Hello spring, celebrate Ostara

Intending better things.....

Ostara is a festival that celebrates the spring equinox, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere . This year it is today the 20th March.

It is a time to welcome the arrival of spring and the fertility of the land. The festival is named after the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, who is associated with the dawn and new beginnings.

Ostara is a time of renewal, new beginnings, and hope for better days. You will probably know by now that I am not a fan of hope as such as it relies on outside intervention rather than self autonomy, so let us intend better days, especially now the light has returned.

As human beings we are very much in tune with light, even if we do not realise it, especially with our sleep, wake cycle.

The arrival of spring can affect our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. The transition from winter to spring can cause a delay in our sleep-wake cycle, making us feel more tired in the morning and more alert in the evening. This is because the days become longer and the amount of daylight increases, which can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep.

In addition, the practice of Daylight Saving Time (DST) can also affect our circadian rhythm. DST is the yearly practice of setting clocks forward one hour between the months of March and November. The idea behind DST is to conserve natural light, since spring, summer, and early fall days typically get dark later in the evening compared to late fall and winter days. However, adjusting the time by one hour can cause sleep problems if our circadian rhythms are not aligned with natural cycles of light and darkness. Some people also experience insomnia symptoms due to spring time changes.

To adjust your sleep cycle to spring, you can try the following tips:

Gradually adjust your sleep schedule: Start by going to bed and waking up 15-20 minutes earlier than usual, and gradually adjust your sleep schedule until you reach your desired bedtime and wake-up time

Expose yourself to sunlight: Get plenty of natural light during the day, especially in the morning, to help regulate your circadian rhythm

Avoid bright light at night: Avoid bright screens, such as those on your phone or computer, before bedtime, as they can suppress melatonin production and make it harder to fall asleep

Establish a bedtime routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep

Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can interfere with your sleep

I have prepared an Ostara workbook for your awareness of what the time of Ostara means for you. You can find it HERE

Enjoy Ostara and really connect with your body as it adjusts to more light.

“Old must be left; New must be adopted; Life must be celebrated”