10 Signs that Spring has Sprung

At last, spring is upon us! Even if you're cooped up in an office, it's still fun to appreciate the springiness happening all around. Here are a few things to watch for as we head into the season of love, rebirth and much-needed warmth.

10 Signs that Spring has Sprung

1. No jackets.

This is a personal favorite of mine, especially since almost everyone in New York wears a boring black coat all winter. Suddenly, as spring arrives, the streets are filled with color and interesting outfits — and you can actually see what everyone is wearing! Some people take the "oh my LORD I don't have to wear a coat!!" a little too far, though. Watch for shivering.

2. Spring smells.

One of the first signs of summer is that freshly-cut grass smell. In spring, it's flowers. They're everywhere; florists are starting to stock outside displays, men and women are carrying them around and if you're lucky enough to be near some nice landscaping, they're starting to bloom on their own. The other telltale scent? Barbecue. That meat-flavored smoke wafting through the air means it's time to hit the deck — and start grilling.

3. People walking slower.

There are two reasons that people walk slower in the spring. One is that they're not freezing, obviously. The other is that due to the not freezing, people are actually enjoying being outside again. They're literally smelling the roses. Spring is a time for strolling.

4. Birds.

You'll notice that you hear more than just the usual muffled pigeon sounds as you walk around outside. Birds start appearing everywhere in spring, and you may even catch a couple of randy ones chasing after each other. Brown-chicken-brown-cow!

5. You drop five pounds.

Sometimes, we don't even notice it happening. We crave lighter foods when it's warmer, so without even realizing it, you may have just gone on a diet of sorts. Not only that, but the good feelings of being outdoors will encourage you to exercise more. Five pounds may just fall right off you.

6. Your body feels better.

Not only might you feel a bit lighter, but because you're not all tense from being cold, your muscles will be more relaxed all day, and then at the end of the day, too. Give yourself an extra flexibility and muscle relaxation boost by hitting a few yoga classes. Yoga feels great in the spring.

7. You get more done.

The days are getting longer, and more hours of light means more hours of motivation. It's so easy to quit running errands when it gets dark out. Now, you can keep on with your day until 7 p.m. or so before the sun sets. Not only that, but the bright, warm light early in the morning gets you out of bed faster. This phenomenon is part of why we have "spring cleaning." We suddenly have time!

8. You hear music.

The good feeling of sunshine on your shoulders may bring songs into your head — or it may be that your local musicians are out on the street playing again. After relying on your iPod for tune-age all winter, you can finally unplug and listen to the music of your environment.

9. Buds are budding, sprouts are sprouting ...

Keep an eye on that dormant tree outside your office window. In fact, consider photographing it daily to make an album of its progress — it's fun. Also, a walk through the park through budding trees and other plants will remind you that this is the season of new beginnings and bolster your spirits. Get out there!

10. Love is in the air.

Everyone is suddenly better looking, no? Their faces aren't scrunched up from the cold, you can see what they're wearing, they've lost five pounds, the SAD blues are receding, our circulation is on the rise and the sunshine has our bodies manufacturing vitamin D by the jazzies. All this can lead to some pretty lusty thoughts about the people around you. Don't feel guilty; it's normal. Watch for the adorable PDAs as hands come our of pockets and lovers loll around having picnics and making lovey-dovey faces at each other. Better yet, find somebody to love up for yourself and give those randy birds some competition.

Photos by jurvetson and sarniebill1 via Flickr.