Spring Wellness
Spring is an exciting time of year. It inspires a sense of aliveness and desire for movement, wellness, and human connection. It inspires awe as we see what nature is capable of. Spring is also a time of volatility. We see ups and downs in weather patterns and we might fluctuate between hopefulness about the coming months and regret about some of the wellness choices we made over the winter. The key to a successful spring season is to look forward and keep moving in that direction. Shed any shame, negativity, and physical or emotional weight as you move into a new season of refreshment and renewal.
Tips for a lovely spring season:
Get outside of course! Hopefully you’ve been getting some fresh air and exercise over the winter, but probably not nearly as much as the body and mind are craving. Get outside to walk, run, play sports, picnic, people watch, soak up the sunshine, and dance in the rain.
Seasonal allergies getting in your way? See a medical professional or alternative medicine provider if you desire. Many individuals see alleviation of allergy symptoms from natural remedies including acupuncture, acupressure, and clean eating. Take your shoes off when you come inside to prevent tracking pollen around your house. Keep windows closed on your highly allergic days.
Spend some time barefoot. It’s grounding, it strengthens the muscles in your feet, and it allows you to experience the many benefits of being in contact with the earth.
Garden. Getting your hands dirty (literally) has been linked to positive emotional outcomes and immune boosting properties. It’s also great exercise and provides you with tangible aesthetic enjoyment in the form of beautiful flowers or free produce.
If you’re not into gardening, buy some fresh flowers and produce. Evidence has shown that living flowers and plants in your environment can help reduce stress. When you purchase food locally from farm markets or farm shares, you play a role in supporting the local economy, helping preserve farms, and eliminating wasteful packaging and transportation of food. As an added bonus, food is often fresher, more flavorful, and has a higher nutrient density.
Eat seasonally (and lighter). You might find that your body naturally starts to crave different foods. Take some time to learn what’s in season during the spring months.
Clean your house. Open the windows and air out the house from the winter time. Ditch toxic cleaning and skin care products that pollute your air.
Clean out your closet. A season change is a perfect time to go through your wardrobe. You have a sense of what you wore (and didn’t wear) over the winter. Get rid of (or donate if in good condition) anything you haven’t worn in the previous 6 months.
Seek connection. You may not have seen many of your family members for friends over the winter because of COVID-19. If you feel safe, take a (socially distanced) walk in the park to catch up and connect outside.
Be open to new possibilities. Spring is great time to start a new hobby, consider dating or meeting new friends, or explore career changes.
Recognize your strengths and forgive yourself. Most of us falter in the winter time and it’s okay. Don’t punish yourself for the choices you can no longer change. Keep your eye on the future and remember that every single choice is a chance for a new start. Give yourself credit for what you did accomplish, no matter how small.
* As with any wellness tips, please consider your individual health before implementing any changes. If you’re unsure, do some research and seek the advice of a qualified medical professional.
Enjoy!
Spring Recipes
Here are a few of my favorite spring recipes using some seasonal produce including avocados, cabbage, kiwi, lemons, limes, lettuce, strawberries, apples, asparagus, peas, garlic, and onions.
