The seasons are getting ready to transition again. We’re preparing to leave the harsh, frigid winter for the warmth of spring. In nature, everything will loosen up – the rivers will flow due to the melting snow, as well as the tree sap. Our bodies will also try to loosen up and release excess fat and congestion. So, if you feel congested, heavy, and sluggish, follow these self-care tips for March to help your body transition into spring later this month.
Self-care Tips for March
Diet
Comfort food is great during the winter months, but now it’s time to cut back. Avoid, or cut down on, heavy, oily, and sweet foods, such as meat, dairy, wheat, and sugar. Instead, eat lighter foods that are bitter, pungent, or astringent. Think bitter greens – mustard greens, beet greens, and kale. Also, favor foods that build energy (prana), such as veggies and legumes. For grains, barley, millet, and quinoa are good choices.
Have you ever done a cleanse? It will help you eliminate the excess of winter. There’s no need to starve yourself – just eat light but cooked foods. In Ayurveda, we do a Kitchari cleanse (a rice and mung bean dish) in the spring for a few days. It resets digestion and makes you feel lighter and more energetic. For Kitchari recipes, go to Joyful Belly or Alchemy Ayurveda.
Herbs & Spices
Cook with warm, drying spices, such as garlic, turmeric, pepper, ginger, chili, cayenne, dill, and cinnamon. Other herbs to include in tea form or tincture are:
Holy Basil, aka Tulsi, because it’s prana building. It can help clear excess mucus from the respiratory tract, and it gently kindles digestion (agni). It also supports the immune system and helps build strength and stamina.
Burdock root and Dandelion root are classic liver tonic herbs that are also used for mild cleansing.
Coriander, Cumin & Fennel Tea, aka, CCF tea, helps prevent puffiness and water retention. It’s renowned in Ayurveda for its detox properties and digestive support.
Nettles are anti-inflammatory and immune calming, so they can help with allergies.
Lastly, sip on warm water throughout the day; it improves digestion and helps eliminate toxins.
Lifestyle
Some lifestyle tips for March include:
Get a good night’s sleep; get to bed by 10:00 pm and wake up before sunrise.
Get moving! A brisk 30-minute walk each day is ideal. You could also do some cardio workouts at the gym if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We get high winds during the spring, so on those days, I don’t walk but will do my cardio exercise inside. Yoga may not be a cardio workout, but it has other benefits.
To get the lymph moving, dry brushing can help.
For allergies, use a Neti Pot to keep the sinuses clear, and use Nasya Oil to keep the sinuses from drying out.
Seasonal transitions can be tough on the body, but with a little self-care, you should sail through it.
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