Spring Tune-up For Mind & Body

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. She offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. You can contact her at 
kahorowitz@gmail.com

    Now is the time to check off those items on your list before you 
are called outside for those outdoor projects. Happy Spring!

    The snow has finally fallen and the spring birds have begun their mating calls.  We’ve pushed our clocks forward an hour after spring equinox on Wednesday, March 20.  As the warm days beckon us outside, it’s time to rejuvenate your mind and body.
     Complete those indoor tasks.  Maybe you and your loved one had some winter projects on your to-do list like painting that spare bedroom or changing the vanity in the guest bathroom.  Maybe you wanted to clean out the basement of old toys and games your children have outgrown.  Or, maybe you wanted to organize your desk so that when the nice weather arrives, you’re not left with a mess inside.  Well…now’s the time to get it done.
    Make those phone calls.  Perhaps you had a mental list of family and friends you wanted to catch up with but have been too busy.  Mark off an evening after dinner where you can do so uninterrupted.  There’s nothing better than reconnecting with a loved one while sipping on a cup of hot cocoa or tea.  You’ll both feel better making that special connection.
    Clean out your closets.  Haven’t worn those winter sweaters you’ve been holding onto for years?  Now’s the time to make a generous pile and donate to your favorite charity or local thrift shop.  It’s also the perfect opportunity to try on your spring and summer wardrobe to see what fits comfortably and what’s still in fashion.  
    List your goals for the coming season.  Want to find a new volunteer opportunity?  Check out VolunteerMatch.com, the largest network in the nonprofit world, or look in your local papers for places you’d like to become involved with.  My neighbor and I have been volunteering at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for the past five years maintaining its outdoor trails.  We bring our weekly scraps of fruits and vegetables to feed the goats there.  Or maybe you’d like to help a young child with their homework in an after-school homework help program.  There are also plenty of weekend community programs where you and your family can help clean up a beach or park. 
    His and her spa day.  Treat yourself and your loved one to a day of aromatherapy and massages before you get ready to get your hands dirty planting in the garden.