As the seasons begin to shift, there’s often a natural sense that we should be doing something too.
Moving more.
Getting back into a routine.
Starting again.
But after a long winter – or a longer break from exercise – that can feel like quite a big step.
And if we’re not careful, that sense of “I should be doing more” can quickly turn into pressure.
So instead of thinking about pushing forward, this can be a good time to pause and take a different approach.
Not a dramatic restart.
Not a strict plan.
Just a gentle reset.
Spring doesn’t need to be about suddenly doing more.
It can simply be about noticing what your body needs, and responding to that.
Perhaps that means moving a little more often.
Perhaps it means moving a little more slowly.
Perhaps it means beginning again – without expectation.
A few simple ways to start moving again
You don’t need a plan or a full routine.
Just a few small steps can be enough to begin.
Take a short walk – and keep it short
5–10 minutes – around the block
count the lampposts and increase the distance gradually every few days.
at a comfortable pace
The goal isn’t distance – just to get your body moving again …and building your confidence.
Stand up and stretch once or twice a day
Reach your arms forwards or out wide!
gently open your chest
roll your shoulders – one at a time
A minute or two is enough to get started.
My favourite – Sit a little less, stand a little more
Stand while the kettle boils
walk during a phone call
change position more often
Small shifts add up.
Revisit one movement you already know
Choose something familiar
move slowly
notice how it feels
Confidence often comes from recognising, not starting from scratch.
Let it be enough
You don’t need a plan
You don’t need to catch up
Just doing a little more than yesterday is a good place to begin.
Sometimes it’s these small, steady steps that make the biggest difference – especially when you’re returning to movement after a break.
Soon you’ll begin to remember how good it feels to be alive!
But I get it. There are times when you just can’t stir yourself into starting.
When your get up and go has got up and gone, it can help to make the starting point smaller.
Because motivation isn’t always where things begin – and when it feels like something is holding you back, it’s often not a lack of motivation at all.
I’ve written a little more about that here:
👉 How to Break Through Your Invisible Block
And if you’d like a little more structure to come back to – something you can dip into when the moment feels right – my online Mobility & Movement Hub – BRIO! is exactly that.
Short sessions, clear guidance, no catching up required.