Why spring is the season for reclaiming rest

Spring is a fabulous season. Nature begins emerging from its winter sleep bringing a fresh vibrant energy, lighter mornings and opportunities to spend time outdoors. The massive expansion of energy during spring, and posts on social media, can leave many feeling the pressure of ‘starting fresh.’ This idea that we need to do more and be more can be overwhelming. In turn it leaves our nervous system quietly craving rest. So make this spring the season where you can reclaim our rest.

The Wood Element and Overwhelm

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spring is associated with the wood element and relates to growth, vision and drive. The massive growth of the season is evident as nature rebounds from winter by springing back to life. We are connected to this nature too, and the change from winter to spring arrives with fresh motivation to move forwards. Just as each season is linked with an element, a pair of meridians also tie into the seasonal aspect of TCM. Spring is associated with the meridians of the liver and gallbladder, which are sensitive to stress and emotional stagnation. Unfortunately the massive expansion of energy at this time of year leads many people to experience this stress and emotional stagnation. Which ultimately leads towards  increased tensions, migraine symptoms and insomnia. Growth without grounding is a sure-fire path towards burnout.

Are You Feeling Tired but Wired?

Since the changing of the season I’ve noticed changes to my sleep pattern. I’ve been sitting up late into the night watching  television and feeling completely tired but still too wired to head to bed. This has not made for the best bedtime routine. Instead it has lead to a vicious cycle – poor sleep = more migraine symptoms; lower immunity; increased stress and tension. Through increased consumption of social media and television my mood is scattered and I feel overstimulated – leading to worse sleep. Basically if any of this sounds familiar, you’re not the only one!

Reclaiming Rest

Perhaps there’s a way to use the energy of spring to support wellbeing and to reframe it towards supporting rest. By taking time for intentional rest can help to support sustainable growth and expansion. Making time to switch off properly the nervous system down-regulates, preventing unwanted stress-related symptoms. Anything that can lead to a reduction in migraine symptoms or insomnia is a winner in my book. By making spring energy work in our favour we can create time to slow down, making space to enjoy the season without the overwhelm.

3-Steps to Reclaim Rest

Tackling insomnia or migraine symptoms can seem like a massive goal. Small, sustainable steps are always the best place to begin. Re-branding spring as a time to reclaim our rest should be simple, achievable and offer results quite quickly.

Breathwork – try Box or Square Breathing before bed. This practice is great as an antidote to stress helping to reduce feelings of overwhelm and return a sense of focus and self-control. It also works well before bed to help soothe and calm the nervous system, aiding in releasing the cycle of insomnia.

Reduce screen time – set a device bedtime – no television, phones, tablets, laptops etc. after a specific time. Start small to make this more achievable. Begin with no phones after a set time. When you struggle, remember why you’re making these changes and think about the long term benefits to putting the phone away.

Yoga Nidra – loosely translated as ‘yogic sleep.’ Just 15-minutes of this deeply restorative practice is equivalent to 1-hour in the deepest levels of restful sleep. Creating space in your day to engage with Yoga Nidra can be a potent method for inviting in more rest. Another bonus here is that it can help to counteract the effects of ongoing poor sleep.

BONUS EXTRA! Restorative Yoga – try this restorative yoga pose to help soothe the nervous system and switch off. This pose is all about support, making use of the chair to elevate the legs creating a gentle inversion, while the head and hips are supported using folded blankets.

 

A Gentle Reminder

As the energy of spring continues to ramp heading towards the summer solstice, please be kind to yourself. This is an ideal time to reclaim your wellbeing by slowing down. Take the time to honour your own rhythm and as you bloom slowly and beautifully in your own space and time.