It’s time to dust off the walking boots and get back outside. It’s been a long, wet and windy winter, and for some reason this year it felt harder than usual. Time spent inside can become taxing on your mental health, and when the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor adventures, the feeling of being cooped up can become overwhelming—especially when you have little people to entertain.
The Gentle Shift Into Spring
The remnants of winter are still very much present. The mud, the semi-naked trees, the cold nip in the air, and the unexpected rain showers haven’t quite left us yet. But day by day, the sun is creeping back in, bringing light with it. Flowers are beginning to bloom, blossom is blossoming, and the days are slowly stretching out.
At the same time, there’s that growing urge to get the garden “summer ready” and refresh your wardrobe with something more weather-appropriate. Before you know it, the to-do list starts to spiral, and that sense of overwhelm creeps back in.
Slow Down and Soak It In
Coming out of hibernation shouldn’t be rushed. As humans, we need time to adapt to changes in our environment.
Start small—let fresh air into your home. Take unrushed walks surrounded by nature. Connect to your breath and let the sun touch your skin. Allow yourself the time to truly absorb the changing season.
When you get outside with your little ones, watch their faces as they take in the new sights and smells that spring is offering. Move, stretch, and listen to what your body needs. Your children are always watching and learning from you. One of the greatest things you can teach them is self-awareness and how to be kind to themselves.
Finding Joy Close to Home
Living in the New Forest National Park, we feel incredibly lucky to be able to wander straight into the forest and explore. There’s something so special about watching the woodland come back to life at this time of year.
Here are a few simple things we like to do as a family to help shake off the winter blues:
1. Start the Day with Sunlight
We open the curtains first thing and watch the birds. Morning light helps regulate our circadian rhythm—our natural body clock—and sets the tone for the day ahead.
2. Make Time for a Daily Walk
Walking has so many benefits, but at this time of year it feels especially powerful. It lifts your mood, boosts energy levels, and gently eases you out of that winter slump.
3. Prioritise Sleep
We try to keep a regular bedtime and wake-up routine, which again supports our circadian rhythm and helps us feel more balanced. Of course, this isn’t always perfect (especially with a teething one-year-old), but consistency where we can manage it makes a big difference.
A Season to Reconnect
Spring isn’t something to rush into—it’s something to grow into. Let it unfold slowly, just as nature does. There’s no need to do everything at once. Open a window, take a walk, pause in the sunlight, and let yourself adjust.
The garden can wait. The wardrobe can wait. What matters most is how you feel as you step back into the world again—grounded, present, and ready in your own time.
Mamas life adventures 
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