Happy Spring!
And to those who celebrate...Nowruz Mubarak!
Today is the Spring Equinox.
What does that mean for us?
While the spring equinox itself may not directly cause significant health effects, its arrival signals a transition to a season characterized by growth, renewal, and vitality, which can positively influence various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional well-being:
Increased daylight: With the arrival of spring, daylight hours gradually lengthen. This increase in natural light can positively impact mood and energy levels by boosting the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate the body's internal clock, promoting better sleep patterns and overall circadian rhythm.
Outdoor activities: The milder temperatures and longer days of spring encourage people to spend more time outdoors, engaging in physical activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, gardening, or hiking. Regular exercise is known to have numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mood, reduced stress levels, and better overall well-being.
Connection to nature: The spring equinox symbolizes renewal, growth, and rejuvenation in many cultures. As nature comes back to life with blooming flowers, budding trees, and the return of migratory birds, people may feel a stronger sense of connection to the natural world. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced creativity, and greater feelings of vitality and inner peace.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): For individuals affected by seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression related to changes in seasons, the arrival of spring can bring relief from symptoms. Longer daylight hours and increased exposure to sunlight may alleviate feelings of sadness, lethargy, and depression commonly associated with winter months.
Diet and nutrition: With the transition to spring, there is often a shift in dietary habits towards lighter, fresher foods such as fruits, vegetables, and salads. Eating a balanced diet rich in seasonal produce can provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being. Additionally, springtime is an ideal opportunity to engage in activities like foraging for wild edible plants, which can further enhance nutritional intake and connection to nature.
Let's welcome the season of spring with its' increased daylight and warmer weather.
Some ways we can support ourselves so we can enjoy the benefits above (in addition to the diet and nutrition bit already mentioned) include, from a TCM perspective:
1. Support detoxification with lightly cooked leafy greens
2. Soothe your eyes by looking at the (coming) green leaves outside
3. Favor sour flavors and avoid heavy foods
4. Adopt a playful attitude and embrace change
5. Release anger, overwhelm, and indecisiveness through movement, journaling and perhaps even acupuncture!
With that said, any questions about how to live in harmony with spring or the Wood Element in Chinese medicine, give us a call - 703-848-1980
