Five top tips for a hormonal spring clean
As I write this I can hear lambs bleating in the field beside my home and song- birds twittering in the branches. The sun is rising earlier each day and hanging around for longer giving the welcome opportunity for an evening walk or longer outside play for the kids. This year has been a tough call so far and the sunshine brings a happy lift and makes everything feel a little more doable. I’ve started a few trays of salad indoors and have been planning some garden planting. Just the sight of the little green shoots lifts my heart and sets me plotting and imagining for the summer days ahead.
When it comes to spring-cleaning and de-cluttering, the same applies to our bodies, our endocrine system and our hormones. The body welcomes our support to transition into a new stage. Shifting into longer light cycles, more time outdoors and more energetic activities is part of what spring is all about. And giving some intentional support can help to lift our mood and set a whole new pattern for the rest of the year. Here are some simple tips I’ve complied to embrace the change and help move with the seasons and ride the spring wave:
1. Green is great! Eat any and all available fresh greens - baby spinach, salads, rocket Adding one raw food e.g. a raw carrot on the side or some green salad leaves, to your lunch or dinner will generate healthy enzymes and improve digestive health.
Young nettles once they come (for tea) are great to cleanse the blood and bring new energy and zest. If it appeals and doesn’t overload you with tasks, try planting some herbs or salad (or buying a pot for the windowsill) – the happy little plants will lift your spirits and taste fresh and delicious very quickly. Rocket is particularly zingy and grows like a weed, fast and wild so gives great return for your efforts! Even some fresh coriander or basil in a pot can bring that scent and taste of fresh new growth.
2. Tuning into the light will help to balance the endocrine system – and your lovely glands, which regulate your stress hormones, your oestrogen, and progesterone, contributing greatly to your wellbeing. Greeting the sun at sunrise and sunset is so beneficial even if it’s a quick walk or just to stand still letting the sunlight rest on the crown of your head. Get out there if you can!
3. Support the detoxification process by caring for the liver – making things easier on the liver can give the whole body a boost. Cutting down on the glasses of wine or beer and offering dandelion coffee or herbal teas takes the pressure off our detoxification and lets the liver clear out excess oestrogen and other hormones. Drink plenty of water also.
4. Be kind to your adrenal glands – go easy on alcohol, tea, coffee and sugar – at least some of the time and especially if you are feeling overstressed. The poor adrenal glands can become caught in a cycle of overwork and coffee, alcohol and sugar can become part of feeding that. Easier said than done at the moment I know, but try to be mindful and have some days where you give the adrenals some TLC.
5. A good old mindset cleanse will help nourish body and mind – whether it’s a gentle yoga Nidra session on the Insight Meditation app, an uplifting podcast or simply letting go of one outdated and unhelpful thoughts that has been dogging you lately. What thought could you do without this week and what would be a more useful one to nourish your being?
“But I also say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it's done right, is a kind of holiness, palpable and redemptive. ”
Mary Oliver
