- This spring bring in the new greens that are beginning to pop out of the ground. Dandelion leaves and flowers, chickweed, miners lettuce, curly dock leaves and of course nettles. These early spring greens will allow your body to let go of the sluggishness of the winter season and bring in the lightness of the spring. Spring is about new beginnings. These new greens will allow you to make a shift; they help to detox and cleanse your liver, your lymph and your entire digestive system. (over the next few weeks I'll be going into more detail on each one of these greens - stay tuned.
- Pay attention to the foods you put in and on your body. As much as you can, support organic sustainable agriculture by purchasing organic fruits and vegetables, grass fed meats and wild fish. Don't allow pesticide and hormone laden food to be a part of your diet. These chemicals are causing our bodies to stay stuck and sick.
- Hydrate your body - I suggest that you drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces each day. So if you weight 128 lbs, than drink a minimum of 64 oz of water or 8 cups. If you weigh more, increase that amount. I drink alkaline, ionized water as I find that it really hydrates my body.
- Drink or eat Nettles - if you can find fresh nettles these days, cook it or make tea with it. If not, a cup of two of nettles infusion will begin to nourish your body so that you stay in focus. To make your nettles infusion take 1/2 - 1 cup dried nettles, cover with a quart of boiling water, cover, steep 4-8 hours on your counter, strain and refrigerate. Drink hot of cold.
- Add rosemary to your diet, either in your food or a quick tea . Take a teaspoon of fresh chopped up rosemary, pour a cup of boiling water on it and if a few minutes strain and enjoy. Add a little raw honey to it. Rosemary helps open up the small capillaries in our brain. Great instead of coffee in the afternoon
- Eat wild salmon. Filled with essential fatty acids, I like to think of it as brain food.
- Snack on raw almonds or walnuts. Just a small handful of almonds or walnuts will provide antioxidants that not only help you look and feel better, but are an excellent source for stimulating the brain. They can help you stay focused.
- Get more magnesium into your body. A great solution - take a bath with a cup or two of Epsom salts. Maybe even add in a few drops of lavender essential oil. Really want to make that bath relaxing, have a candle lit bath, maybe drink a cup of chamomile or holy basil tea and make sure to take long slow 3 part belly breathes.
- Meditate daily if possible, or try for a few times a week. This will allow your brain to stop thinking and at the same time nourish it with your breath. Take time to slow down
- Breath work that will relax you on the spot. Breathe in and down the back of your throat. Think of the sound that Darth Vador made. In yoga it's called Ujai breath. Do it slowly just a few times and you will find that your body will allow the tension you've been feeling release.
5 Comments
Emily
I’m so bad about drinking enough water, and it’s so easy (you’d think, anyway!) I’ll have to look up nettles – I’m not sure I’d know them if I saw them, but sounds like I should figure it out! Thanks, Bonnie!
Bonnie Rogers
Try to increase your water intake. Think about drinking an 8 oz glass every hour or so and it won’t be so difficult. For tea I’d recommend purchasing some dried nettles. If you don’t have an herbal store, I have a big list of resources on my website
Leslie Keffler
I think the stones in your image are more balanced than I am! I definitely need to work more on relaxation. Once upon a time, I could spend hours relaxing in a tub. Now I barely have it filled and I feel the need to get out and do something. Thanks for sharing these great tips!
Anne Dovel
Great post! We start to get this “pride” that we are SO “busy” and it kills creativity, productivity… So important to take time to pull away from the “busy-ness.” Our landscape here in Nebraska is just starting to green up! Can’t wait to pluck some healthy greens! Thanks. Anne Dovel
Bonnie Rogers
Anne, taking time to give ourselves time to relax actually allows you to be more productive in the time you are working. Our landscape also, especially this year is taking longer than usual.
Laura
Relaxation time is so critical. I have a client who says “Yes, I take time to relax from 6:50 to 7:00 am!” Don’t know but I need to relax intermittently throughout the day ~ love your breath thought!
Bonnie Rogers
Laura, I tell clients, and myself many times, take a bathroom break and take a few deep breaths, do it in the car, as you are cooking dinner. It only take 30 seconds or so and you will change your state
Janine Sarna-Jones
I know I’ve paid the price in the past when I didn’t listen to my body. I work hard to be more attentive now. Thanks for all of the suggestions for self-care!