Using the Energy of Spring to Jumpstart Mental Health
Many Eastern traditions teach about connecting to the cycles of nature as a form of healing and supporting wellness and health. Think about the phrase” spring cleaning” that comes from the inspiration of a fresh start, new life, and the potential in budding plants and warmer weather. You might have noticed that with slightly longer days and slightly warmer weather, your tastes in food change also. Many people notice they start to crave lighter, fresh foods as opposed to soup and heavier comfort food that we’ve been eating all winter. Lean into this by eating more fruits and vegetables, especially seasonal ones – they’re going to taste better and be cheaper since they’re abundant. Challenge yourself to try a seasonal food that you don’t usually cook to introduce something new, and get creative with a new recipe.
Spring foods:
Apples, Apricots, Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collard Greens, Garlic, Kale, Kiwifruit, Lemons, Lettuce, Limes, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Pineapples, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Swiss Chard, Turnips
Spring cleaning is another way to use the lightness of spring to create positive changes. Try starting by organizing a closet – decide what to keep, what to donate or give away and what to toss. Clean the closet floor, dust shelves, etc and then rearrange whatever is going back in to be easily accessible .Or go all out and clean your entire home! A good tip is to start with the highest points like ceiling fans and vents so that as dust and debris fall in the cleaning process, you’ll eventually catch it when you lower surfaces.
Get outside! If it’s cold, bundle up and make it quick if needed, but getting some sun and fresh air can help you tune in to the early changes of the season. Notice the buds on shrubs and trees, and maybe even some flowers – crocus, iris, hyacinth and other bulbs might be already showing growth, even if there’s snow on the ground. Spend a bit of time noticing the earliest signs of the shifting season that you might typically overlook.
Opening the windows to get fresh air into your home can be another way to welcome in the spring and get rid of stagnant air in your home.
Plan a garden! Springtime is the time gardeners start planning and planting. If you’ve always wanted to give it a try, here are some easy ideas for growing your own food even without a yard: https://www.thespruce.com/vegetable-container-gardening-for-beginners-848161
As you try these, pay attention to any shifts in your mood so you know what works best for you personally. Begin to incorporate those things into regular practice to maintain better mental health.
