I’ve always loved spring. As a person from the Nordic Countries, Finland to be exact, I feel the shift in seasons very deep in my bones. After the long, dark winter—especially in the North—the sun feels like a miracle every time it returns. Now living in California for the past 9 years or so, I still feel that inner rhythm, that pull towards light, warmth, and renewal.
Spring is a time to awaken, to shake off the heavy, grounding winter energy and move into lighter, more expansive energy. But this shift is not always easy. Especially now as a mama to a 3-year-old, I notice my energy and my needs are very different than before. It’s a balancing act between taking care of my child and remembering to also take care of myself.
Here are some gentle, holistic ways I support myself and my family during this seasonal transition, using inspiration from Traditional Chinese Medicine (plant-based), Ayurveda, moon phases, circadian rhythm, Nordic traditions—and also, my own body’s wisdom through my monthly cycle.
Liver Season & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, spring is the season of the Liver, the organ of detox, direction, and movement. After the stillness of winter (Kidney season), we begin to feel more “yang” energy rise. But if the liver energy is stagnant (from heavy foods, stress, or lack of movement), it can cause frustration, mood swings, and tension.
As a plant-based mama, I support my liver with:
- Bitter greens like dandelion, arugula, and nettle (in tea or tincture form).
- Warm lemon water in the morning to wake up digestion (use straw to protect your teeth, or rinse afterwards).
- Gentle movement like stretching, walking, rebounding or shaking to move liver qi.
- Milk thistle or schisandra – I love these herbs for liver support.
Honoring the Circadian Rhythm
Winter is a time of deep rest, and it’s natural to sleep more. In spring, I begin to slowly shift our daily rhythm.
- We start waking up earlier with the sun (even if it’s just 10 minutes earlier).
- I open windows in the morning to let fresh air and natural light in.
- I begin to eat lighter breakfasts like chia pudding, fruit, or oat porridge with spices.
- We go outside every day, even if it’s cloudy. Morning sun helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Especially with a toddler, I try to make these shifts gentle and playful. Nature walks are the easiest medicine!
Living with the Moon
Living with the moon phases helps me stay connected to my feminine nature and reminds me to slow down. In spring, I like to use the New Moon for setting gentle intentions—what seeds am I planting, literally and metaphorically? During the Full Moon, I notice more emotional energy, so I do extra grounding like foot baths with epsom salt and essential oils, journaling, or herbal tea ceremonies after my little one goes to sleep (although she also loves her “hot tea with milk” as well. So far we’ve given her just chamomile, lavender and lemon-ginger teas).
Living with Your Cycle – The Inner Spring
As women, we are like the moon—constantly changing. I’ve learned to live more in harmony with my cycle, and it’s been life-changing. Each phase brings a different energy, and tuning in helps me feel more grounded and soft.
Here’s how I support myself through the four phases, especially during seasonal transition:
🌑 Menstrual (Winter): This is my time to rest, reflect, and retreat inward. I cancel what I can, ask for support, and do the bare minimum. I drink warm teas (ginger, matcha, raspberry leaf), eat grounding foods, and try to stay off screens as much as possible.
🌒 Follicular (Spring): After bleeding, energy begins to rise—this is the inner spring! I feel more creative and social. This is the time I start new projects, try new recipes, and get outside more. It matches beautifully with the actual spring season.
🌕 Ovulation (Summer): The peak energy time! I feel magnetic and outgoing. I plan playdates, social activities, and bigger tasks around this phase. I support myself with raw veggies, light meals, and adaptogens like maca.
🌘 Luteal (Autumn): Energy begins to slow. I turn inward, focus on finishing things, and take time for deeper self-care. I also need more alone time and gentle movement like stretching, slow yoga, or walks.
Honoring my cycle feels like coming home to myself. Even if it’s not always perfect, just having the awareness makes a difference.
A Touch of Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, spring is the season of Kapha—earth and water elements. Kapha can bring heaviness, congestion, and lethargy if we don’t help it move.
To balance Kapha, I add:
- Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.
- Dry brushing before shower to stimulate lymph flow.
- Steamed veggies, lighter soups, and reducing dairy or heavy fats.
- Triphala – a gentle ayurvedic herbal blend that helps with digestion and detox (plant-based of course).
My Finnish Roots: Cold Plunges & Forest Walks
In Finland, we don’t talk about wellness—we live it. Spring in Finland still means snow melting, muddy boots, and lots of sauna time. Even here in the U.S., I try to bring that nature connection into our days.
- We do cold water rinses after showers (even my kiddo loves splashing cold water on her face!).
- I use Black Spuce or Douglas Fir essential oils for the same forest energy I miss from back home.
- We go on forest walks, pick little wildflowers, fennel (kiddo loves eating it!) and breathe in the earth waking up.
Final Thoughts
Spring is not a time to rush. Just like nature, we can take our time to bloom. As a mama to a young child, it’s easy to put myself last, but I remind myself that the more nourished I am, the more present I can be.
If you’re feeling tired, slow, or foggy—that’s okay. You’re just thawing out. Go slow, breathe deep, sip your tea, and listen to the birds returning. You’re waking up with the Earth.
Let’s grow together this season 🌿
Love,
Kat
