Spring Cleaning

Every year, I am reminded that this time of year I feel pretty lousy.

At first I think there must be something wrong with me, and then I remember….

”Ohhhh, it's the beginning of Spring--and this happened last year too…”

Well, here we go again.

Only now, I’m leaning into some Ayurvedic practices to help along the way.

Hooray for a toolbox!

Ayurveda teaches that we are a reflection of Nature.

We are made up of the same five elements as everything else in Nature, and we have internal responses to the fluctuations of the Seasons.

Spring is chilly, Spring is damp, waters are flowing…It is mud season.

This can be seen outside, and felt inside.

In the body, our internal thaw can be observed in excess mucous, seasonal allergies, that Spring cold. There could be a lack of appetite or sluggish digestion.

You might have some feelings of inertia, melancholy, or brain fog.

These can all be inner manifestations of the natural accumulations of having survived another Winter.

So what can be done?

In the same way there’s an inclination to spring clean the home, the body is also ready for a bit of cleaning and clearing.

We can do this through shifts in diet and simple practices to bring in more levity and movement.

Warm, simple food and warm beverages are a good place to start.

Try to limit heavier meat and dairy.

Embrace local vegetables and add warming spices to your food.

This is the time of year to utilize onion, ginger, and garlic in your cooking.

When you wake in the morning, get outside on the earlier side if possible.

Exercise or walk in the morning to get things warm and moving,

Sweat!

Discover something new that excites you--a book, song, class, friend, topic of conversation.

And check in if you want to commiserate--I’ll be doing my best to shake off the cold over here too.

of Spring--and this happened last year too…” 

Well, here we go again.

Only now, I’m leaning into some Ayurvedic practices to help along the way. 

Hooray for a toolbox!

Ayurveda teaches that we are a reflection of Nature. 

We are made up of the same five elements as everything else in Nature, and we have internal responses to the fluctuations of the Seasons.

Spring is chilly, Spring is damp, waters are flowing…It is mud season.

This can be seen outside, and felt inside.

In the body, our internal thaw can be observed in excess mucous, seasonal allergies, that Spring cold. There could be a lack of appetite or sluggish digestion.

You might have some feelings of inertia, melancholy, or brain fog.

These can all be inner manifestations of the natural accumulations of having survived another Winter.

So what can be done?

In the same way there’s an inclination to spring clean the home, the body is also ready for a bit of cleaning and clearing.

We can do this through shifts in diet and simple practices to bring in more levity and movement.

Warm, simple food and warm beverages are a good place to start. 

Try to limit heavier meat and dairy.

Embrace local vegetables and add warming spices to your food.

This is the time of year to utilize onion, ginger, and garlic in your cooking.

When you wake in the morning, get outside on the earlier side if possible.

Exercise or walk in the morning to get things warm and moving,

Sweat!

Discover something new that excites you--a book, song, class, friend, topic of conversation.

And check in if you want to commiserate--I’ll be doing my best to shake off the cold over here too.