Seasonal | Pilgrim's Perch

Put a Happy Spring Back into your Step: Recover Your Own Unique and Delightful Bounce!

Spring has officially arrived!

It’s a time when we all feel better. The days are longer; the light is brighter; it feels warmer. Somehow, despite all the negative things that are going on in the world we feel just that bit more optimistic, hopeful and cheerful.

A tree in full spring blossom — Spring in full flow

How can we hold on to that feeling, make the most of it and pass on to those around us a cheerful sense of well-being?

A girl enjoys being outdoors in a field of flowers — Spring brings a sense of happiness and well being

Small steps can make a huge difference. If the sun is shining, get out for a walk. Find a park, quiet footpath or coastal track where you can take some deep breaths, fill the lungs with fresh air and take a moment to be still. As you walk, focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Enjoy the forward motion. Relish the different sights and views that open up as you pass. Smell the different aromas that come your way from blossom and new spring growth. Greet folk you encounter with a smile.

A couple out walking with a dog — An ideal time for fresh air and a walk

Maybe try a different exercise.

We’re all being encouraged to take more exercise. And it can be so simple. It may be a stretch you haven’t tried before. It may be a part of your body that feels tight or tense – shrug and roll those shoulders; raise yourself on your heels; bend your legs; stretch out your arms. There are many resources for discovering new ways of helping your body feel more flexible. Some excellent Youtube videos will give you inspiration- have a browse and choose one that works for you.

A couple doing simple exercises — Take up a new exercise – or just get moving

Practice Gratitude

It’s easy to become over-focussed on ourselves when our mood is a little in the doldrums. Change the dynamic – think about a friend, family member or acquaintance you maybe haven’t seen for a while and get in touch. Send a message, write a letter or speak to them just to say that you are thinking of them, wondering how they are doing. Thank them for some small thing that they may have done for you in the past that has made you feel better. Let them know you value their friendship.

A woman writing a letter of thanks and gratitude — Send a letter to express your appreciation for something

Boost your energy…

Are you getting enough rest? Is your diet helping or hindering you?Small changes can bring massive benefits.

Each day you could walk, cycle or run for just that bit longer. Consider the food you eat – the fuel you put into your body. Could you make some simple swaps? Instead of a fast food solution, create a fresh salad, colourful and nutritious. Eat an apple instead of a stack of cakes and biscuits. Enjoy a glass of water instead of a fizzy drink that loads your body with sugar. There are numerous ways to adjust food habits that don’t have to cost the earth but will bring a greater sense of well-being and fulfilment.

A woman enjoys fresh and healthy food — Make some changes to your diet and enjoy healthy fresh food

Take action!

Complete something you’ve been meaning to finish for ages. It may be a wardrobe de-clutter, a patch in the garden that needs clearing, a book you started reading and never finished. Just get on with it!

Decluttering can free the mind - and free up some space! — Declutter a room – or simply a drawer!

And if all of these sound like too much hard work, just get outside. Listen to the birds, watch the leaves unfolding on trees and bushes around you; breathe in the scents of spring – and simply value the fact that you are alive in this world; that you are unique and have so much to offer.

A figure runs across a field and simply enjoys being alive — Get out into the fresh air and simply enjoy being alive!

Arrival of The Year of the Fire Horse

Chinese New Year comes with the first new moon of the lunar calendar – this year it falls on 17th February 2026, and heralds the beginning of the fifteen day spring festival. Celebrations vary depending on the country or region, but there are a few common traditions.

Celebrations as the new lunar year arrives. — The new Lunar Year arrives…

The Chinese zodiac calendar is a twelve year cycle, each year being represented by a different animal. 2026 sees the Year of the Horse. This is paired with a heavenly stem – one of the five elements – in this case, ‘Bing’, or ‘big sun’. Thus, 2026 becomes the Year of the Fire Horse.

A horse gallops across the plain — The Year of the Fire Horse

The tradition of lighting firecrackers and fireworks, hanging lanterns and wearing red clothing is believed to ward off evil and bad luck.

Father and daughter wearing red clothing to bring good luck. — Red clothing is worn to ward off bad luck

The Lunar New Year festivities often last over fifteen days. Food plays a big part and households spend much time preparing delicious dishes.

Chinese festive food is prepared with care. — Special meals and offering hospitality play an important role in part in the festivities.

A big spring clean of the home aims to sweep out all the accumulated rubbish and bad luck of the past year. It’s then considered bad luck to sweep up or remove rubbish on the first few days as this may mean clearing out all the new good luck and fortune.

A spring clean ensures that the home enters the new year with good fortune. — Cleaning the house is important for clearing out all the bad luck of the old year

Families travel far and near to gather for festive dinners. Presents and fruit are given in abundance; red packets of money are given to unmarried members of the family – these are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.

Money is given to the young and unmarried to bring luck — A red packet of money

On the third day of the new year (perhaps as a result of the overexcitement of the festivities!) it is believed that arguments are likely to occur. Some people try to avoid these by shunning company and visiting temples instead, making offerings to offset bad luck.

On the third day people often visit the local temple. — Visiting a temple helps fend off any disagreements and arguments!

The highlight of the holiday comes on the 15th day of the festival with the Lantern Festival. This falls on the first full moon of the year and marks the departure of winter and beginning of spring. Lanterns are lit, to symbolise the driving away of darkness and the arrival of hope. In ancient Chinese society, this was the day when young girls would be allowed out to enjoy seeing the lanterns and meet young men – hence the day has also been called Chinese Valentine’s Day.

Colourful Chinese lanterns see in the new year and bring hope and light. — Colourful lanterns ensure the festival brings light and hope for the new year.

Spring into Song

February bounces in and whilst the weather still brings a chill there is certainly more light as the days lengthen.

With that growing light have you noticed how the mornings become filled with birdsong? Our feathered friends sense the approaching spring and their singing is optimistic,bright and cheerful.

Indeed, it is often said that St Valentine’s Day (14th February) is the day on which birds choose a partner ready for the mating season.

But singing is good for humans too. It helps reduce blood pressure, improve lung function, posture, and it boosts the immune system. Breathing deeply and filling the lungs with air opens our body and mind up to new possibilities. Try some deep breathing exercises and see just how much more wide awake, alert and aware you feel. Singing triggers chemical changes in the body and releases ‘happy hormones’ including dopamine and endorphins, which help reduce stress and create a sense of wellbeing.

You can sing alone – or with others. It can be huge fun joining a choir – it teaches you to listen to one another, it helps improve memory and you have the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. Any more benefits? Yes! Lasting friendships can be formed – with a common bond these can be sources of joy for many years. No wonder the birds sound so cheerful!