Spring Reset: Self-Care Changes for the New Season
If you set New Year’s resolutions in January but didn’t feel the energy or momentum to really go after them, you’re not alone. The first day of spring is actually the real start of the new year—a season of renewal, fresh starts, and a sense of hope. In this guide, we’ll explore how to support your mind, body, and joy as we shift into the spring season, incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wisdom and self-care practices tailored to this time of year.
Why Spring Feels Like a Fresh Start
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the season of renewal. It represents the transition from the restful, inward energy of winter (yin) to the active, outward energy of spring (yang). Just like plants sprout new leaves while growing deeper roots, we, too, experience a balance of new beginnings and grounding energy. However, if you didn’t have the most restful winter, you might notice emotions feeling "stuck" in your body, leading to irritability, sluggishness, or even seasonal allergies.
Are You in Balance or Out of Balance?
Spring is associated with the Wood element in TCM, representing growth, expansion, and vision. When your Wood element is balanced, you feel driven, goal-oriented, and adaptable. When out of balance, you might feel stuck, irritable, or quick to anger.
Signs You’re in Balance:
Clear sense of direction and focus
Leadership with insight and vision
Calm and collected even in chaos
Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
Signs You’re Out of Balance:
Feeling lost or lacking clarity
Easily frustrated or reactive
Stagnant, unmotivated energy
Holding onto resentment or isolating yourself
If you notice you’re out of balance, don’t worry! The season naturally brings up these energies, and making a few small shifts can help you realign.
Spring Self-Care Shifts
The transition into spring can feel abrupt—sudden energy surges, unpredictable weather, and an urge to move forward after winter’s hibernation. To help things flow more smoothly, consider adjusting your self-care routine in ways that honor your mind, body, and joy.
Mind: Embrace the Energy of Change
Spring’s governing emotion in TCM is anger, which often gets a bad reputation. However, anger can be productive—it tells us when our boundaries have been crossed, motivates us to create change, and helps us clarify what truly matters.
Ways to support your mind in spring:
Journaling: Use journaling as an outlet to process emotions and clear mental clutter. Try prompts like, What am I ready to release? What boundaries need reinforcing?
Outdoor time: Get fresh air and allow new energy to move through your space by opening windows or taking daily walks.
Movement for release: Physical movement helps process stuck emotions. Opt for brisk walks, hiking, strength training, or power yoga to channel frustration into action.
Hard conversations: If lingering resentments are surfacing, take time to address them directly instead of letting them fester.
Body: Seasonal Support for Energy Flow
Your body shifts with the seasons, and spring calls for renewed movement and liver support. In TCM, the Liver is responsible for ensuring Qi (vital energy) flows freely throughout the body. If things feel sluggish—whether digestion, mood, or motivation—your liver might need extra care.
How to support your body in spring:
Diet shifts: Introduce more sour foods to stimulate digestion and support liver detoxification. Think lemon water, vinegars, fermented foods, and citrus fruits.
Fresh, seasonal foods: Lighten up meals by incorporating raw foods, leafy greens, and farmers' market finds.
Herbal support: Herbs like chamomile and lemon balm help calm irritability, while nettles, burdock, and cleavers support liver function and circulation.
Spring teas: Herbal teas can be a simple way to support seasonal transitions. Mind Body Herbals' Spring Blend features lemony flavors and herbs specifically chosen for spring renewal.
Lymphatic movement: Dry brushing, gua sha, or gentle stretching help promote circulation and detoxification, especially if winter left you feeling stagnant.
Joy: Inviting Fresh Energy into Your Life
Spring is a time of creativity, growth, and fresh experiences. Rather than jumping headfirst into a packed schedule, ease into the season while embracing joyful activities that fuel your energy.
Ways to cultivate joy in spring:
Slow transition: Resist the urge to go from 0 to 100 as soon as the weather warms up. Give your body time to adjust and avoid burnout.
Creative pursuits: Spring is a fantastic time for brainstorming new ideas, starting a creative project, or setting a vision for the months ahead.
Outdoor adventures: Picnics, gardening, and park visits can help you reconnect with nature and boost your mood.
Spring cleaning: Decluttering your space mirrors the fresh start energy of the season, helping you feel lighter and more inspired.
Seasonal playlists: Curate a playlist with songs that bring you joy and reflect the renewal energy of spring.
Spring is an invitation to reset, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. By aligning your self-care routine with the season, you can step into spring feeling more energized, clear-headed, and ready for growth.
If you loved this post, check out my Mind Body Joy video, where I break down how to create a self-care routine you’ll actually stick to. And if you’re looking for an easy way to support your body this spring, try Mind Body Herbals' Spring Blend—crafted with seasonal herbs to keep you feeling balanced and refreshed all season long!
Happy Spring!
