Five ways to get into the spirit of spring

Most Onderbergers are already in a summer mood thanks to the past couple of weeks’ rising temperatures.

Today I heard someone mention that we only have two seasons here: Hot and Very Hot. Judging by our ‘spring’ temperatures, we’re in for a very hot summer.

For many people, me included, spring evokes memories of civvies days at school, getting flowers and are associated with new beginnings.

In the spirit of Spring Day, I thought I’d present you all with five ways to get into the spring-spirit:

• Do some spring cleaning

After lazing around in winter, the start of spring is a great time to sort out the clutter in your garage and home. Put away those duvets and blankets and get out your breezy sheets and light comforters. Make sure your air conditioners and fans are clean and in working order, to ensure you can keep cool when the temperatures soar.

• Change your mindset

We’re 3/4 into the year and many people (like me) can’t wait for the December holidays and a chance to get away from work and relax.

To survive the last four months, you need to think positively. Take a relaxing bath once a week, drink coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in a while or treat yourself to something special when you’re feeling down or overwhelmed. And smile. Give yourself a break, live in the moment instead of wishing the days away and before you know it, you’ll be buying Christmas presents.

• Get a new spring wardrobe

One of the best things about the change of seasons is that you usually need a few new items in your wardrobe. Take stock of everything in your closet. Throw out everything that doesn’t fit or has seen better days or donate them to a local charity and fix up items you can still wear.

Remember to check out your shoes and give them some love – shoe polish or just a light wash. Then you can draw up a list of items you need and go see what new fashion the shops have to offer.

• Get moving

Take advantage of that extra hour of two of daylight to start your exercise program again. Take the kids and dogs for a walk or have some me-time with the husband while you jog or speedwalk. Dust off the treadmill or gym equipment and spend an hour getting back into your summer shape. If cardio’s not your thing, I suggest finding some free yoga or Pilates videos online, like Cassey Ho’s quick and easy ones, which you can find here.

• Try out some summer recipes

Spring and summer is a time for salads, ice-cream and an abundance of fruits. Take advantage of the hotter temperature to experiment with a variety of salads for lunch or as a side dish, try making home-made ice-cream and sorbet and make sure your family gets all your vitamins by snacking on fruit.

Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Avo-hummus dip

• Baked avo with chicken curry

• Cremora tart

• Lunch box egg muffins