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3 yoga tips to help you transition out of winter and into spring

The spring season is upon us once again. Birds are emerging from their winter nests and chirping in trees, colourful flowers are sprouting between grass roots, and the evening sun is lingering in the sky a little longer every day. 

It’s safe to say we speak for everyone when we express our gratefulness for spring. It’s a season of renewal and of rebirthing, and during this era of pandemic, a new sense of hope can go a long way. 

As the season changes, so do our minds and bodies. We gain new energy, soak in more vitamin D and find a new sense of purpose in the world. On top of that, we rejoice in the pureness and fulfillment that the small things in everyday life bring us. 

When it comes to yoga, the spring season is the season. It’s not too hot, not too cold. In fact, it’s just right. But before you roll up your mat off the living room floor and head for the park, soak in these 3 yoga tips to help you properly shake off the ‘winter of COVID’ and emerge new and beautiful. 

Recognise and revitalise your diet

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver and gallbladder are in full motion during Spring, and consequently, sour tastes become a prominent feature. According to the National University of Natural Medicine

The liver and gallbladder organs and meridians are reflected within the season of spring and the element of wood. What that means within Chinese medicine is that all the aspects of spring and the wood element show up within the microcosm of these organs within the human body.

Because these organs are already in a dominant cycle during spring, consider easing off sour foods in order to maintain healthy regulation. Instead, try eating more sweet and pungent foods including:

  • Yam
  • Pumpkin
  • Wheat
  • Dates
  • Glutinous Rice
  • Milk
  • Peanuts
  • Chestnuts
  • Honey
  • Dates

Focus on emotional healing this Spring

It’s been a long, cold and dark winter this year, and we’ve all had to face demons and prioritize mental wellness above all else. As we step into spring and begin the journey of recovery, it’s important to place emphasis on emotional healing to help stabilize our moods and appreciate perspective. 

When it comes to your yoga practice, consider spending more time in Shavasana than usual and use that time to focus on daily gratitude. You could also introduce a daily Sun Salutation into your yoga routine to help you connect closer to the rebirth of nature. Whatever your method, the spring season is no time to de-prioritise your mental wellness. Other things that benefit emotional healing include:

  • Writing in a gratitude journal
  • Engaging in creative projects
  • Walking outside in nature
  • Taking your yoga practice outdoors
  • Clearing clutter and rearranging furniture to welcome changes

Clear our the past, may way for the future

It might sound like a cliche, but there really isn’t anything quite like a spring clean to clear the mind and ready the body for the glorious months of sunlight ahead. 

This spring, try decluttering your home and begin surrounding yourself with positive, life-giving things. Whether that’s a new plant for your desk, a new yoga mat, or a new recipe book to try, it’s important to clear out the old and invest in building a new space that can offer you inspiration day after day. 

Be sure to set the right intentions this spring

We wrote about intention setting a short while ago here, but this is a potent topic that’s worth a revisit.

Self reflection was the mantra of 2020, and many of us were left alone at home with only our thoughts to accompany us. And while we’ve all missed sunshine and a social life, it’s important to try to hold onto this introspection through spring and onwards into the year. This ability to tune into the ‘inwards’ will keep us grounded and humble through spring, and it’ll align our perspectives to gratefulness and humbleness. Finally, staying intentional in this way will help us remain present and connected to the nature around us. 

But remember, to remain intentional you must actively choose it each and every day. So as you clear out your clutter, focus on healing and keep emphasis on your yoga practice this spring, don’t forget what you’ve been through to get here. Instead, use that fuel to keep your fire burning and stride confidently into spring.

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