10 Ways to Maintain Your Health and Wellness Goals This Spring

Spring is a season of renewal—flowers bloom, days get longer, and there’s a natural pull to shake off winter’s sluggishness. For busy parents, it’s also the perfect time to recommit to the health and wellness goals you set earlier this year. In my previous post, "10 Realistic Health and Wellness Goals for Busy Parents to Crush in 2025," we explored achievable targets like prioritizing sleep, embracing mindful eating, and finding joy in movement. Now, as March 2025 unfolds, let’s dive into how you can maintain that momentum through spring’s unique opportunities. Here are 10 practical, parent-friendly ways to keep your wellness journey thriving.

1. Take Your Workouts Outdoors

Spring’s milder weather is a game-changer for busy parents who’ve been cooped up indoors. Remember that goal to “move your body in ways you enjoy”? Now’s the time to take it outside. Swap the treadmill for a family hike, a stroller walk, or a game of tag in the backyard. The fresh air and vitamin D from sunlight will boost your mood and energy—science backs this up with studies showing outdoor exercise reduces stress more than indoor workouts. Even 15 minutes chasing your kids around the park counts. Bonus: it’s free, and the kids burn off energy too.

2. Spring-Clean Your Meal Prep Routine

In the original goals, we talked about “mastering one healthy recipe a week.” Spring offers a chance to refresh that habit with seasonal produce like asparagus, strawberries, and spinach. These ingredients are nutrient-packed and naturally delicious, making meal prep less of a chore. Try a simple strawberry-spinach salad for lunches or roast asparagus as a side for dinner. Batch-cook on a Sunday afternoon while the kids play nearby—keep it low-stress by picking recipes with five ingredients or fewer. The vibrant colors and flavors will keep you motivated.

3. Schedule “Me Time” Like It’s a Playdate

Prioritizing self-care was a cornerstone of the 2025 goals, and spring’s longer days make it easier to carve out those moments. Treat your personal time with the same non-negotiable status as a kid’s playdate or doctor’s appointment. Whether it’s 20 minutes of reading on the porch, a solo coffee run, or a quick yoga stretch while the kids nap, put it on the calendar. Spring’s energy can tempt you to overcommit—don’t. Protecting your peace keeps burnout at bay and models healthy boundaries for your family.

4. Hydrate with a Seasonal Twist

“Drinking more water” was a simple yet powerful goal from the original list. Spring invites you to make it fun. Infuse your water with what’s in season—think cucumber, mint, or slices of citrus like lemon or orange. Keep a pitcher in the fridge for easy access, or toss a reusable bottle in your diaper bag for on-the-go sipping. If plain water still feels boring, try sparkling water with a splash of juice. Staying hydrated keeps your energy up for those busy parenting days, and the kids might even join in.

5. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Spring is a natural reset point, so revisit the deeper reasons behind your wellness goals. In the original post, we emphasized setting intentions that resonate—like having energy to play with your kids or reducing stress to be a calmer parent. Write your “why” on a sticky note and stick it on your bathroom mirror, or journal about it during a quiet moment. When soccer practice and laundry pile up, that clarity will anchor you. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress that feels meaningful to you.

6. Lean Into Spring Cleaning for Mental Clarity

The goal to “declutter one space a week” ties beautifully into spring’s vibe. A tidy environment reduces stress—a 2021 study found cluttered homes increase cortisol levels—and gives you a sense of control amid parenting chaos. Start small: clear out the junk drawer while the kids do homework, or donate old toys during a rainy afternoon. Involve the family by making it a game—set a timer and see who can fill a donation bag fastest. A cleaner space frees up mental bandwidth for your other wellness priorities.

7. Swap Screen Time for Nature Time

We aimed to “cut screen time by 30 minutes a day” in the original goals. Spring makes this swap effortless—trade scrolling for a nature break. Take the kids to a local park, plant flowers in pots, or just sit outside and listen to the birds. If evenings are hectic, try a post-dinner walk around the block. Less screen time boosts sleep quality (a nod to the “prioritize sleep” goal) and gives your brain a breather. Plus, it’s a guilt-free way to bond with your kids without planning anything elaborate.

8. Build a Mini Support Squad

“Connect with one friend a week” was about nurturing relationships, and spring’s social vibe makes it easier to sustain. Invite a fellow parent for a coffee chat while the kids play, or start a group text with friends to share wins and struggles. Your squad doesn’t need to be big—just a handful of people who get the parenting grind and cheer you on. Accountability keeps you from sidelining your goals when life gets messy, and a quick vent session can lighten your load.

9. Celebrate Small Wins with Spring Flair

Tracking progress was key in the original post, and spring calls for celebrating it with seasonal flair. Did you stick to your water goal all week? Treat yourself to a bouquet of tulips. Nailed that new recipe? Have a picnic with the family to enjoy it. These micro-rewards keep motivation high without derailing your budget or time. Write down your wins in a notebook or snap a photo—tangible proof of your effort feels good and keeps you going.

10. Adjust Goals to Fit Spring’s Rhythm

Finally, flexibility is your friend. The original goals weren’t set in stone, and spring’s shift—school winding down, sports picking up—might mean tweaking them. If outdoor workouts replace gym time, great. If meal prep slides during a busy week, lean on healthy takeout guilt-free. Check in monthly (say, over a cup of tea on a quiet Sunday) to see what’s working and what needs a refresh. Parenting is unpredictable, and your wellness plan should bend, not break.

Wrapping It Up

Spring 2025 is your chance to build on the health and wellness foundation you laid earlier this year. These 10 strategies—rooted in the realistic goals we set for busy parents—blend practicality with the season’s energy. You don’t need hours or a perfect schedule; you just need small, intentional steps. Whether it’s sipping mint-infused water, chasing your kids outside, or decluttering a corner of your home, every move counts. As the days grow brighter, so can your energy, mood, and confidence. You’ve got this—here’s to thriving, not just surviving, this spring.