5 Spring Self-Care Tips to Start Anew
There’s something special about spring that inspires us to make changes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the season to grow and refresh. After this (very long) winter, spring cleaning your life and integrating a few more self-care tips into your routine probably sounds like a good idea for a fresh start.
Read on for a list of TCM-inspired spring self-care tips, for mind, body, spirit — and home.
1. Out with the old.
Spring cleaning is so appealing because we traditionally spend winters tucked inside, staying cozy and warm. Winter is a time to rest, but spring is a time to grow. Most living beings don’t grow optimally in stagnant or cramped conditions. If you feel like having piles of stuff around stresses you out, it’s not your imagination.
Use the change in season to shed what’s not serving you, from habits (like doomscrolling social media) to belongings (the overly complicated coffee machine that you can’t figure out before having coffee).
2. Refresh your bedroom.
Winter might be a season of rest, but that doesn’t always mean it’s a season for better sleep. As the seasons shift, swap out your heavy winter bedding for lighter spring versions. Air out your room, and start to look at other ways to improve your sleep hygiene. If you haven’t already, it might be time to move the TV out of the bedroom and install some blackout curtains. Self-care isn’t selfish, especially when it means getting a good night’s sleep!
Make Hello Dreams™ sleep strips with Melatonin & Calm Down™ herbal blend the cornerstone of your bedroom refresh. Stash them in your nightstand for easy access. Let one melt on your tongue (then swallow) a few minutes before bed to help you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up rejuvenated.* This self-care tip is ideal for busy people!
3. Get outside.
Spring means longer days, and getting more sunshine is one of the best self-care tips! Natural light early in the day can also help regulate your sleep cycle. Take advantage of the brighter mornings and set your alarm a little earlier. Go for a walk, meet a friend for a run or sign up for an early yoga class. If you prefer to exercise later, use the morning for hobbies, spending time with pets and family or slowly easing into the day.
4. Change up your menu.
Winter is all about comfort food — and even TCM backs up our cravings for hot soups and stews. As the weather warms up and the seasonal foods change, change out those heavier dishes for lighter spring fare. Bring salads and smoothies back into the fold. Eat more greens — try dark and bitter ones like dandelion, bok choy or broccoli raab.
Not quite ready for soup season to end? Focus on broth-based recipes that pack in spring’s best vegetables. Eating with the seasons is one of our favorite self-care tips, and it aligns with TCM principles!
5. Take a social media break.
Stress is a natural part of the human experience, but some stress can be avoided. Social media is a double-edged sword for lots of people, so taking a break can be a wonderful self-care tip. A few days or weeks away can free up space for other activities, and you might find that certain people or accounts no longer appeal to you. If you feel like your social media habits are healthy as-is, give your “following” list a little refresh. Unfollow anyone who adds stress to your day.
Adaptogens are a group of herbs (including ginseng) that help the body respond to stress in a healthy way.* They work over time, so focus on integrating them into your routine on a daily basis. In less time than it takes to make a TikTok video, you can have your daily cup of coffee and adaptogens in hand! (That’s a self-care tip everyone has time to try!) Learn more about red ginseng.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.