Challenges of Seasonal Change

🌸Happy official start of the spring season!

It’s been such a freezing and wet winter, at least here in California. Although we welcome the rain and quickly disappearing chronic drought conditions, many of us are getting a little tired of this cold weather and can’t wait for the arrival of warmth and longer sunlight.☀️  

We may think that surviving winter is the toughest feat, but the shoulder season, when we transition from winter to spring, can surprisingly present some of the most difficult challenges to our health.🤯

As seasonal changes occur, our bodies can undergo significant stress, impacting our immune systems, energy levels, and mood, particularly after enduring a long, cold, and wet winter.

So, it's quite normal if you are experiencing symptoms of allergy, cold, moodiness, sluggishness, etc. at this time of the year.

In fact, many traditions promote spring cleaning and cleansing as a means to counteract the stress of seasonal changes. 

Just as we transition our wardrobe between seasons, it's important to gradually and smoothly adjust our lifestyle from winter to spring. 

💡Here are some tips…

🏠Declutter your house: clearing clutter from living spaces or offices can enhance mental clarity while vacuuming away dust and pollen can alleviate allergies and inflammation.

🥗Eat seasonal food: If you've been consuming heavy, comforting foods throughout winter, spring presents an opportunity to gently reset the body by gradually transitioning to lighter foods. As a result, your energy levels will follow suit, moving from heavy to light! Artichokes and asparagus are coming into season now. They are delicious and very nutritious when in season. Check out one of my favorite asparagus recipes below :) 

🌳Go outside!: As the cold and rain keeps us indoors during winter months, we tend to get more sedentary. To reduce the risk of sitting too much, try a new exercise routine to get your body moving so your immune system can stay strong!

🧘Make an extra effort for self-care (get a massage, acupuncture, practice yoga/meditation, etc.): If you are really sick of this cold weather and are needing a dreamy tropical experience, I just added a couple of rooms in my Costa Rica retreat in December. I’d love you to join us- it is one of the best forms of self care!

I would say, reset is a great thing to do at this time of the year. If you know how to, I highly encourage you to do it even for a week. You will certainly feel great! Our next group reset will be in the fall, when the season shifts from summer to fall. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, if you are feeling stuck with your lifestyle or health, I might have a spot or two open for private coaching this spring. Please book a free 30min discovery call with me if you are interested in learning more about it.

Let me know how this seasonal change is treating you and how you have been taking care of yourself.🙂

Much love,

Ai ❤️

Fresh Asparagus Salad

Ingredients

• ¾ cup pistachios, walnuts or other nuts (toasted and crushed)

• 1 pound asparagus, woody ends trimmed, shave or slice thinly diagonally

• ½ cup soft herbs, such as dill, parsley and tarragon, mint or a combination

• 3 tablespoons minced shallots, red onion or scallion (optional)

• 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or cider vinegar)

• Large pinch of sea salt, plus more as needed

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Toss everything in a salad bowl, adjust the seasonings and enjoy! It makes a great side dish :)