Spring Cleaning in Williamson County: Pursuing Wellness as the Seasons Change
In response to the changing seasons, we can be pretty predictable. The advent of spring is often a natural time of reflection, refreshment, and evaluation. With warmer weather and later sunsets, it becomes easier to venture out of our homes or invite friends to stop by. Accompanying this resurgence of energy, however, is the inevitable evaluation: Where are we at? What do we want the rest of our year to look like? What can we do without? Then comes the execution of new, often lofty goals: Workout regimes. Allergy prevention. Whole foods. Grand plans. Spring cleaning.
While it’s true that healthy homes are catalysts for a healthy community, the pursuit of wellness does not have to be a mad dash—stressful and discouraging. In fact, it can be healthy, practical, and sustainable. This first begins in the home, in the ways we care for ourselves, our loved ones, and the spaces we occupy. This spring, we can take small steps to better steward our home here in Williamson County, always in pursuit of progress over perfection.
Changing with the Seasons
It is no secret that the seasons affect our way of life, from our activity level and behavior to our overall mood. In fact, it’s a natural phenomenon backed by science. Human psychology and physiology shifts along with the seasons. This comes as no surprise, especially to those of us familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), an extremely common side affect of winter cold and darker days. On the other side of winter blues, springtime brings us longer days, much needed exposure to sunlight, and more comfortable time outdoors. Of course this affects how we go about our day-to-day lives. It, quite literally, is a breath of fresh air.
In springtime we often see an increase in energy, altered sleep schedules, preference to colorful clothing, and changes in eating habits. This can feel like a brand new lease on life. Our minds may feel clearer. We might be more inclined to move our bodies. There does seem to be one pitfall, however: increased restlessness. Spring fever is a term that has been around for centuries, but it has nothing to do with itchy noses or running a temperature. While not a clinical term, spring fever describes the common feeling of agitation or stress that accompanies the transition from winter to spring. Adjusting to change is hard, especially when met with constant cultural pressure to overhaul our lives or reinvent ourselves. The question remains: How do we combat this? How do we make positive change without feeling the need to completely change our lives between the months of March and May?
Though easier said than done, we can use the natural change of seasons to our advantage, capitalizing on our newfound energy without burning out on unhealthy expectations. Taking practical steps towards betterment, while still offering ourselves grace, is key. Similarly, looking outside ourselves—meeting the needs of others—can help put things into perspective. While still remaining aware of our habits and tendencies, we can lean gently into the progression of the season, tackling all the facets of spring cleaning without getting trapped in a cycle of spring fever!
Caring for our Homes
Spring cleaning often begin with decluttering, the noble attempt to purge our homes of the unneeded items cramping our style. Going through everything, we might find unused takeout utensils, pieces of old Halloween costumes, and sweaters we haven’t worn in years. Getting rid of non-essential items is certainly a practical, tangible way to start fresh. Not sure what to do with it all? There are a number of donation opportunities in Williamson County, from local nonprofits to consignment shops. For items that absolutely need disposed of, there are also several safe and earth-conscious waste outlets in the area.
Unfortunately, decluttering and disposal efforts are often cyclical. As we dive into 2025, consider investing in better quality items that will last forever (or at least much longer than cheaper-made counterparts). This doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Making small changes, such as buying sustainable appliances, high-quality essentials, and second-hand clothing and decor when possible, can limit the revolving door of consumption within our homes. “Less is more” is a hard practice to execute, and yet we know it rings true. It’s good for the earth and our wallets. Not to mention, making small changes in purchasing habits will make spring cleaning a breeze, come next year.
If your home needs special attention for deep-cleaning or maintenance, there are an abundance of services in the county that can help. Some choices include Franklin’s Simply Pure Home (they offer eco-friendly cleaning services), Surf Crew Cleaning (they offer pressure washing, roof cleaning, driveway sealing, window washing, deck/fence cleaning, and gutter clean-outs), and Happy Client Cleaning (they provide free quotes and affordable rates). If not, taking a weekend to clean out your closet, garage, or that one drawer in the kitchen can be cathartic. Additionally, if you’re looking to spruce things up or test out your green thumb, planting a garden can be a great outlet and practical way to grow your own produce or herbs while adding some extra beauty to your home.
Caring for our Bodies
These days there are so many voices when it comes to health and fitness. However, it never hurts to get back to the basics: plenty of sleep, hydration, nourishing food, good exercise, and quality time spent outdoors. As we exit the winter season, and all the cabin fever that comes with it, taking good care of our bodies can take a front row seat in the pursuit of overall wellness. This doesn’t have to mean crash diets, expensive products, or intense regimes. It can simply mean being more conscious of our physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Taking better care of our bodies can look a lot of different ways. If your goal is to better nourish your body, Williamson County’s agricultural landscape works to your advantage, with access to fresh produce and gourmet foods. Especially as the weather improves, you can look for quality ingredients at local farmers markets, all while supporting Williamson County farmers. Additionally, there are an abundance of ways to fit a maintainable workout routine into your schedule. Williamson County Parks and Recreation offers community fitness classes at facilities around the county, as well as adult sports leagues. If team sports aren’t your thing, you can also take advantage of local outdoor recreation opportunities and resources for runners.
