By Joanne Gerr

Spring is finally upon us after a very cold, snowy winter. The days are getting longer, and many people are thrilled that it no longer gets dark at just 4 p.m.

March, however, is often the stepchild of the calendar. It has no major holidays or three-day weekends—except for the wearing of the green on Saint Patrick’s Day! But it can still feel like a long stretch between winter and the promise of spring.

While many people welcome the arrival of warmer weather, for some—especially women and those who struggle with eating or body image issues—the change in seasons brings anxiety. Those big sweaters, that make it easier to hide our bodies, come off to be replaced by short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts that reveal arms (a nemesis for many women), shorts, and even the dreaded bathing suit. For some, it takes courage to even try one on!

At the same time, we compare ourselves to models and actresses whose images are airbrushed, edited, and professionally produced. Many celebrities and media influencers resort to extreme diets and strict exercise regimens with the help of personal trainers. The average American woman looks nothing like those images—her average clothing size is a 14—yet many of us still feel like failures when we fall short of unrealistic ideals.

This can be especially difficult when spring holidays such as Easter and Passover approach, bringing family gatherings and the worry of how others might judge our appearance.

Daylight Saving Time can also be challenging. For people who are single, the longer days can sometimes intensify feelings of loneliness as they imagine happy couples enjoying the evening together. For those who work night shifts, the longer daylight hours can feel isolating while others are relaxing. Even for people who welcome the change, Daylight Saving Time is still a transition—and transitions take time to adjust to.

Yet spring also offers an opportunity to challenge ourselves to embrace the gifts of the season. Even if last year’s spring clothes feel tighter, that is completely normal. Most people weigh about seven pounds more in the winter than in the summer. Ice and snow make it harder to stay active and, on cold nights, we often crave hearty comfort foods like pasta, stews, and potatoes rather than lighter salads and fresh fruits that appeal more during warmer months.

Spring invites us to rediscover simple pleasures: wearing lighter colors, taking a walk after dinner, attending an outdoor concert or play, or spending time in nature. Many people find themselves drawn to swimming again if they have access to a pool, beach, or lake. Swimming in spring and summer is wonderful for stress relief and mood, yet it has felt absolutely unappealing during the cold winter months.

Perhaps most importantly, we can challenge ourselves to move into spring with self-esteem grounded not only in appearance, but in who we are as human beings—our character, values, and strengths. Research consistently shows that people with higher self-esteem experience greater relationship enjoyment, more job satisfaction, better physical health, and lower rates of depression. People are naturally drawn to those with confidence and positive energy.

Try celebrating what you do appreciate about your body or appearance. Spring brings more opportunities for movement, and it’s helpful to remember that physical activity can be enjoyable rather than a punishment.

Never underestimate the power of walking. Many people who begin using a pedometer are surprised to discover they already take more steps than they imagined. Simple errands done on foot can add hundreds of steps throughout the day. A daily walk of 30–45 minutes, combined with everyday tasks—climbing stairs, housework, walking to appointments—can bring you closer to the often-recommended 10,000 steps (about five miles) more easily than you might expect.

Spring also opens the door to other activities: hiking, rowing, running outdoors, tennis, golf, gardening, or simply lying on a picnic blanket on the grass. These experiences remind us of the many wonderful things our bodies are capable of doing—and help us appreciate them more.

This season can be an opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy movement, sunlight, and the outdoors. Go for it with gusto!