Spring Cleaning for Your Mind and Body
Posted by Admin
As I walk through the paths in my neighbourhood with my daughter, I am graced with the smiles of all the others who are out embracing the sunshine, enjoying the warmth of the new spring air, and breathing in the positive energy spring bring to each of us. Spring is nature’s way of rejuvenating and replenishing the world around us and this change is true in our own bodies as well. It is the optimal time to wash away the stresses from the long winter months and to purify our minds and bodies.
Take the new energy spring brings to set yourself up for healthy lifestyle habits that will help to create balance and calmness in your life. Here are a few ideas, some adapted from ayurvedic principles, which you can do for your own “spring cleaning”.
In the Morning…
Wake up with the sun. To many this may sound crazy, but this is actually the ideal time to wake the body and bring in the new light of the day.
Start your day by drinking warm water with lemon and emptying your bladder and bowels to eliminate any wastes from your body.
Eat a warm, light, healthy breakfast consisting of complex carbohydrates and protein.
Go for a morning walk or open up the windows and do some light stretching to wake up your muscles and increase your circulation. The air is most pure at sunrise, so take the time to really focus on taking deep breaths and setting your mind with positive thoughts and goals for the day. The morning is actually the best time to exercise, so if you can, fit in your workout regime at this time too.
After your workout dry brush the skin and massage oils into it to rehydrate and again increase your circulation. Give about 20 mins for the oils to absorb and then shower and get ready for your day.
Throughout the Day….
Drink lots of water and eat small, well-balanced, healthy meals every 3-4 hours.
Don’t let things you cannot control effect your day. Just accept them, and adapt.
In the Evening….
Take the evenings with your friends and family to enjoy quality time together
Set aside time to relax. Turn off the TV and computer. Instead, listen to music, read a book, do stretches or meditation.
Bedtime is a great time to engage is self or partnered physical touch/ intimacy.
Go to bed early to ensure you are getting 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
