Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Spring Cleaning for the Mind, Body and Spirit: To a More Vibrant You

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow" - Proverb from Guinea

Wasn't this a cold snowy winter? I for one am ecstatic that spring is in the air. I can finally open my doors and windows. Let in the fresh air. And chase away the winter doldrums.

This year I included one new item on my spring cleaning list. Me. I need an infusion of fresh air. An energy boost to clear the sluggish routine I've been used to all winter. And just like my home, it is time for me to be refreshed and renewed.

Spring Cleaning for the Mind

Have you noticed that we think the same thoughts that we did the day before? Do the same old routine again and again out of habit? My usual Saturday morning routine is to turn on the television while I clean the house. Not this Saturday morning! It is time for me to spring forward in a new direction. So I decided instead of television I would listen to some music in its place. Soon I found myself singing along with the songs I loved. Got a little carried away in fact. Belting out songs. Singing around the house with my broom as a microphone. It was silly fun. I was laughing and the "feel good" endorphins were flowing. American Idol watch out!

Spring Cleaning for the Body

After the long sedentary winter I had to do something to get the blood circulating. Nothing too strenuous of course. But enough of an exercise to get the "creaks" out of my joints. I turned on my Yoga tapes and started the series of graceful stretches known as the Sun Salutation. Starting in Mountain pose, hands up, head to knees, lunge, plank, Cobra, Downward Dog, lunge, head to knees, up to Mountain. Awkward at first. But by the second round I was a little more flexible. My body felt different. I finished in the Warrior pose feeling strong and in charge.

Spring Cleaning for the Spirit

What better way to beat the winter blues and lift the spirit than to get out in nature. I went outside to my patio and sat with eyes closed, facing the sun. Enjoying the kiss of the sun on my face. The warmth of its rays on my body. The sunshine was stimulating the flow of serotonin which helped to elevate my good mood. In addition I was benefitting from my body's production of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin for strengthening my bones.

After several minutes in this relaxing mood, I began deep abdominal breathing. Inhale one, two, three. Hold one, two, three. Exhale one, two, three, four, five. Slow deep abdominal breaths with the added bonus of exercising my stomach muscles and trimming my waist at the same time.

Five minutes later and I was feeling energized. Buoyant. Vibrant. And this positive energy lasted all through the day.