With sunshine and blue skies here in the UK and spring soon upon us, we are thinking about new beginnings and connections this month. Check out some of our seasonal tips to tackle loneliness:

Pack a picnic – Prepare for yourself or invite others to a tea party or picnic of your own. Whether creating small sandwiches and treats to enjoy at home in the garden, or whether traveling to a local park to enjoy your local community. Having time outdoors can support connections with nature, whilst creating snacks for yourself and others can show you are thinking of them and support opportunities to maintain meaningful connections with others. Why not try baking your own Easter inspired hot cross buns?

Open a window – Sunny outside but stuck indoors? Many of us have reasons for not being able to get out, but you can bring the indoors in. Open a window, enjoy breathing in some fresh air and listening to the sound of the birds or neighbourhood. Not got a garden? Not a problem – Treat yourself to a new plant or fresh flowers, the joy of this pop of colour on your windowsill could improve your wellbeing, whilst practising your green thumb talents by regularly caring for your plant or flowers.

Sow some seeds – With daffodils blooming and bulbs starting to sprout, why not get friends and family involved with planting seeds this year for a competition of who can grow the tallest sunflower? This offers an opportunity for meeting others to view your progress and exchange success stories.

Spring clean – Over time we can accumulate many objects that we simply don’t use or have a place for, which inevitably clutter our homes. Think about when you last used something, for example, do you have unused plant pots? Could you sow some seeds and gift these to someone? Or ask if any garden enthusiasts would like them? Glass jars are another object that commonly builds up. Consider making your own jam, or gifting the empty and cleaned jam jars to a local beekeeper for honey.