Spring is a season of renewal, growth and rebirth. As the weather warms and the days become longer, we might find ourselves feeling energized and motivated to set goals, pursue new projects and recalibrate our routines. However, spring also marks the continuation of Kapha season, and some of the lingering lethargy and fatigue of winter might hinder us from fully experiencing springtime rejuvenation. In Ayurvedic tradition, Kapha season is associated with moistness, heaviness, stagnation, oiliness, abundance and lethargy. We might find ourselves experiencing allergies during this seasonal transition or feeling heavy and out of tune with the improving weather.
Ayurvedic ritual emphasizes the importance of adjusting one’s routine according to the season. Doing so can help us remedy season-specific imbalances in order to maintain our health and wellbeing. If you’re feeling imbalanced, or simply want to shake up your routine so that it’s optimally suited for spring, try out these 3 simple Kapha-balancing rituals that will help you fully enjoy this beautifully refreshing season.
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WAKE UP WITH THE SUN
The renewed energy that characterizes spring makes it a perfect time to shift your rising time—the earlier, the better, as you’ll have more time to meditate, energize and prepare your body and spirit for the day. It also means you’ll have time to incorporate a bit of light movement, which makes all the difference in combating fatigue. Spend 10 or 15 minutes walking outside, practicing yoga, doing calming breathwork or any other light movement-based activity. You’ll feel transformative energized and invigorated.
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PRACTICE CALMING MORNING YOGA
Yoga is a fantastic and accessible form of exercise that not only promotes balance, flexibility and overall energy—it also calms the mind and spirit. It’s a great way to combat the sluggishness and stagnation that can result from a Kapha imbalance. Yoga is also a deeply personal practice, and as such, you can customize your routine to target specific areas of need. We have several blog posts on different types of yoga, which you can check out below if you’re not sure where to start:
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TRY OUT KAPHA-BALANCING HERBAL REMEDIES
Those suffering from indigestion, fatigue, heaviness or other characteristics of imbalance associated with Kapha will especially benefit from incorporating targeted herbal remedies into their daily routines. There are a variety of simple recipes you can make with spices you likely already have in your kitchen. Turmeric, for example, is an excellent anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting spice. Ginger, black pepper and cardamom all stimulate healthy digestion. Clove serves as a natural painkiller, while cinnamon balances blood sugar.
One simple and delicious way of incorporating many of these spices into an herbal concoction is by making golden milk, which is comprised of milk, turmeric and other spices. It is revered in Ayurvedic tradition for its ability to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, combat indigestion, improve mood and more. You can learn more about the potent benefits of golden milk and how to make it here.
By making a few small changes to your routine, you can prime your body and mind for the renewing, rejuvenate energies of spring—enjoy the beauty and warmth of this season and all it has to offer!
