Nourishing Spring
Hope Hartley
Seeds are sprouting, the sun is shining, rain is hopefully pouring! Some ideas to support the goals we dreamed of this winter and tips to keep the pep in your step!
Why ask for rain? The earth, just like us, needs hydration to thrive! If you dread the rain, try to reframe and send a little gratitude–for it will feed our food and flowers! And you can apply that to your water intake too–as it will feed your cells with lots of happy hydration–which in turn may just put a smile on your face (even in the rain)!
When we open the windows on the weekends, tend to our gardens and flowers, and possibly even begin playing in the great outdoors, it’s normal to let things go to the side–like those healthy goals you set up for yourself. Here’s a gentle call in to wonder how you’re tending to the ideas, intentions and goals you set for yourself. Do you have a practical plan to make sure they happen? It can be simply rising 10 minutes earlier to perhaps do that breathing meditation you always wanted, or scooting outside for lunch for the quick 12 minute walk you could do. It’s a great time to set up small reminders (yes, right to your phone) to accomplish what you set out to do. I personally love my Clever Fox Planner, where it allows me to do a weekly checklist. A weekly checklist has been better for me than daily. Why? Because some days I just don’t want to do that thing, and some days I have the energy to do so. Why limit yourself?
Cleaning Out the Toxins
It’s a really good time of the year for decluttering, organizing, cleaning. And an even better time to start restocking with health-friendly products, soaps, towels, and even clothing. Most of the toxins in our body are not coming from the external sources we blame- they actually come from the things we use most.
Bath products, facial products/ makeup, dish detergents, undergarments, and our water are actually some of the most important ways to detoxify your life. Before taking note of the price tag, think of the worth detoxifying can give you: more energy, better sleep, enhanced mood, better recovery times, and strong immune support. This is well worth it. Look for organic clothing, linens (Target has some unbeatable prices for organic sheets!) and Environmental Working Group-verified cleaning products. Remember, a lot of “natural” claims on products are just marketing terms and some brands, like Meyers, are actually loaded with unwanted chemicals. Learn more at our trusted resource: ewg.org
Farm to Table
Organic sourcing can increase bioavailability of nutrients and our overall vitality, but how to eat organic on a budget? If organic produce seems a bit pricey in the grocery stores, you’re not alone!
If you’ve got a green thumb and the space, a garden is a great way to get organic food all summer. If you have neither, a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share at a local organic farm can be a much more cost-effective way of going organic. Many farms now offer farm store credits if a regular share doesn’t fit your life or budget, or you can hit your local farmers’ market. What’s better than supporting our microbiome (our gut which is also directly connected to our brain!) and our local farmers? Find information about Seacoast NH farmers at Seacoast Harvest.
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed with the new activities of spring, the world coming back?
Try these tips:
Barefoot on the earth first thing in the morning. Just 60 seconds will help regulate your nervous system, boosting your immune system and mood!
Ditch the TV and pick up a book! Studies have shown a major difference in deep sleep with electronic use around bed time. Trust us, try to reset with taking a break from electronics at least 2 to 3 hours before bed time.
Turn off your WIFI when you’re not using it. We are being bombarded with EMF radiation everywhere we go and in our work environments. While there is debate about the long-term effects on our bodies of radiation from our phones, routers, smart devices, etc continues, we know we’re being exposed to more of it than ever and animal studies have shown links between EMF exposure and cancer. Help mitigate the risk by adding EMF protection to your phone, office, and by simply unplugging the router (especially at bed time!) Shungite, Tourmaline, or even steel disks for your phone and house environment can be found right on Amazon to help reduce harmful output!
Match your INPUT with your OUTPUT. If you think of yourself such as the cell phone battery we truly are, do we expect them to last forever? Or do we charge them regularly to make sure they don’t run out? Do you treat yourself the same way? Take a quick inventory on how much you created, build, did today, then next to that list, write down all the things you did to nourish and rejuvenate yourself. I’m guessing it doesn’t quite add up? It’s actually the most mature thing to make them balance, so treat yourself for the sake of yourself and everyone around you!