. That pile of laundry can wait—but your peace can’t. I started using cleaner products (hello vinegar and essential oils), opened my windows more often, and swapped harsh sprays for natural alternatives. But even more than that, I started unfollowing accounts that made me feel like garbage and reconnecting with the people and things that filled me up. Need a starting point? This simple spring detox guide touches on ways to reset without punishing yourself.
3. Reset Your Schedule (Without Guilt)
For years, I ran myself into the ground because I thought that’s what a good mom did. Work overtime, never rest, keep going until I collapsed. But our bodies are smarter than we give them credit for—and mine eventually stopped asking. It started demanding. So now, part of my “spring cleaning” is resetting my schedule. I pencil in things like sleep, sunlight, time outdoors, and quiet. I say no more. I move slower. And the wildest part? I actually get more done because I’m not constantly burned out. Want a little help reclaiming your time and energy? This guide on fixing your circadian rhythm provides practical steps to adjust your daily routine and improve sleep quality.
4. Rethink Your Support System
I spent years inside a system that made me feel invisible. Going to the doctor felt like a gamble. Calling about bills gave me panic attacks. I didn’t just need a new plan—I needed a whole new way to do healthcare. That’s when I found an alternative that didn’t make me jump through hoops, drown in paperwork, or sell my soul just to get help. I’ve written more about how I broke out of that cycle here, and if you’re in that spot now—please know you’re not alone. There are people out here who see you. And if you want to go deeper on caring for your emotional health too, this piece on holistic mental wellness offers beautiful, grounding insights.
5. Bring Back Joy
This one’s the least talked about, but maybe the most important. Joy is healing. Play is medicine. We weren’t made to just grind through life. We were made to feel it. To laugh until we cry. To dance in the kitchen. To say yes to the picnic. To let our kids see us silly and free. If your spring reset includes nothing else—let it include joy. Choose it on purpose. It counts. Final Thought: Spring isn’t just a season—it’s a reminder. That even after the coldest, darkest stretch, life returns. Buds bloom. Air warms. Things grow again. You can grow again. Wherever you are in your health journey—overwhelmed, hopeful, or somewhere in between—I hope you find a fresh start this spring. One step at a time, one swap at a time, one deep breath at a time.
You’re not broken. You’re blooming.