Spring Equinox: Mood-boosting practices to feel lighter and brighter

As we emerge from a dark winter and more of us in the UK have spent extra time indoors due to pandemic restrictions, it can seem like a glimpse into another world as we experience the first signs of spring. After rain, dark nights and deep snow, the blooming trees and blooming flowers give us all the signs of hope we have been looking for. Longer, warmer days are a reminder that while there is light at the end of the tunnel, after such a long period of unpredictability and fear, it may be a little harder than usual to feel a spring in our step too. To help ourselves when it comes to itFighting depression, bad moodThe spring equinox on March 20 is a great time to implement some of these lifestyle, diet and yoga exercise tips. Use these to improve your mood, feel energized and welcome in the brighter days ahead.

Change your perspective for Spring Equinox

Mind and body work together; When our minds are anxious and busy, our bodies often give meaningful signals. You may notice that when you are worried, you tend to hunch your shoulders, hold your breath, or look at the floor. In the same way, when our body is hunched over or looking at the ground, it sends a signal to the mind that we are feeling worried or stressed, and the cycle continues. Focusing on improving posture through awareness andYoga practicecan make a big difference in the way we stand, sit, and therefore think, but there's also a simple trick to change perspective instantly: look it up. When we look up at the tree canopy at the clouds or stars, we are likely to experience a moment of awe. Research suggests that awe improves mental well-being and happiness, makes you feel more humble, and is a direct way to overcome ego. There is a strong relationship between ego disillusionment and awe, and we can use this emotion to recognize the underlying unity that runs through all of nature and ourselves.

Surya Bhedana (right nostril breathing)

The way we breathe has a truly profound impact on the mind. To feel calmer and more balanced, a simple exercise is:Sama Vrittior 'same breath' can be very effective - practice by inhaling for a count of five, holding for five, exhaling for five and holding for five more. Repeat five times. To change feelings of heaviness or lethargy,Surya Bhedana,Known as “sun-activating breath” or more commonly “right nostril breathing,” this can work quickly and help you feel brighter and more motivated. Breathing in this way stimulates the 'Pingala Nadi' - a subtle energy channel that flows through the body and controls energy, stimulation, motivation, digestion and concentration. Author James Nestor also included several studies in his bookBreath,This showed that real physical changes can occur when practicing Surya Bhedana. To practice this spring equinox, simply close your left nostril with a finger or thumb and breathe calmly and slowly through your right nostril for 12 rounds. Try it!

Supplement yourself with nutritional supplements and herbs

I've researched my fair share of herbal remedies and supplements, and when it comes to balancing mood levels, these are some of the best natural compounds I've come across. As always, it's important to consult a doctor you trust before starting any supplement or herbal remedy, and to only take these things a few times a week, not every day.

Ashwagandha:

A tonic for men and women,Ashwagandhais an adaptogen and literally helps the body and mind adapt to stressors. This herb comes from ancient Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for centuries to increase resilience, reduce anxiety and low mood, improve fertility, and improve brain function. I take this regularly and has benefits, but check with a doctor if it is right for you.

Lion's Mane:

A mushroom extract proven to help prevent Alzheimer's disease, is an effective anti-PMT agent, and supports cognitive function. I personally feel that my mood is much more balanced and I can concentrate and feel much more motivated when I take a teaspoon of this medicinal mushroom. Especially on days when I know hormones are involved in mood swings, this can help calm and calm an anxious or irritable mind.

Fish oil:

Our body needs a good amount of fat to balance mood levels. Not only is the brain made up of a large percentage of fat, but the padding around each of our cells is made up of fats, and it is important that they maintain a certain amount of “padding” so that the cells can communicate effectively. Simply put; When we don't have enough fat in our diet or in our bodies, our mood levels really suffer. Try to use healthy fats from high-quality oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, and also add a high-quality omega-3 or fish oil supplement if suitable for you.

Create your Spring Equinox Happiness List

Preoccupying ourselves with things that make us feelhappyis an important part of life, but all too often it gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list or left out entirely. When you're feeling down or anxious, think back to the last time you actually did something that wasFunand that made you feelhappy.Was it all too long ago? If happiness has been severely lacking in life lately, try this technique to bring it back this spring equinox:

Write a list of 10 things that make you happy (this could be literalsomething:painting, gardening, dancing, interacting with friends, running, playing an instrument or listening to music, etc.) Look at the list and commit to doing at least one of these things every day.(link removed)and make it as important a part of your day as brushing your teeth or meeting work deadlines.

Let the sunshine in

Just seeing the weather forecast predicting warmer, sunnier days is enough to boost your mood, but actually stepping out into the sun and soaking up its energy is a powerful tool.According to the(link removed)"We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight between late March and late September. The body creates vitamin D through direct sunlight on the skin outdoors. But between October and early March we don't get enough." I recommend all of my clients add natural sunlight into their day as early as possible to reset the body clock and improve mood. As growing research tells us, one of the best things to balance our sleep and wake cycles and improve almost all health markers is getting enough sunlight every day. Stepping into the light first thing in the morning figuratively turns on your body clock for the day, balancing the rhythms of digestion, elimination, brain function and energy in preparationa good night's sleepalso. As the mornings grow brighter after this spring equinox, wake up with the sun and step outside to greet it. You will be prepared for a much brighter and brighter day.