Tips to Get Past the Springtime Slump
Lately, I have this great desire to take a nap every afternoon around…well, anytime between 2 and 5.
What is the deal with THAT?
Can you relate?
One day I did my best to overcome my sleepiness by taking a walk, in between torrential cloud bursts.
Today’s choice is a couple squares of 85% dark chocolate and a cup of green tea with a splash of honey.
Could the fact that I haven’t seen much sun have something to do with it? 
Oh, and there’s the recent time change that always messes with our circadian rhythm.
Some of you may be experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms with itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches and just feeling lousy.
A couple days ago the temps were in the high 50’s and today it’s snowing/raining/slushing from the sky and I need my heavy winter coat.
My guess is that my sleepy state is a result of many recent shifts in Nature, with more to come in the days ahead. Since what we resist persists, it’s best to welcome spring appropriately and conform with a few dietary and lifestyle changes.
Try whatever resonates with you and see what happens. I’ll be trying these too.
Tips to Help You Feel Energized
Lighten Up: Winter diets are often heavy and rich to counteract the cold. As spring arrives, it’s time to switch to lighter foods. Incorporate more fresh vegetables (like asparagus, carrots, beets, kale, green salads) and legumes into your meals. Enjoy rice bowls and broth-based soups. Opt for light and astringent fruits like apples, pears, kiwis, cherries and berries. Incorporate warming spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin and black pepper to stimulate digestion.
Limit Caffeine and Sugar: While it might be tempting to reach for a cup of coffee or a sugary snack for a quick energy boost, try to limit your intake as they can lead to energy crashes later on.
Wake Up with the Sun and Get Outside: Sunlight can help boost your mood and energy levels, that is, if it isn’t covered by clouds for days and days. Whenever possible, enjoy some sunlight—ideally outdoors–for about 10 minutes during the first 30 minutes that you’re awake.
Shorten Your Feeding Window: Most people consume food from the time they wake up until just before going to bed, giving them a daily feeding window of about 15 hours. As long as you don’t have a health condition that would be aggravated by making a shift, try shortening your feeding window. For example, try eating during a 10–11-hour window of time, say from 8 or 9am until 7pm. If this feels too difficult, shorten your feeding window slowly to determine what works best for you.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural detoxification processes which are heightened in the spring.
Honey: Use raw honey as a sweetener (in moderation) as it has warming properties and helps to balance the body. 
Stay Active: Find a physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, cycling, yoga, or gardening, to keep your body moving and reduce feelings of lethargy.
Hopefully these tips will help us better navigate the days ahead with increased energy, mental clarity and calm.
If all else fails, take a 20-minute nap.
Much love,
Health Coach Carol
I hope this spring brings you
Colors that touch your heart
Creative ideas that surprise yourself
Clarity to quit what’s not working
Courage to move on from the past
Confidence to go with your gut—Author unknown