Habits to Spring Into This Vernal Equinox
Simple habits to support this season of growth and transformation.
The Vernal, or Spring, Equinox marks the beginning of the new year—of rebirth, of starting anew, of hope. As the days grow longer and more light-filled, it is a great time to set forth new intentions, to bring to life your wildest Winter dreams, and to usher in new habits that support this season of growth and transformation.
Here are seven simple habits to implement into your daily routine to support this season of growth and expansion:
1. Drink a glass of water upon waking. Hydrate, and get your digestive juices flowing, too. Add lemon for a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. Remember, always drink up after brushing your teeth and scraping your tongue but before having breakfast or coffee.
2. Eat breakfast. Don’t skip the most important meal of the day. Instead, start the day with a nourishing, energizing, and satiating meal that helps support your hormones and blood sugar levels.
3. Wait to have coffee. Wait at least two hours after waking to drink your cup ‘o joe, preferably after eating, too, so as not to throw-off or manipulate your cortisol levels, which naturally rise upon waking.
4. Take a walk—everyday. Take a 30 minute walk everyday and notice the positive changes that arise. Not only does walking get us outside into the fresh air and sunshine, both of which are immensely healing, but walking daily boosts our cardiovascular health, strengthens our bones and joints, increases our energy, helps us maintain a healthy weight, tones our muscles, and decreases our chances of developing diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer.
5. Eat dinner as a family. A conflict of schedule is not an excuse—make it happen. Eating together is a simple yet profound moment of connection and ritual that strengthens the family bond and helps children develop an appreciation for and connection with their food (and the preparation involved in making it).
6. Put down the phone one hour before bed time. Catch-up for a bit, then opt for airplane mode, or turning it off completely, in favor of picking up a book, connecting with your partner or children, playing a card game, listening to music, collecting your thoughts, or stretching it out before bed. The blue light emitted from devices like smart phones interrupts the production of melatonin, which naturally increases as the sun sets.
7. Don’t over commit. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and to say no. Over-committing is what leaves us feeling tired and burnt out half-way through the year. Prioritize self-care and downtime; it’s essential.