Spring in an optimal time of year to focus on detoxing the body and the mind of built of toxins that can be weighing you down. Toxins come in all forms even if we are conscious of what we put in and on our bodies. Unfortunately in today's world we are exposed to many environmental impurities in the foods we eat, the air we breath, the the substances we put on our skin and the overload of social/technological factors we encounter during our lives.
According to Ayurveda, a sister science to yoga, the spring season is March through June. This is a time for renewal, rebirth, awakening and the time for a fresh new start as we come out of the cold dark winter. This happens naturally with the flowers and plants, pollination, budding on trees and the animals awakening from hibernation. The spring season also brings a heaviness to the earth with the melting of snow and ice and the springtime rain that soak and nourish the earth to support new growth. This heaviness and new growth can effect us as humans. Often we can experience a sense of heaviness in our bodies and an increase in allergies symptoms and mucus. This is where a spring detox can assist with combating these effects. It can also help to shed the extra weight we accumulated to support the winter months.
A spring cleanse is not just for the physical body but also for the mind. Because the spring season brings the sense of renewal and rebirth it is a perfect time to clear out the clutter in your daily life. A time to let go of what does not serve a purpose in your life any longer and start a new chapter.
10 TIPS FOR SPRING CLEANING:
1. Eat more food that are pungent, bitter and astringent. Eat foods that are warm, light and easy to digest.
2. Sip warm to hot water throughout the day the help with the mucus production and elimination of toxins.
3. Eat raw ginger slices before each meal or drink ginger tea.
4. Eat a mono diet for 3 to 4 days consisting of kitchari, a traditional cleansing food of Ayurveda that is easy to digest, nourishing and ingredients support detoxification and cleansing. Kitchari recipe: https://lifespa.com/khichadi-recipe-kitchari/
5. Drink dandelion tea or eat raw dandelion greens. Dandelion greens are high in antioxidants and promote a healthy liver. Learn more: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits#section1
6. Practice yoga to promote detoxing. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/renewable-energy
7. Daily meditation and intention setting. This can help to bring clarity, focus and inspiration.
8. Get moving! Walk, run, bike, hike, garden and get outside.
9. Clean out your closets, your desk and your home of what does not serve a purpose. When we hold on to materialistic items that we no longer need, it creates clutter leaving no room for the new. Although is is hard to let go of things that once brought us joy, it is important to make space for growth and renewal as well to release attachment of the past. Try this, take 3 boxes, one for your closet, one for your desk and paperwork and one for your home and fill each with anything that you no longer wear, use or need to hold onto. Give it away, donate it or toss it!
10. Take brain breaks. Turn off the cell phones, step away from the computer, have T.V. free nights and give yourself a break from technology. Talk, read and explore the outdoors instead!
Happy Spring Cleaning!
References
1. Doulliard, John. The 3-Season Diet. Three Rivers Press, 2000. 81-84, 109-117
2. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/
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