6 Spiritual Practices to Incorporate into Spring

I realize this one might be hard for new parents losing sleep or those working non-traditional shifts, but when possible, I believe our days go best when starting with “quiet time,” Spring is the perfect time for a fresh morning routine. For many, this incorporates reading the Bible, prayer, worship time, and dutiful ritual; this really is the most precious, valuable, and restorative part of our day. 

When arming ourselves with the Word before going about our days, our spirits are more grounded, and we have more strength and guidance to draw from. Being with God before anyone else, we more readily manifest His characteristics—patience, long-suffering, kindness—and you’ll be much more equipped to handle the stressors or disappointments lurking in the day ahead while being more apt to appreciate the small joys and little victories.

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Something about surrounding yourself with God’s natural creation makes us feel closer to Him. Being in nature could be as simple as eating your lunch outside, standing for a few minutes in the morning with your feet in the grass, or finding a nearby trail to hike regularly, depending on your area. Getting outside improves our moods by reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, enhancing memory and concentration, and so much more. Even if you’re not an “outdoorsy” person, consider new ways of incorporating new habits that lead you outside in less traditional ways. Move your yoga routine out to the deck now that Spring is here. Go on “prayer walks,” in the morning or at dusk, to incorporate fresh air and movement into your springtime days. I find I’m a more grounded, peaceful person when connecting often because it usually forces the soul to “be still” and acknowledge the awe and splendor of God’s world.

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Before getting caught up in the busy hustle and bustle of the fun, warm weather, consider maintaining one day of the week without work or activity other than rest. The Sabbath provides a weekly day of rest and worship, a time to focus on God, family, and spiritual growth, and a reminder of God's creation and redemption. 

Thanks to bestselling books like John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, more and more Christians are trying to dedicate a full day (usually either Saturday or Sunday) to the Lord by taking a break from regular work and activities and allowing for physical and spiritual rest and rejuvenation. 

The Sabbath can be a time for families to spend quality time together, strengthening bonds and sharing in spiritual activities. It is perfect for hikes, walks, and long family dinners outside in warmer Spring weather. Even if you can’t go a whole day without tech or obligatory activities, try applying small principles derived from the Sabbath spirit, like establishing larger windows of time without phones as a family or spending a few hours every weekend to connect with your spouse or children.

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Many of us have been on the fence about joining that church ministry, outreach, or volunteer group we’ve wanted to join, but we still haven’t taken that next step. Spring can be one of the best times to jump in finally. It can be more challenging to start a new activity or join a new life group or ministry during the Fall or wintertime because of the back-to-school and pre-holiday bustle. And those of us living in colder climates know how difficult it is to leave the house at 30 degrees when it’s dark by 5 pm, even for the most noble activity. Consider whether now is the time to go for it during this season of new beginnings. Whether joining that small group, church prayer team, or community soup kitchen, everything seems more manageable and doable in the brighter, warm weather.

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Many of us start our new year with goals, renewed hopeful habits, and dreams for a healthier, more physically, emotionally, and spiritually enriched lifestyle. On the solid chance every one of our new habits hasn’t continued into April, consider reflecting on one or two that matter most to you, and then think about what needs to change to see them through. 

Winter can often be a time of quiet and stillness when our souls go into a hibernation mode of sorts. Before bounding out into Spring, consider praying and reflecting on what the Lord has shown you, brought you through, or asked of you during these past winter months. Often, God sows seeds of preparation and brings seasons of stillness before calling us out to the next part of our spiritual journey, whatever it may be. I’m always hoping to live each season more intentionally, asking God what this next Spring, Summer, and Fall can look like, with Him in mind and the Holy Spirit front and center.

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Sleeping, giving up sugar, and exercising more! Whatever your health goals, most agree that eating better and moving more during the warming months is much easier. While many look at spring and summer as motivation for dieting, consider looking at the coming months as an opportunity to be good to your body. We’re so often whiplashed between health trends and diet fads that we forget to value and steward the body God has entrusted us with rather than starving or exercising it into submission. 1 Corinthians 6:10 says our body is a temple, and as we know, the mind, body, and spirit are all connected. We can’t ignore our physical health and expect to lead completely emotionally and spiritually healthy lives, and this next season is the perfect time for change.

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