Spring weather is upon us, and time in nature is good for your mind. Here’s three things you can do today to get connected to that sunshine.

As we welcome the first day of May, our crew at Brilla Latina is hopeful that those April showers have paved the way for warm, sunny days ahead! With the arrival of May, we have a plethora of exciting outdoor activities to anticipate – from salsa dancing classes to food festivals and summer concerts.

While these activities are popular among many of our readers across the U.S. for their enjoyable atmospheres and opportunities to spend time with amigos y familia, they also have a significant impact on our mental health. According to the National Library of Medicine, 98% of studies indicate that mental health improves when people engage with natural outdoor environments. This is especially important considering that nearly 22% of Hispanic and Latino Americans have reported experiencing mental illness or facing challenges with their mental health. Therefore, taking advantage of opportunities to immerse ourselves in nature can work wonders for us.

But thankfully, it doesn’t take a whole lot of effort, money, time, or travel to get into the swing of nature-loving! There are simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly ways to connect with your local environment. Here are a few to get you started y listo para el verano:

Buy Flowers–Or Plant Your Own!

It sounds so simple, I know! But whether you’re waiting for that special someone to bring you a bouquet or you feel like your space is looking a little well, blah, some color, and perfumes from seasonal blooms are a great way to bring the sunshine inside your home. This is especially beneficial for those of us who work from home, as introducing some variety into your workspace can help refresh your mind and provide a better perspective on your workflow, just by having flowers within your line of sight.

To take it to the next level, opt for local, pick-your-own flowers, or support Latinx-owned businesses. You can use online trackers to identify which types of flowers are in season in your region and even search online to find out how and where you can access local blooms that honor your cultural heritage. Additionally, you can take matters into your own hands by purchasing seeds and enjoying the fruits of your labor – quite literally! Gardening has been shown to reduce health risks such as dementia, making it a worthwhile investment in your well-being.

Soak Up The Sun (Or Something Like It!) For A Few Minutes

Whether it involves moving your office chair by the window for a brief moment, sitting on your fire escape, or heading up to the roof, a daily dose of vitamin D provides a serotonin boost that helps alleviate some of the symptoms of depression that may have lingered from winter.

Suppose your office, home, or geographical location happens to be particularly devoid of sunshine at the moment. In that case, you can still safely get those rays with SAD lamps, also known as seasonal affective disorder or light therapy lamps. 

If none of the aforementioned options are feasible for you, there’s always one more thing that can evoke that sunny feeling: COMIDA! Foods such as fish, mushrooms, eggs, and various types of milk are rich in vitamin D – and they’re also staples in many traditional Latinx dishes! Sharing and preparing food isn’t just beneficial for your health; it’s also good for your soul. Studies show that 84% of adults wish they could share meals with others more often, and doing so often boosts their mood. No wonder we love getting together with our loved ones to enjoy a good chow down– buen provecho to that! 

Open Your Windows, Tackle Spring Cleaning, And Freshen Up

Those spiritual traditions of sweeping out the bad energy and inviting in the good vibes are so real, and that notion of spring rebirth is a perfect opportunity to do so! Circulating fresh air is good for lung health and that cross breeze across your face can feel (almost) as good as a beach day. 

You may not realize it, but throughout the year, dirt and grime accumulate on your closed windows, blocking sunlight and potentially contributing to those not-so-great feelings we’ve mentioned. Giving your windows a good scrub and opening them up can introduce a sense of freshness into your space. Pair this with your favorite salsa cleaning playlist, the scent of Fabuloso or Pine-Sol, and a bit of good old-fashioned elbow grease, and you’ll have a spotless spring clean in no time!

In conclusion, incorporating outdoor greenery and fresh air into your daily routine is entirely feasible – whether you choose to do these activities as a solo treat or you invite your panas to join you in soaking up the sun. May your May be filled with all the joys of spring, and your heart be set on summer, mi gente!