Spring has sprung!
The weather is very slowly getting there, the nights are shorter and there are more daylight hours to enjoy. What’s not to like about spring? It’s a time for new beginnings, rebirth and growth.
That said, it can sometimes be difficult to shrug off winter’s sluggish mantle. Happily there’s plenty you can do to blow away the cobwebs and lift your energy levels naturally.
Clear out the clutter
There’s something very therapeutic about spring cleaning both home and head, and the two go hand in hand.
Physically deep cleaning your home, throwing open the windows and doors, and changing the air, is good for your physical health, especially if you suffer from allergy. You may live in an organised mess, but it’s difficult to clean around clutter, which can lead to a build-up of dust and dander, not to mention mould.
Mentally, the benefits of decluttering can be enormous. Getting rid of excess stuff can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. A tidier space can make for a more relaxed mind.
Reduce stress
Feeling stressed can take its toll on your energy levels. It causes our digestive system to slow down, meaning we don’t get as many nutrients (and less fuel) from our food. It also means we can become deficient in the vitamins and minerals we need to keep our bodies working, and our energy levels up.
If you’re feeling anxious try A.Vogel’s Passiflora Complex Spray. A gentle, non-addictive relaxing blend of herbs for those needing to relax, it combines Passiflora (passionflower) and Lemon Balm. The handy spray makes it ideal for using on-the-go.
Whilst it may not be possible to remove stress completely from your life, allow yourself at least 30 minutes each day to do whatever helps you to relax. Run yourself a relaxing bath, dip into a good book or focus on your breathing to bring back calm.
Get more sleep
Poor sleep on an ongoing basis will soon zap your energy and make you feel groggy. It’s as important to have a regular sleep routine as it is to get the hours at rest. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will make the hours that you sleep more productive and will help you establish a sleep routine.
Keep all electronic devices, including mobile phones, out of your bedroom. The blue light that phones and tablets emit inhibit the sleep hormone melatonin, and this can cause insomnia.
A natural sleep remedy can also help. Dormeasan® Sleep with fresh Valerian and Hops can help you get to sleep when anxiety or stress is taking its toll. Take 30 drops in a little water half an hour before bedtime, or for those travelling or wanting a non-liquid option, there’s Sleep Well Dissolvable Granules.
Eat right for energy
Pile your plate high with seasonal spring foods. Eating seasonally is what nature intended. Food is naturally fresher, and so more nutrient-rich, it tastes better and it’s also more readily available and so better for the planet. Your body also instinctively knows what it wants according to the time of year, so feed it what it's asking for! Aside from the traditional hot cross buns (we all need a treat once in a while), you’ll find the likes of purple sprouting broccoli, cabbages, curly kale, mint, potatoes and spring onions starting to adorn the shelves of our local produce stores again.
Low GI, energy-rich foods, such as wholegrains, nuts and seeds, and foods rich in protein, will keep you full and energised for longer. If energy levels are low, foods containing B vitamins are recommended because they help to convert food into energy. Oat-based cereals, porridge especially, are a great way to start the day. Other food sources of vitamin B include bananas, lentils, peppers, tempeh and beans.
Keep on moving!
If you’re feeling sluggish, sometimes there’s no better remedy than to go for a stomp. Physical exercise will help to strengthen mind and body, and whilst almost any exercise is good for you, outdoor exercise and green space exposure activates a primitive part of the brain involved with stress regulatory responses - just 10 minutes a day will help you to feel better and more in control.
Ongoing fatigue and lack of energy can have a medical cause, so do see your GP if at all concerned or if tiredness persists.
For further information, visit Shamini and her team at Naturaal Health, 128 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA5 1RJ, or call 020 8 429 1700/ 07933809833.