Ayurvedic Wellness Tips For Spring
Author: Deva Shantay
What I love about Ayurveda is how it encourages us to witness the natural rhythms within. Spring is that magical time between winter and summer, when days grow longer and nights become shorter. The temperature warms, and plants emerge from their winter slumber—trees burst into leaf, wildflowers bloom, offering essential nectar to the insects. It's nature’s vibrant rebirth.
This warmth naturally invites us outside, sparking a desire for movement. It’s clear, people are happier and more social in spring. You may also notice a shift in your cravings—where winter often calls for heavier, more comforting meals, spring encourages lighter, fresher options.
During spring, nourish your body with light, easy-to-digest foods (think lean and green!) and allow at least three to four hours between meals to support healthy digestion. Try reducing foods that increase kapha—such as dairy, wheat, sugar, iced or cold foods and drinks, and fried or oily foods. Use spices like black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cumin, and mustard seeds to support your digestive fire. Spring is the time to shift from heavy, oily, sour, and sweet foods to pungent, bitter, astringent, dry, and light.
Spring cleaning is another wonderful practice to embrace. Open windows, tidy up your home, declutter drawers and closets. Just as we clean our living spaces, Ayurveda suggests a cleanse for our bodies during spring, to help release the accumulated stagnation of winter. Spring cleaning can be a transformative process for every area of your life—letting go of what no longer serves creates space for new, vibrant energy to flow.
The simplest, yet most powerful way to stay balanced, healthy, and happy this spring may be the easiest to overlook: connecting with nature. Slow down and take a light walk. Spread a blanket in the park, lie back, and enjoy a good book. Sit on a bench and take in the beauty of the blooming trees around you. Whatever calls to you about spring, take time to enjoy its essence. Let the warmth of the sun awaken a new part of you. Breathe in the flowers' scent, watch the bees pollinating, and feel the energy of the season. The more deeply you connect with nature, the more in tune you’ll be with the season’s changes—and the healthier and more aligned you will feel.
Happy Spring!