Meet spring with optimal health
Happy official spring! As the weather warms and we hopefully see more sunshine, I wanted to chat about the importance of changing your wellness routines with the seasons. This seemed like a very, very long winter.
The constant lockdowns and cold weather had my mental and physical health yearning for warmer, sunnier days. Now that they are here, these are my recommendations to shake off the cobwebs and facilitate optimal wellness this spring.
Introduce a gentle cleanse: I actually dislike the word cleanse because it usually means removing items from your diet or lifestyle. Instead, I want to encourage adding elements that help the body detoxify.
• Three glasses of warm water per day to help the liver eliminate toxins.
• Increase movement – this frees toxicity from the fat tissue and gets it into circulation for the liver to process and excrete.
• Add foods that stimulate detoxification processes by supporting the liver, kidneys and colon like lemon, ginger, black pepper and turmeric.
Cold showers or plunges: Yes, I mean like Wim Hof! The practice of cold showering or taking cold plunges is so immensely good for your body. It stimulates blood flow and toxin removal, boosts immune system, improves concentration and mental well-being. It takes some getting used to, but start with 1 minute hot, followed by 20-30 seconds of cold and rotate this 3-4 times. Always end on cold as it’s a natural stimulant for energy.
Dry brushing: This ancient practice of lymphatic drainage is so powerful at helping your body detoxify. There are dry brushes of varying strengths to choose from and you would brush your body (towards your groin and armpits) 3-4 times per week. Added benefits include reduced appearance of cellulite, varicose veins, skin discolouration and fine lines. I also dry brush my face every morning to help the skin cells turn over and rejuvenate equals fresher complexion!
Add a sponge to your water: A sponge means an element that is capable of binding toxins in the blood. A common one is Vitamin C, but there are many other specific ones that help bind and detoxify like chlorella, spirulina, algae and kelp. Adding a small spoon of these to your water in powder form or taking in capsule form will help your body’s natural filtration system.
The Calm App: I am the first one to push this away as I am in that group of people that feel “too busy.” But, I did a (distanced) meditation with a girlfriend the other day and it massively improved my day. There are amazing ones on the Calm App that are just 10 minutes long of guided reflection that will help your nervous system recalibrate. This is the most beneficial thing that we can all do for our body’s at this time, teach it that it’s safe and not in ‘fight or flight’. Just 10 minutes in the morning…you can do it!
Kate Hunter is a Naturopathic Doctor who practices in Creemore, and is the owner of The Creemore Apothecary wellness boutique.
