With the winter season winding down and signs of spring emerging, the body begins to yearn for change. The cold and dark months of winter tend to have a drastic impact on the mind, body, and soul, leaving us feeling tired and sluggish. However, with every season comes change. Spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings, a complete shift in energy and mindset. So with that, it’s important to acknowledge the changes in your body and nurture those changes by taking care of yourself from the inside out. The best way to renew your energy in time for sping is through energizing self-care practices.
Ayurveda principles encourage changing your diet and habits upon each season change to ensure balance. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian practice of healing that views spring as a time to detox and cleanse. Through proper whole body care, balance and wellness will follow. So, if you feel the need to shake off the winter blues, try these transformative self-care practices to help awaken your whole system.
1. Move.
After hibernating all winter, the body needs to move! During the winter months, the body has been slowed down due to heavier, grounding foods and maybe even lack of physical activity. Therefore, the best way to awaken the body is by incorporating some detoxifying movements and lung-cleansing breathing. A great way to awaken the muscles and joints is through a series of yoga poses like Sun Salutations or lunging prayer twist and twisting triangle. These twisting moves will promote detoxification in the system, getting rid seasonal build-up. Asana breathing is also a fantastic way to spring clean the lungs, clearing toxins from the body. These moves will surely leave you feeling lighter and brighter.
2. Cleanse.
When each season changes, it’s important that our diet changes, too. For spring, it’s best to eat lighter, detoxifying foods as well as low-fat foods. Fortunately for this season, the Earth provides us with some pretty delish options such as berries, leafy green vegetables, and sprouts–among other cleansing seasonal produce. Ayurveda also suggests including cleansing spices like turmeric. Need some ideas for a spring detox menu? Here are some inspiring recipes for a 3-day spring detox cleanse.
3. Gain Clarity.
Spring is the perfect time to clear both your mental and personal space. The season signifies change and rebirth; therefore, throw away anything in your life that is weighing you down. Determine what areas in your life aren’t serving you or need a breath of fresh air. The best way to get started is to sit in a quiet space, visualize your new beginnings, and put it down on paper. They don’t call it spring cleaning for nothing!
4. Refresh.
During the transition from one season to another, the outer body needs just as much attention as the inner body. Plus, there is nothing more relaxing and invigorating than a personal spa day. Personally, winter tends to make my body dry, achy, and dull. I feel as if my skin and muscles need even more attention during this time. Fortunately, there are some easy and affordable self-care practices to revive your body and bring back that outer glow. One of my favorites is the following energizing scrubs and massage.
Rosemary Mint Scrub
A body scrub is the perfect way to help shed old winter skin while gently moisturizing. While the scrub helps boost the circulatory system, the scent naturally energizes.
*1 cup sugar
*1/2 cup oil (coconut or almond oil)
* 10 drops of peppermint oil
*10 drops of rosemary oil
Mix all the ingredients together and store in a medium sized jar. Gently rub scrub in circle motions all over the body and rinse with warm water.
Hot Towel Scrub
A hot towel scrub is another relaxing and rejuvenating self-care treatment. This is especially a great practice for spring since it helps opens the pores to eliminate toxins. Scrubbing with a hot towel is also known to relieve excess toxins and mucus to detoxify naturally, activate the lymphatic system, and spread energy through the chakras. This is also an easy self-care practice to do at home. Simply take a small towel, run under hot water, wring of excess water, and gently scrub the skin slowly. Take your time, paying attention to each section of the body. This is a sacred time for yourself to calm the mind and body.
Massage
Whether it’s at home or a fancy spa, annual massages are a must for all-around wellness. Not only will a massage deeply relax you, it will balance out your entire body including your nervous system, muscles, joints, and tissues. During spring, it’s suggested to use raw sesame oil.
What are your favorite ways to prepare your mind and body for spring?
Also by Jess: DIY Tropical Skin Ritual (Javanese Lulur)
Related: How to Take the Best Bath of Your Life
7 Must-Eat Spring Foods for Beauty
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