Switch it Up!

The Wood element is all about change and adventure, so the Spring season is a great time to explore something new for a happier, healthier you!  Plan an outing to someplace you've never been to- even if its right in your local area. Experiment with new morning routine, since the Wood time of day is sunrise. Even something as simple as rearranging your furniture or changing your hair style can inspire you with a fresh perspective.

Here are some more quick and easy ways to switch it up this season...

Swap that Sweet Thang...

If you crave sweets like its nobody's business, even too much "healthy sugar" (like Manuka honey or Agave) can be problematic.  Insert Stevia, a natural, plant based sweetener that is low calorie and low- glycemic.  Another benefit of Stevia is that it helps curb sugar cravings.   Stevia comes in many forms, from a honeyish syrup to granulated sugar packets. It's a MUCH better alternative to sucralose and asparatame, the sweeteners found in most diet or sugar-free products.    My favorite form is the alcohol-free variety offered by Nu Naturals.  But just a dab will do ya- too much Stevia leaves a not-so-sweet aftertaste.  Check out this article to learn more about the ins and outs of this little sweetie.  

 

 

Let 'Joe Go...

Some of us can't live without a caffeine kick in the morn.  Switch up you coffee routine by trying green tea- it has less caffeine then a cup if coffee, but will still give you a little lift.  Make it extra fancy by adding a few drops of Nasturtium and Morning Glory Flower Essences.  Nasturtium supports lively, vibrant thinking, while morning glory helps you harmonize your sleep cycles so you can rise and shine!  

  

Pass those Planks and Push Ups

Ummm hmmm.  I know all about those 30 day plank challenges.  Skip a day here, skip a day there. But nothing works those guns and abs like working the pole. And the reason it's become so popular?  It's FUN! So much fun you might forget its a workout, until the next morning when muscles you didn't even know you had start to ache.  And contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be an all-star gymnast to feel the benefits.  Which brings me back to my first ever pole class (picture stage left), when I felt insecure watching the flips and tricks of my classmates.   But my teacher helped me find my level, and I felt sooooo relieved.    So if you're feeling shy, add a few drops of Alpine Lily flower essence to your water to tap into your sacred sassy self!

Fix that fast...

Let's be real. Some of us love fasting and feel great after a juice fast, raw fast or the master cleanse.  And some of us... not so much.  That's because our bodies are not only different from one other, but we are different from ourselves depending on our age, the season and our experiences. For most,  fasting is best done in a silent retreat or away from the hectic demands of everyday life.  In fact, many actually need nourishment more than fasting.  Instead of an uber-strict fast, take some powerful baby steps.  Try simply letting go of something that's draining you (like sugar, coffee, overworking, negative people, an unhealthy thought, alcohol, Facebook, etc).  Adding a few drops of Sagebrush flower essence to your water will help you identify- and get rid of - that stuff you don't need, emotionally and physically.  

 

Flip Those Chips...

 If your craving a salty snack with a little bit of crunch, reach for seaweed snacks.  What used to be only found in health good stores is now readily available everywhere from grocery stores to corner store bodegas.  Seaweed is relatively high in iron, protein and minerals and is low calorie snackable (kids love rhem too!) Make it more filling with a dab of hummus or avocado. Still not convinced?  Try Manzanita flower essence to help your body crave the healthy stuff.  

 

Stop bugging out...

Lets face it- sometimes it gets real in the field.  Especially during the Spring,  because the wood element is responsible for the free and easy flow of emotions and their expression.  Wood is also related to emotions such as anger, rage, stress, frustration, resentment and depression.  If you find your emotions overwhelming you, consider coming in for flower essence therapy to help resolve deep seated emotions, open new possibilities, and ease the way this season.    

How do you plan to switch it up this season?