It’s still dark when the alarm goes off, but the days are definitely getting longer. There’s a glimpse of spring in the air, and what better time to shake things up, and make a new start? If the last couple of months have been a struggle, it’s time to embrace the upcoming season and make some changes. If you’re stuck in a bit of a rut, or you’ve succumbed to the winter blues, here are some steps you can take to inject some excitement into your life this spring.

Changing job

Do you moan about your job almost every day? Do you spend Sunday nights dreading the arrival of Monday morning? Do you wish away hours every day and long for the moment you can leave the office and head home? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it sounds like you need a change. We spend far too many hours of our lives working to do something we hate. Perhaps you know what you want to do, but you’re not sure how to get your dream job. Or maybe you have no idea, but you know that your current job isn’t the position you want. Whatever your situation, it’s always worth considering other options. You don’t have to hand in your resignation and risk losing your income. You can look for jobs while you still have a job. If you want to study or you need qualifications to move up the ladder, it’s often possible to do this while you’re working. You could take an evening class, for example, or study online.

If you are thinking about changing your job, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Make sure your CV is up to date, and try and tweak it for each application. It’s essential that your application is relevant to each role, and that your CV highlights your abilities and skills in relation to the job you’re applying for. If you haven’t looked at your CV in years, it will need revitalising, so do this before you fire off any applications. It’s also worth searching online for tips. Employers only spend a minute going over CVs, so it’s vital that you stand out from the crowd.

Freshening up your home

Our homes should be sanctuaries where we can retreat after a stressful day. If your home doesn’t make you feel comfortable, the interior is dated, or you’ve got half-finished DIY jobs on display, and it’s getting you down, why not plan a spring revamp? You don’t have to spend loads of money to achieve amazing results. A lick of paint here and there and a few carefully selected accessories and pieces of furniture can make your home look brand new. In the spring months, crisp, clean shades like white, yellow, and green work really well.

Adding plants and vases of fresh flowers can also bring a real sense of the outdoors to your home. If you’re looking for new tables or chairs, or you’d simply like a bit of inspiration to get you thinking, it’s worth flicking through magazines and shopping online. You can visit www.wood-create.com for some furniture inspiration and bespoke designs.  If you’re a creative person, and you want to save money, there are also some great DIY ideas online. If you’ve got the skills and the imagination, you can make everything from quilts and cushion covers to lanterns, candle holders, and unique wall displays.

Moving to pastures new

If you’re bored of your job, and you’re not happy in your home, a change of scenery may be the answer. When you stay in the same spot for a long time, day to day life can become stale. You spend all your time with the same people, you have a daily routine, which seldom varies, and your access to new experiences is limited. Moving may seem like a drastic step, but sometimes, it’s good to take risks and challenge yourself. If you consider relocating, you can experience life in a different place, make new friends, consider new job offers, and give yourself the chance to enjoy a fresh start.

If you are thinking about moving, weigh up your options. Consider possible locations, and start doing some research. Sign up with recruitment agencies, subscribe to websites, and look out for vacancies in the local papers. Think about where you want to live, and whether you want to rent or buy. If you want to move quickly, it may be best to take on a short-term let, and then you can look at properties once you move.  Stay organised with a moving home checklist to make sure you don't forget anything. If you don’t want to buy or you're not sure if the new location will be permanent, you can consider a long-term rental.

Adopting a new outlook

Spring is traditionally seen as a time for optimism, and it can be a lot easier to feel hopeful when the sun is shining. It’s easy to get down on yourself these days, and many people suffer from a lack of confidence in their own abilities. As spring approaches, try and adjust your mindset, and adopt a new, more positive outlook. Try and identify triggers that affect your mood. If you worry about comparing yourself to others, avoid social media, and recognise that we’re all different, and that’s what makes us all special

Be kinder to yourself, and don’t dwell on the negatives. So, you don’t have a 6-pack or a job that earns you millions of pounds every year. But neither do the vast majority of people. As long as you’re happy, it shouldn’t matter what other people are doing. This spring, put your happiness first, and try and work through issues that may be getting you down. Learn to cope with stress, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’ve been struggling with low self-esteem or you think you may have depression or anxiety. There is always a solution, it’s just a matter of finding the courage to reach out.

Spring is coming, and it’s a perfect time to think about shaking things up, and embracing a new start. There are so many ways you can sprinkle a little excitement, from moving house and changing job to giving your home a mini makeover or changing the way you think. This spring, consider making changes that will challenge you, make you happy, and give you plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.

 

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