Wellness Tips for May
Many bright red, fresh strawberries
As a shoulder-season month, May begins as a true mix of both Kapha (Earth/Water Energy) and Pitta (Fire Energy.) These swings in temperature mean your self-care and food choices might change daily depending on the weather and energetic atmosphere. For instance, if you find that you are feeling sluggish and unmotivated and the weather has been damp and chilly, then you want to soothe Kapha with some sweaty exercise and spicy food. However, if you are feeling irritable or wired, and the weather has been warm and humid, then you want to soothe Pitta with relaxation and gentle movement. By the end of the month, we tend to be more consistently in Pitta season. We’ll cover Pitta more in-depth next month. For now, here are my Tips for May:
1-Lean into a low-fat, high veggie diet. As winter comes to a close, we don’t need as much fat to keep us warm, and our body is ready to shed any excess. An austere diet with extra veggies will help us prepare for the upcoming heat of summer. Try to eat less, about 75% of your normal fullness level, to help burn get rid of any excess left from feasting season (fall through the holidays).
2-Feed Yourself Locally. Visit the farmer’s market to see what’s in season now. Buying from the farmers’ market is the best way to ensure you’re eating seasonally and giving your body the nutrients it needs this time of year.
3-Practice Pranayama. Did you know one of the main ways the body expels fat is through the breath? Deep breathing lets it happen faster. Better yet, try Nadi Shodhana, Alternate Nostril Breathing, with or without retention. Nadi Shodhana is a great way to come into balance no matter the weather or your constitution. I’ll lead you through a Nadi Shodhana Practice here.
4-Move your body every day. The type of movement may vary, but spring is time of rebirth and renewal, and those things don’t happen when stagnant. Enjoy a walking meditation, or a new exercise routine, anything that will be fun and get you moving.
5-Consider Neti and Nasya to ease allergies. A Neti pot is the Ayurvedic way of washing out your sinuses with salt water, which can be a welcome ritual when the pollen levels are high. After Jala Neti, apply some Nasya Oil inside of the nostrils to soothe the nasal passages and keep them from becoming too dry. If you’ve never done Jala Neti before, this video explains it well.