No matter what outlet we choose, nurturing our physical health contributes to better mental and social well-being. The ultimate goal is to treat our bodies well. There are a number of self-care opportunities, wellness centers, and retreats in the area, should you need an extra boost of relaxation and rejuvenation. As always, should you need medical attention, Williamson Health offers state of the art facilities and advanced care, along with easy access to Nashville’s world-class medical institutions.
Caring for the Community
True wellness extends beyond the home, in the way we love and serve our neighbors. Being present in and serving the community is crucial if we want to thrive. This being said, community involvement is not one-size-fits-all. Especially when there is so much need in the world, it can be overwhelming to know where and how to help. However, a good start is finding specific places where you can lend a hand—places where your skills or passion are best suited to meet the needs of others. This can look like volunteering for local ministries and nonprofits, or simply extending hospitality to the people around you.
There are an abundance of volunteer opportunities in Williamson County, where you can work alongside incredible organizations to combat the most pressing needs of our community. Among other causes, you can get involved with organizations that address poverty, homelessness, hunger, and neglect in your local area. There are additional opportunities to help with historical preservation, environmental restoration, and animal welfare. Whatever cause you have a heart for, giving your time and skills will reap incredible rewards for our home and the world at large. Collective effort is a powerful agent of change and healing, and you can absolutely be a part of it, however you choose to serve.
Alongside service, getting involved is important in fostering personal and collective health. If you are struggling to find a space where you fit in, there are several routes you can take in pursuit of community in Williamson County. Pursuing your hobbies and passions does not have to be a solitary effort. Whether you’re an athlete, musician, artist, or are just looking to get out of the house, there are clubs, activities, and classes for all interests and skill levels. Our county is also a place where you can thrive in any phase of life, with plentiful resources for both kids and seniors. This season, making an effort to gather together can make a huge difference. Even if you can’t commit to regularly-occurring activities, consider attending some of the awesome spring events taking place in our community!
Caring for the Environment
Tennessee is an extraordinarily beautiful place to live, full of scenic wilderness and rich farmland, and here in Williamson County we’re lucky to live right in the middle of all the beauty. Springtime is truly our region’s time to shine, with vibrant colors, gorgeous wildlife, and temperate weather. As we enjoy the blessing of the season, taking action to better steward the place we call home will ensure that it remains protected and breathtaking for years to come.
In 2025, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) encourages residents to participate in their Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) program, with the goal of keeping our roads and waterways litter-free. This initiative is in conjunction with the national organization Keep America Beautiful. March is Keep Tennessee Beautiful month, kicking off Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup. Learn more about corporate and individual participation, to see where you can lend a hand. There has been great strides made towards environmental sustainability in Williamson County, both on a group and individual level. Paying attention to the civic efforts made through organizations such as Keep Williamson Beautiful and city sustainability councils is important, but small changes can also make a difference, from limiting waste to buying locally. Global change can start right here, in our homes!
Spring is also the perfect time to visit and support our local nature preserves, witnessing the changing season in all its glory. Williamson County parks and preserves do great work in protecting and maintaining green spaces. Giving these parks a visit is a great way support these efforts, while also taking care of your body and mind. Plus, hiking is usually free! Getting out and about gives us new knowledge and appreciation for our home. You can discover an abundance of beauty, practically in your backyard. Similarly, if you’re interested in supporting and learning about the rich agricultural landscape of Williamson County, there are several agritourism opportunities to take advantage of! Connecting with and immersing ourselves in our local landscape is a perfect first step towards promoting environmental healing and personal wellness.
Take Care, Tennessee
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of your life. Too often, we get overwhelmed by huge resolutions that any change becomes paralyzing. In the end, we repeat unhealthy cycles, year-after-year, never quite reaching the outcome we were hoping for. Even so, it’s beneficial to take stock as we enter a new season, appreciating what we have while moving slowly but surely toward new dreams and goals.
Taking small, practical steps toward caring for our homes, bodies, community, and the earth ensures that we make steady progress while avoiding burnout. This spring, you have the opportunity to thrive right here in Williamson County. Wellness is a lifelong, all-encompassing journey that we will never execute perfectly. However, a little progress is still progress. In 2025, we hope that health and wellness ripples inside our homes and spreads into our beloved community. Don’t forget to spring forward for daylight savings on Sunday, March 9th. Happy spring, Williamson County, Tennessee!
