It’s time to recalibrate

It’s Spring here in the northern hemisphere! As you look out your window it may not look or feel like spring but I’m sure small signs are popping up here and there…

• migratory birds are starting to return.

• the ground is slowly starting to thaw.

• days are getting longer.

• those early plants are starting to pop up.

• people around you are getting antsy for warmer weather.

• you spot someone in sandals here and there.

If you’re anything like me, you’re really excited for all things spring. It means more sun, warmer weather, watching my garden grow, and being outside a lot more. It’s a chance to shake off the cold and darkness of winter and welcome the new season with open arms. However, transitioning from winter to spring can also be a bit tricky.

As excited as I am for this seasonal change I sometimes feel sluggish, a little sinus-y, and just heavy. If you can relate at all then keep reading. Let’s discuss this transition to spring.

Moving into spring

Winter is about rest, comfort foods, and settling in. But now, moving into spring, we must move out of deep wintering. We must shift away from some things that felt so good during the winter months, but may now leave us feeling heavy, sluggish, and stuck.

This seasonal change signals us to lighten up, get moving, and emerge from “hibernation”. Spring is about new growth, thawing out, and coming back to life. The energy of spring is vibrant, optimistic, and hopeful.

Not feeling it? Don’t sweat it. There’s nothing wrong with you and you’re not being lazy.

Spring often comes with cool weather and lots of moisture. The earth is reawakening. There can be a lot of pollen and dust in the air. Combine that with moisture and what do you get? A general feeling of heaviness.

We simply need to recalibrate.

Maybe you’re like me and feel a little heavy from winter – and I don’t mean just physically, but emotionally or mentally. Or maybe you feel a little sinus-y and slightly congested.

Below are tips that have helped me and that I hope can help you.

Move your lymph

Getting your blood flowing and lymph moving can help move us away from any stuck or heavy feeling. Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice that’s a great way to stimulate the skin and lymphatic systems. It also supports the skin and increases blood circulation.

It’s ideal to do it in the morning before you shower because it offers a rejuvenating effect. But I honestly practice it whenever I can, most often in the evening before a bath or shower.

Use a natural bristled brush, loofah, or raw silk gloves.

• Start at the feet. Use light pressure as you brush from the feet up the legs, working toward your heart.

• Move to your hands and brush your way towards your heart.

• Brush upward on your back, as best you can.

• Brush in a clockwise direction on your abdomen to follow the movement of your colon.

• Work the chest and neck, brushing toward your heart.

• Only brush your face if you purchased a dry skin brush specifically for your face. Faces are more sensitive.

Your skin will feel slightly tingly, even a little red. Shower/bath after to wash off the dead skin.

Get outside

The extra hours of sunlight can boost our moods and lessen emotional distress (1). One study found that spending 30 minutes outside during Spring not only improves your mood but can help your memory (2). It can also change the way you think.

Get moving

Go for a 10-minute walk. Kick it up a notch and make it a brisk walk. You don’t have to go crazy here, just move your booty a little faster than a slow stroll. It can help to move that lethargic energy out. Try this even if you don’t feel like it!

If you have a yoga practice then hold poses a little longer. Let that fire build inside.

(If you’d like to start a home practice then contact me here.)

Avoid napping

I hesitated to put this tip in here because I LOVE naps. A good 15-minute nap leaves me nice and refreshed. But we need to recalibrate as we move into Spring. Let’s move that stuck energy.

So if you’re like me and think how wonderful it would be to curl up on the couch, by the fire, with a blanket, for a quick nap, STOP! Refer to the tip above and get moving!

Napping isn’t bad, and believe me, I’m all for them. But it’s easy to get into the habit of it during the cold winter months. Maybe it’s not a habit we need to keep during the warmer months.

Flush your nose

You can cleanse and protect your nostrils to support strong breathing passages. Using nasal rinses is a practice that originally came from Ayurveda.

You may have heard of a “neti pot”. It kind of looks like a small teapot. But instead of pouring delicious tea, it’s designed to pour a saline solution up your nose to help cleanse your nostrils. It’s like a teapot for your nose.

It may sound uncomfortable. But it can actually be very relieving and helpful at removing excess mucous and rinsing away dust and pollen. It just takes practice. You can find an instructional video here.

You can also find pre-bottled saline rinses so you don’t have to use your “nose teapot.” We keep bottles of saline rinses on hand. We use them in our house after working in a dusty environment or if the wind is blowing pollen around.

Change up your food

Ditch the rich, comfort foods. Lighten up with your food choices.

Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce, such as asparagus, peas, and strawberries. Incorporate seasonal foods into your meals to add some variety and freshness to your diet.

Transitioning from winter to spring can be an exciting time. Try out these tips. I hope that you can make the most out of the changing season and embrace all that spring has to offer.

What do you love best about Spring? Comment below!

Sources:

1. Mark E. Beecher, Dennis Eggett, Davey Erekson, Lawrence B. Rees, Jennie Bingham, Jared Klundt, Russell J. Bailey, Clark Ripplinger, Jessica Kirchhoefer, Robert Gibson, Derek Griner, Jonathan C. Cox, R.D. Boardman. (2016). Sunshine on my shoulders: Weather, pollution, and emotional distress, Journal of Affective Disorders; 205, p 234-238.

2. Keller, M. C., Fredrickson, B. L., Ybarra, O., Côté, S., Johnson, K., Mikels, J., Conway, A., & Wager, T. (2005). A Warm Heart and a Clear Head: The Contingent Effects of Weather on Mood and Cognition. Psychological Science, 16(9), 724–731.