Spring isn’t just about cleaning, it’s also a chance to refresh.

From practical tasks to uplifting activities, here’s a list of ways to refresh for spring:

Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms

While this may be common sense to some, it’s easy to put off checking and changing the batteries of your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. So, use your spring momentum to ensure these vital safety features are working.

Most alarms can be checked via a test button on the front of the device. If it’s working properly, you should hear a loud beep. If you don’t hear anything or hear a very faint noise, you probably need to replace the batteries, depending on the type of alarm.

Ultimately, you may sleep a little better knowing these important safety measures in your home are working soundly.

Wipe down your trash can

Ew, I know.

No one wants to confront the place where we store our trash. But, there’s something nice about knowing the grossest place in your home is cleaner, and it can help lighten the smell around the garbage can from spilled food and lingering odors.

Before you clean your can, make sure it’s empty. Then, if you’re looking to give it a heavy clean, use some dish soap and water to scrub it down and rinse it out (make sure to get the lid, too). Finally, after it dries, you can disinfect it with some wipes or spray to give it a fresh scent ready for what spring brings.

Bring in some fresh flowers

Remind yourself of the beauty spring brings by placing some fresh flowers around your house. Whether you choose to buy a bouquet at the store or set up some new potted plants, flowers really brighten the room (and provide a sweet spring scent).

To really celebrate the season, I like putting out colorful tulips and baby’s breath. But don’t feel limited to traditional spring florals — find plants that make you happy, whether it’s black roses or pastel hydrangeas.

Open your windows

Breathe in that spring air by cracking open your windows and letting that breeze in. For those of us without A/C, it helps circulate some of that stale air. Let the sun in, too, by opening your curtains or blinds. Even if just for a minute, it’s a nice reminder to step back and appreciate the moment.

Start a new book (or commit to finishing one on hold)

With some of that extra energy brought on by more daylight, spend some time reading or finishing a book on your shelf. Try taking your book outside for a relaxing evening read.

There are plenty of recommended spring reads, which bring you into the spirit of the season. Books such as “Emma” by Jane Austen or “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett are just some of the listed spring books by GoodReads. But most importantly, read what you’re interested in — this should be enjoyable self-care time, not a chore.

Try something new

As the days get longer, try something new for yourself. Maybe try to wake up early one morning to stretch as the sun rises. Maybe check out a local social club. Maybe enjoy a yoga class or go on a new hiking trail. Spring is about new beginnings. It’s a great time to reflect on winter and gear up for summer.