Happy Spring! Thursday, March 20, marks the vernal equinox for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Vernal translates to "new” and “fresh,” while equinox comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night).
Our hours of daylight have gradually increased each day since the winter solstice in December, the shortest day of the year regarding sunlight. The vernal equinox signifies the turning point when daylight begins to dominate over darkness.
As we emerge from winter hibernation, it's time to lighten what you've been carrying and energize yourself to welcome more of what inspires you! Just as you clean out cabinets and closets, spring cleaning can also mean clearing your calendar. In our busy society, where we often rush from one task to another as a marker of "success," we have surrendered control over our lives.
Determine what is consuming your precious hours. We all have 24 hours in a day, and if you’re uncertain about where that time goes, spend a week tracking it. Keep a detailed record of your days for a full week—track everything from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep. You can use a journal, a planner, the calendar on your phone, or an online document—whatever works best for you.
At the end of the week, review your log. Where are you investing time in activities that drain your energy or distract you from what truly matters? You may find that you spend an hour or more each day mindlessly scrolling through social media or watching TV. Do you check your email 50 times a day, or do you find yourself procrastinating on a project you’d prefer to avoid?
Once you’ve identified those "energy vampires," devise a plan to replace them with activities that enhance your well-being. For instance, if you're unhappy with your relationships, commit to calling a friend or family member twice a week. If you’re lacking physical activity, schedule time in your calendar for a 15-minute walk five days a week.
As we enter this season of growth and renewal, consider incorporating invigorating yoga practices such as sun salutations, backbends, and breathing exercises to boost enthusiasm, heat, and focus. If you're not yet a member of Firefly Community, you can select your option at the bottom of our home page to access this month's guided meditation, yoga class video, and members-only article. The first 28 days are free, and you can cancel at any time.
Another excellent way to boost your energy is to eat lighter foods like fruits and vegetables. For tips on incorporating more whole, plant-based foods into your diet, check out our free ebook, "Whole Foods for Whole Health," for ideas on healthy swaps and recipes. I hope these resources help you embrace spring with enthusiasm!
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