Has Spring fever set in for you? The transition from the darkness of Winter to the warmth and light of Spring can be a welcomed change. It can also be a challenge to move from the slow, and (hopefully) restful Winter to the more energizing Spring.
Keep reading to learn
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Why you may feel slow and heavy as we transition to Spring
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Tips to move your fluids
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Tips to move your body
Shifting seasons not only affects the natural world around us but also influences you and me. The transition from Winter to Spring tends to have more of an impact on us.
With Spring comes
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transformation and growth
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bursts of color
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a change from cold to warmth
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local produce
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more sun and open windows
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more birds!
The extra hours of sunlight can boost our moods and lessen emotional distress. One study found that spending 30 minutes outside during Spring not only improves your mood but can help your memory. It can also change the way you think.
Ayurveda, a sister science to yoga, is a natural system of medicine rooted in India. Both yoga and Ayurveda suggest that as we move through the seasons we incorporate practices to complement each season.
Spring often brings wet weather and sticky mud. Even if you’re like me and get Spring fever you may feel heavy, stagnant, or even a little….slow.
Look for ways to lighten up, stimulate your senses, and get your body moving.
Move your fluids
Getting your blood flowing and lymph moving can help move us away from any stuck or heavy feeling. Below are 3 tips to get your fluids moving.
Dry skin brushing
This Ayurvedic practice is a great way to stimulate the skin and lymphatic systems. It also 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.
Try it out
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Use a natural bristled brush, loofah, or raw silk gloves.
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Start at the feet. Use light pressure as you brush from the feet up the legs, working toward your heart.
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Move to your hands and brush your way towards your heart.
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Brush upward on your back, as best you can.
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Brush in a clockwise direction on your abdomen to follow the movement of your colon.
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Work the chest and neck, brushing toward your heart.
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Only brush your face if you purchased a dry skin brush specifically for your face. Faces are more sensitive.
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Your skin will feel slightly tingly, even a little red.
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Shower/bath after to wash off the dead skin.
Drink warm water with lemon
Start your morning with a glass of room temperature or hot water and the juice from half a lemon. This practice can help wake up your digestion. It may even cleanse your digestive tract and encourage a good poo.
Practice Viparita karani (legs up the wall)
Try it out
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You’ll need a wall.
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Make your way to the floor and scooch your bum close to the wall,
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Swing your legs up the wall, letting them rest on the wall.
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Close your eyes and let your arms rest out to either side.
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Breathe here for 5 minutes, longer if you have the time.
Move your body
Including more active movement can help you feel lighter and breathe vibrancy back into your day.
Take a brisk walk
Kick it up a notch when you get outside for a walk. You don’t have to go crazy here but taking a brisk walk, versus a slow stroll, moves your body well. And while you’re walking look for birds!
Practice yoga
If you’ve been reading my articles then it’s no surprise that I bring up yoga. Yoga can do a fantastic job of warming the body, increasing blood flow, and moving lymph.
Already have a yoga practice? Try holding poses longer, or opt for a more fiery practice.
New to yoga? Email me at sabrina@unearthyourbalance.com and I can help you find a way to get started.
Here’s to a great transition into Spring!
What do you do when you’re feeling a little heavy or stuck? Comment below, I’d love to hear!
Sources:
Beecher, M.E., Eggett, D., Erekson, D., Bees, L.B., Bingham, J., et al. 2016. Sunshine on my shoulders: Weather, pollution, and emotional distress. Journal of Affective Disorders. 205, 234-238. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032716306553
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. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01602.x
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