Are you ready to SPRING Forward?

The BACP Ethical framework states as counsellors “we will take responsibility for our own wellbeing as essential to sustaining good practice with our clients “.  

I first started to really appreciate what the BACP, and my supervisors meant by “Self-Care” after completing Cruse bereavement training in 2014. This three-month training was held in a church yard, surrounded by pine trees, during the winter months and at the end of every day we were asked to focus on our “Self-Care.” I began treating myself to bright flowers on my way home, which provided a necessary balance to these training days, and I continue to treat myself to flowers today. 

Following on from this, the word Spring will always conjure up images of flowers and I love learning about “the language of flowers” and plant medicine. Throughout history, flowers have offered us symbolism and are a source of comfort and celebration. During the Victorian period, people would send each other flowers to express secret meanings, for example pink roses represented warm affection and yellow roses represented friendship. 

As I write this blog, it is the beginning of Spring and flowers are starting to bloom along the hedgerows, in our gardens and cities; daffodils, snow drops, tulips, bluebells offer us a new and changeable colour palette and offer us symbolisms of new beginnings, resilience, hope, love and gratitude. 

The gardeners who have planted bulbs and seeds may feel a sense of achievement and anticipation and I am in awe how these bulbs patiently wait under the soil - hibernating like the rest of us until they are ready to bloom. With these flowers, comes the Spring Equinox and we have the perfect reminder of more balanced days ahead.  

Many of us may start to experience a more positive mood with this increased colourful environment and natural light. We may start to reconnect with outdoor spaces, exercise or feel motivated to clean out the kitchen cupboards! Historically and culturally - a “Spring Clean” has been linked to welcoming good luck and good health into our homes. 

Although the Spring balance may mean a new lease of life, for others it might not feel the right time to fully draw back the curtains to embrace the new Spring days. The Spring seasonal transition may have a negative impact on sleep routines, circadian rhythms (responsible for regulating body temperature and hormones), and mood, alongside an increase in allergies.  

Self-care is both essential and unique for everyone - for us as counsellors and our clients. So, here are a few ideas to support Spring balance:

• Keep to sleep routines  
• Keep hydrated during warmer days 
• Eat seasonally 
• Have your first drink of the day enjoying the natural light (either in your garden or with your windows open) 
• If you have a garden/lawn space, then walk bare footed to help ground yourself, in the  morning and during the day 
• Enjoy extra outdoor time alone or connecting with others 
• When outdoors, wear suitable clothes and sunscreen (as recommended by the NHS – no lower than 30SPF) 
• Enjoy mindful Spring moments – listening to bird song, smelling flowers, and  touching flower petals 
• Introduce a new hobby into your life 
• Create a Spring journal – draw or write about the birds and plants that you notice daily/weekly 
• Create space in your home and garden for vases of flowers and potted plants 
• Give yourself extra travel time, considering extra drivers on the road and reduce stressful car journeys 
• Keep up to date with medication reviews to support emotional regulation and seasonal allergies 
• Just like the new flowering bulbs - be gentle and patient with yourself if you still feel sleepy! Let the Spring flowers guide you!

SPRING by Donna Ashworth 
I have always believed Spring to be the harbinger of hope, the launchpad of lighter days, the gateway to life. Spring soothes our winter-worn souls with anticipation, and its promise of more. It gently shakes our hibernating toes and whispers, wake now, your wintering days are done. And so, with each eager sunrise, we emerge, we re-ignite, we re-energise. And with the nature around us, we begin to rise and renew. Come on in, Spring, we have much longed for your light, for your joy, for your new. We are slowly rising from slumber, welcome back. 

by Emma Pritchard (MBACP)
Tutor for the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling at Iron Mill College
emma.pritcharddcw - Dorchester Counselling and Wellbeing Service - About Us

Written March 2025

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