Spring Wellness

In Ayurveda, late Winter and early Spring are the season of kapha.  Earth and water make mud.  Kapha’s heavy, cold, wet, dull, static and sticky qualities can show up as physical and emotional congestion and lethargy.  If this season is weighing you down, try these tips and recipes to add lightness, clarity and a swing to your step.

IMPORTANT:  If you're experiencing any physical or mental stress, it's important to nourish your body right now, not deplete it. Some Spring cleansing regimens can be very depleting. Ayurveda teaches us to be in harmony with our inner and outer environment so while we want to flow with the seasons (and it is spring cleaning time!), we also need to consider what else is happening within us and around us. Rather than spring cleaning, you may be better served by continuing to increase your immunity (ojas) by bringing even more nourishment into your life. You can accomplish this by avoiding any deep cleansing; instead, focus on eating whole foods that are nourishing and rejuvenating. Build your body's immune reserve rather than weakening it. If you replace sugars and processed foods with REAL food,  you will gently cleanse AND bolster your immunity. Sipping hot water through the day and using a neti pot then nasya oil are especially great Spring self-care routines. My other spring recommendations below should feel balancing to you, not draining. If you need lifestyle tips that are even more nourishing, follow these guidelines. Banyan Botanicals also offers a great Spring Rejuvenation Guide here.

Bring even more vibrancy and joy to your life.

Do things that will inspire and motivate you. 
  • Move & sweat every day... cardio, strength training, walking, hiking.  
    • Don't let Covid-19 stop you in your tracks. Fitness Blender offers over 500 FREE YouTube workouts - searchable by length, difficulty, training type and more. I have more free fitness resources here.
  • Take movement mini-breaks throughout the day (especially if you work at a desk). Set your alarm and, every hour, break for 3-5 minutes to MOVE: jumping jacks, lunges, squats, pushups, stretches - whatever strikes your fancy.
  • Try something new.  Go out of your comfort zone.  Learn a new hobby, try a new recipe, learn a new language.
  • De-clutter.  Clean out a closet or junk drawer.
  • Donate items that are weighing you down or no longer adding value to your life.
  • Don’t nap after meals.  Try a short, brisk walk instead.
  • Practice Sun Salutations and heart-opening yoga poses.  Inversions are a great way to gain fresh perspective.  Try this 5-minute yoga video and these 5 poses designed to clear congestion. More free yoga resources here.
Click here for an easy DIY yoga mat spray.
Neti Pot Instructions
Dry Brushing Instructions
Feed all of your senses with heat, light and movement. 
  • SIGHT: Take in the sights (and smells) of nature by getting outside every day.  Wear bright and vibrant colors.  Paint, draw or doodle.  Vary your routine. Take a hike in the mountains.  In the evening, go outside and gaze at the faraway stars and the vastness of the sky.
  • SOUND: Play (and dance to) your favorite upbeat music.  Listen to the sound of ocean waves.  Take piano or guitar lessons (on-line for now).  Sing out loud in the shower.  Check out this infograph on the power of music.
  • SMELL:  Use invigorating essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and citrus – sniff them, diffuse them, wear them.  Use a neti pot!  Neti pots/nasal irrigation helps to clear breathing passages so it's great if you're congested, have springtime allergies or a sinus headache, or simply want to remove environmental pollutants (neti pot instructions and video).  
  • TASTE: Scrape your tongue upon waking.  Favor bitter, pungent and astringent foods and spices (food list here).  Avoid cold, overly sweet and excessively oily meals.  Limit your salt if you have water retention.  Decrease dairy if you’re congested. Sprout or grow your own microgreens! 
  • TOUCH:  Dry brush to stimulate circulation in your skin, muscles and fat tissue which will detoxify and cleanse your lymphatic system (avoid dry brushing if your skin is dry or irritated or you have a vata imbalance).  Read this dry brushing article or watch this instructional video. 
​Add warmth, clarity and lightness to your life:
  • Sip warm water throughout the day.
  • Only eat when hungry.  Avoid emotional eating, especially "routine" snacking.
  • Take deep belly breaths throughout the day. 
  • Drink a cleansing tea. Dandelion or ginger root teas are wonderful and several companies make nice detox blends. 
  • Forgive, let go, and move on.
  • Practice Bhastrika or Kapalabhati breathing. 
  • Connect with all of your creative, interesting and vivacious friends and get inspired (Facetime for now!).
  • Eat a light and early dinner.  
Bhastrika and Kapalabhati Instructions