LIFE

I am a summer girlie through and through. Sure, I like the ~idea~ of trees changing color and cozy rainy days and coats and scarves in the fall and winter. But, let's be real, every year I spend the cold months wishing chilly weather away and manifesting bright blooms and sunshine.

It's great to be able to romanticize the season you're in rn. But tbh, sometimes looking ahead to the gorgeous warm weather to come is the biggest mental health boost when you're feeling the cold-season blues. If you're a fellow spring/summer bb, keep reading for our top tips to bring the springtime energy into your life right now if you just can't wait for the end of winter.

Get your spring cleaning going

@potterybarnteen

Spring is all about coming out of winter hibernation and getting rid of the things that are no longer serving you. We love to think of spring cleaning as a refresh for *every* part of your life (think: your room, your activities, priorities and relationships).

Try cleaning out your closet by donating the cold-weather clothes you haven't worn all winter (or the spring fits you're not super excited to see when temps rise). Or go for a digital cleanout where you think critically about your apps and the accounts you're following, so every time you open your phone, it's a fresh burst of positivity.

(Re-)connect with nature

@mel.amartinez

If you hate the cold, you've probably been stuck inside all winter (and we don't blame you, babe!). But we know that exposure to nature = a major mental health boost. Try going on a pre-spring walk outside at a park or nature preserve close to you to enjoy the fresh air. Or get a potted plant or some early spring flowers at the grocery store and put them in a vase in your room to keep the springtime nature energy going even when you're indoors.

Debut your spring fits

@niasioux

Maybe it's still too chilly to bring out your super cute sundresses and shorts (we hear you!). But late winter is the perfect time to test out some of your potential spring fits (think of it as the "spring preview" collections in fall New York Fashion Week).

Maybe you can soft-launch your sweet spring dress over a turtleneck top and fleece-lined tights, or throw on your adorable crochet cardigan over a heavier coat, to help you get into the spring spirit *and* plan some outfits for when the spring months finally come. (Brb, looking up "springtime cottagecore girl" on Pinterest!)

Read spring books and watch spring movies

@thenatureofpages

Still itching for spring to just go ahead and start? Get a jump on all the pretty springtime vibes by watching the spring episodes of Gilmore Girls or your fave movies with traces of spring nature like Pride and Prejudice or The Sound of Music.

If you're more into spring break vacay vibes, try reading a sweet spring break rom-com like My Epic Spring Break (Up) by Kristin Rockaway, or look ahead to the summer holidays with Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green or GL fave Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty (simultaneously TSITP TV show screening optional!).

Look forward to fun spring plans!

@itsjennaraine

Ngl, the best way to get into a happy spring mood might just be looking ahead to all the things you're excited to when the season *actually* gets here. If you're waiting for the end of winter, besides giving your current life a pre-spring glow-up, think ahead to all the outdoor picnics and cute outdoor cafe moments you can plan when the weather warms up!

Try making some concrete plans with your besties or family members so you have specific spring activities on the calendar. Trust us, looking ahead to future spring fun will make getting through the last dregs of winter that much easier.

What are you doing to welcome in the spring? Tag us in your pics @girlslifemag!

Looking for more pre-spring inspo? Keep reading:
❄️ How to beat the cold-weather blues
🪷 Everything you need to know about girl mossing
🎒 Weekday hangouts to plan when you have school tomorrow

Slider and top image: @mel.amartinez

by Ava Slocum | 3/15/2024