Springing Into Spring
I associate “winter’ with “heavy”. Heavy weather—rain, snow or both. Heavy clothes, winter woolies and boots. Heavy foods like roasts, stews, casseroles and pot pies.
I’m always relieved in the spring, which I associate with “light”. Lighter clothes, lighter foods and more natural vitamin D. The days become longer and brighter, our moods lighten, and it is time to shed not just our winter coats but also the extra pounds we may have accumulated in the cold months.
To shed excess weight and detoxify, I help my innate detoxification system perform its job with activities that make me sweat. The body releases toxins using perspiration as the conduit. With every bead of sweat, we expel toxins, which supports immune function and helps prevent toxic-overload related diseases that can result in symptoms such as allergies, fatigue, headache, indigestion, muscle aches , poor memory and more.
Over-indulged? Work out and sweat it off. Sweating flushes the body of system-clogging substances like alcohol, cholesterol and salt. Got skin issues? Sweat! When we sweat, our pores open and release the grit and grime that has built up inside of them. Clogged pores can lead to pimples and dull looking skin.
I do cardio on an indoor bike or treadmill, or go for a hike— anything that raises my heart rate and makes me sweat. I also need my feel-good post-exercise endorphins for my mood. The more I sweat, the better I feel . There are scientific reasons why you “glow” post exercise.
As well, I use saunas or steam rooms , and I recently tried heated body wraps. You can also support your detoxification system by eating a healthy, balanced, varied diet and drinking at least two litres of spring, mineral or filtered water daily.
Spring refers to the season and also to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal and regrowth. Many plants begin to grow and blossom in s pringtime, so sweat yourself up to bloom, blossom and glow as well!
Rena Owen is the star of Freeform’s “Siren”.
