Healthy Practices for Spring
From the pandemic to the election, to say this last year was crazy is a dramatic understatement. If you spent the majority of 2020 (and into 2021) stressed, sleepless, sedentary and snacky, you’re probably ready to shed some MAJOR layers - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
From the new blooms and warmer temperatures to the longer, lighter days, the spring season offers a fresh start. It’s a time of regeneration, new beginnings and a renewal of spirit; thus, a perfect opportunity to cleanse, RESET and release what no longer serves you.
Whether you put on weight during Covid-19, got into sugar and alcohol more than usual, or are just feeling in a funk, these practices will help you restore, rejuvenate and get back on the right track (in no time at all)!
Support your liver - spring is the season of the liver, a vital organ that’s responsible for up to 500 different functions in the body! Given that detoxification is its primary responsibility (and we live in a toxic world), your liver is running 24/7-365 days of the year. Naturally - and just like anything - the overwork leads to exhaustion and decreased efficiency.
If you’re experiencing fatigue, aches and pain, inflammation, allergies, bloating and intense sugar cravings, show your liver such much-needed TLC by eating a high-fiber diet that features foods such as bitter leafy vegetables (arugula, radicchio, endive, dandelion greens), asparagus, lemon and cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage). Remove toxicity as much as possible, drink lots of filtered water and incorporate daily exercise. Click here for a few of my favorite daily detox techniques.
Eat lighter meals - as we move away from winter, we no longer need a diet rich in warming, grounding comfort foods (i.e. root veggies and stews). In the spring and summer months, our bodies do best with a lighter diet that favors raw, hydrating foods (i.e. salads and smoothies). I recommend eating a salad a day packed with liver-loving and mineral-rich dark leafy greens.
Incorporate dry brushing - this simple technique sloughs off the top layer of dead skin cells and opens your pores (a primary channel for detoxification), thereby allowing your body to breathe. It’s also incredibly helpful for moving the lymphatic system which aids detoxification, boosts immunity AND helps reduce cellulite!
Crack a window - did you know: indoor air can be up to 10 times as toxic as outdoor air? By cracking a window, you provide an “out” for trapped chemicals and allow your space to refill with fresh, cleaner air. Unless you have seasonal allergies, this is a great practice to incorporate as often as possible.
Move your body EVERY day - whether you practice yoga in the morning, go for a walk on lunch or hit the gym for a personal training session, movement is essential for health and overall wellbeing. I recommend 20-30 minutes of exercise per day. This will help boost brain power and energy, eliminate toxins, fight inflammation and improve circulation.
Clear the clutter - from dust bunnies to storage bins packed with items you haven’t even thought about - let alone looked at - for years, the more clutter you have in your space, the more bogged down you’ll feel.
Allow the energy to flow freely by sorting through and getting rid of old “stuff” that no longer serves you. Remove the dust bunnies, clean out your closet, do a pantry sweep, and get rid of those broken items you’ve been “meaning to fix” for years. It’s not easy to let go, but the more you do, the lighter you’ll feel.
Get some sunshine - we all know that spending time outside on a nice day is an immediate mood booster, but sunshine offers SO much more. As your best source of vitamin D, 15-20 minutes of sun a day helps balance the hormones, strengthen the bones and improve immunity. Plus, natural light exposure - at the right time of day - supports higher-quality sleep at night! Click here for details.
By embracing the light, energetic nature of spring and supporting your body with these diet and lifestyle practices, you’ll quickly emerge as a lighter, more restored and revitalized you!
Want more personalized guidance? Click HERE to book a One-On-One Coaching Session with me.