SPRING LEANING! Living with the seasons
Well, hello there spring, we’ve missed you!
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have spent this year immersed in the world of meditation. Part of this education has been re-learning how to connect back to myself, realigning back with nature and my environment and getting really clear on my goals, dreams and creativity. Interestingly my journey began in spring, so this season holds a special place in my heart.
By understanding the mind / body / spirit connection and learning to take our cues from nature we start to align ourselves with the rhythms of the Earth, with our bodies’ needs, and most importantly tuning into the exquisite but fleeting sumptuousness of the cycles around us. For me, learning these cues has taking away anxiety, fears, regrets and left me with possibilities and promise.
This is the same feeling that I get from this season. The days get a little longer, lighter and warmer. I throw the doors open, blurring the line between inside and out. It is a time of growth and expansion.
Have you also noticed that in spring it seems easier to take care of yourself than it does in winter? Suddenly those self-care practices that you would normally put to one side in winter seem easier and more possible. These spring months are the ones where I find that I start to reflect on things more. Check on the balance of things and see more clearly where rest is needed or energy. We may be in lockdown right now, but even that doesn’t seem so bad when the days are filled with a lighter mood.
RESTORATION AND RELAXATION
THAT GUT FEELING
You might have seen that I’ve been talking more recently about the gut. This is an area of my own health that I’ve been focusing on more lately. Part of this is because it is more front of mind. More is known now about the mind / gut / body connection and this information is both backed by science and more accessible than ever before. Part of this is noticing my own health. It takes time for the body to heal after having babies and my body is still healing, so with that in mind if been throwing myself into learning more about how I can help my body through gut health. For me, this has included things like fermented foods (I’m in love with Wild Delicious and have a few of their products on rotation!) , upping my pre & probiotics (I’ve been using The Beauty Chef for years now) , looking at my stress management, diet and water consumption.
GET THAT BODY MOVING!
Yep, a big part of restoration and relaxation is movement. Just before lockdown I started running (well, jogging if I’m being more realistic!) and although I wouldn’t declare myself a runner or even that I loved running, I was loving the results. I’m also a huge fan of the Nike Training Club app. In all honesty though, just moving my body and being outside does so much for me and not only is that achievable I crave it as the months grow warmer. It lifts my spirit, engages my parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest and repair).
SLEEP HABITS
Ah, sleep. With two small kids, but under 4 years old, sleep is something that we talk a lot about in our home! It’s also one of our biggest priorities. Bad sleep leads to bad choices which leads to bad behaviour! If there is one single thing that you can do for your health, make it be a focus on sleep. Find what works for you and do it on repeat. Think about your screen use, your bedroom environment, the time between eating and going to bed. Here are some of my tips on getting a better night’s sleep!
A TIME TO GROW
Doing a spring clean is often one of the first things that we do as we hit springtime but how often do you do this for your mind. There are a few things that you can do but ultimately if you want to prioritise your mind then the best thing that you can do is consistency. Find what works for you and do it, again and again on the daily. There are no shortcuts but that’s the beauty of it. You get to create and then cultivate the rituals that strengthen and grow your spirit, your body and your mind. For me, it’s meditation. I practice twice a day for 20 minutes and that is what works best for me. I use journaling (as I write this blog post I’m halfway through the Artist’s Way which I highly recommend for anyone that is looking expanding), both free writing and prompts. If you want to learn a little more about meditation sign up for my newsletter and get my downloadable intro to meditation.
SEASONAL EATING
I’ll be completely honest. Seasonal eating went out the window for us during the first lockdown. I had just had my second baby just before going into our first lockdown and the combination of a newborn, a toddler, a house renovation and the start of a global pandemic - it wasn’t really on the priority list! During this winter I started to get my head back into the game and planning things out but it’s this spring that I’m really prioritising health. Here are some of the things that I’ll be stocking up on!
Artichokes: They may look a little daunting if you’re not used to them but they are a powerhouse of health! Full of nutrients like vitamin C, A, iron and potassium. They are high in protein, great for the gut and strengthening the immune system!
Asparagus: I LOVE asparagus. It’s also one of the most nutritionally well balanced - high in folic acid, potassium, fibre, vitamins A/B6 and C. I love using them in warm salads and even in a cold soup!!
Brussel Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are a part of the Brassica family of vegetables, also referred to as the Cruciferous family, which include 34 edibles such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, and kale…all your favorites, right? Power House Veggies! Most cruciferous vegetables, including brussels sprouts, are excellent sources of vitamin C (perfect for this time of year!), folic acid, vitamin A, potassium, fibre, and they even contain omega-3 essential fatty acids!
Courgettes: I cannot get enough of these. A source of potassium, vitamin C and folic acid. You can eat them raw, flashed in the pan or low, slow roasted in dips.
Leeks: These are another health boosting superstar and delicious too! An excellent source of vitamin A, B6, K and manganese. Studies also suggest that they may reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and support our cardiovascular system.
New potatoes: Another humble vegetable. The potato. We here a lot about superfoods and don’t be fooled, the new potato is one of them. Full of vitamins, B, B1, B6, C as well as folic acid and potassium. The potato salad has never looked so good!
Oranges: I love oranges just as they are, bursting with juice as a citrusy treat after lunch or dinner. We are lucky enough to have a little orange tree in the garden that gives the sweetest fruit. The pack a whooping 80% of the daily vitamin c goal. The are full of water, fibre, antioxidants and so much more.
Peas: The humble pea. We use peas a lot! From sugar snap, fresh and even frozen pea has a place in my heart. Vitamins C, E and zinc. Immune strengthening antioxidants. This is another vegetable that I use in warms salads but there is nothing quite like a fresh, podded pea!
Purple Sprouting Broccoli: I love all broccoli and is another staple in my life. Purple sprouting broccoli though is a bit of a treat. Not quite as easy to buy but worth it if you see it. It’s packed with vitamin A, B and C. Iron, folic acid, calcium and fibre. It’s also thought that it’s another of the vegetables that may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Radishes: I truly fell in love with radishes in France, I ate them almost daily! They are amazing at detoxifying the body and support the liver and stomach. If you really want something a little special, try roasting them!
Spinach: Ah, spinach. I’m pretty sure I can include this into most meals. From smoothies, salads, curries, soups. I even blend it into pasta sauces, homemade hashbrowns to get the kids eating it too. Nutrient rich, high in antioxidants, supports brain health, eye health and potentially even lowers blood pressure!
Spring onions: High in vitamin C, B2 as well as magnesium, potassium these little beauties are full of nutrients, potentially lower blood pressure, strengthen immunity, and aid digestion. Plus they taste amazing. I love sprinkling them over jacket potatoes, salads, curries, wraps … the list goes on!
If I can leave you with one thing, it’s that spring is an invitation whether that is to play in the kitchen, to celebrate your body with movement, reconnect with nature or learning to grow your skills.