Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors is on Friday, March 14th. Holi also happens to be my New Year and considered the time of renewal as it celebrates spring, harvest, and fertility.

For any holiday, I love gatherings with family or friends, recreating Mom’s recipes, and savoring traditions. But I also appreciate the deeper meaning behind festivals, which is to take a closer look at one’s life, say gratitude for what we take for granted, and “clean-out” what’s holding you back.

Ayurveda—the 5,000-year-old ancient healing wisdom from India—tells us that we are in the Kapha season, which is late winter to early spring. This time of the year can feel heavy, dense, and sticky—literally, physically, energetically, and emotionally.

Kapha Dosha is made up of earth and water elements. Imbalanced Kapha can show up as allergies, lethargy, congestion, excessive mucus production, overeating, procrastination, stagnation, resistance to change, mental fog, low motivation and mood, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, desire to retract into your shell.

Ayurveda teaches us that like increases like. “Cleaning” adds the quality of light and lightness—the opposite of “Kapha” traits.

Spring cleaning is a beautiful way to clean your life as it also lowers excessive Kapha and removes stagnation and dullness. So, I have been doing some deep-cleaning and decluttering of my home, mind, heart, workouts, business, unfulfilling relationships, and life this Kapha season.

When you sit down to make an intentional list of what’s no longer working, you will see that there is no anger or resentment; just the desire to feel “lighter” and thrive. You accept that relationships and connections change. It doesn’t signify the end. It means when we are no longer in alignment with someone, it’s better to walk away for our own well-being and theirs or allow the relationship to transform into what it’s meant to be. I mean this both personally and professionally.

If you don’t do the work and take charge of your life, you’ll notice nothing changes and you get into the habit of constantly complaining and frustrations festering. For example, if you are that person who leans into obsessive pessimism, unless you do something proactively, your mind won’t snap out of the negative space, and you’ll always feel like a victim. If you are the kind of person who turns to food to cope, spring-cleaning might look like moving more, asking yourself the motivation behind the excessive intake of food, and even asking for help. If you are the person who gets physically sick, it’s worth asking what emotions are impacting your immunity.

Spring cleaning for an overall healthier you will look different for each one of us. I looked at what was making me feel disconnected from my authentic self. Here’s what I did: I observed where I felt heavy and stuck but without judgment. Then I acted on what needed to go, shift, and transform.

My body started to retain water—during times of stress, the body releases cortisol, which increases water and salt retention. I started to practice breathwork techniques twice a day to nourish my nervous system, which ultimately controls everything. And I cut down on desserts and anything with sugar or jaggery or dates.

I had congestion and cough—the grief of losing Dad and unfulfilling relationships came to light during my birthday month. Certain people were taking more than I had to give. I finally accepted that the problem was me; I have always over-delivered in relationships. I started distancing myself from those who were in my life because they felt good. “You are our Energizer Bunny and light up every room” is the laziest compliment I have heard. I also started to focus on friends and family who ask about me instead of the other way around constantly. The ones who paid attention when I was silent or sick.

My business wasn’t growing in the direction I had envisioned. I knew I needed to work with someone who was aligned with my integrity and values, so I wasn’t at war with myself. Simultaneously, I did and am still doing energy work and mindset transformation to rework my limiting beliefs, move energy that’s not nourishing, and recognize the roots of the issues.

My workouts, my absolute happy place, started to create mood depletion. I realized the person I used to lift weights with…their priorities had changed. Gym became this place of venting and discussing religion and politics first thing in the morning, which made them angry. As an empath, I was picking up on their imbalanced emotions and aggression. One week of not working out with this person, and my lower back pain went away.

I am extremely motivated, energetic, and social, but I felt the desire to stay in my cocoon this past month—going nonstop during the holiday season followed by my birthday…first created fatigue and then a desire to not engage with most people. Because as a healer and Ayurvedic Doctor, I had not protected my energetic balance. I became particular about replenishment and who I spent time with.

Was it easy? No! Most of us like to stick with what’s familiar even if it no longer serves us. But I promise you that it has been invigorating. When I see the growth in every aspect of my being, I feel encouraged. When I feel the lightness in my mind and body, I am reminded that spring cleaning on a cellular level has been worth it.

We can’t be stuck in the same space with the same old habits and expect newer outcomes.

Spring is seen as a time for new beginnings, so it’s a good time to get your life (and home) in order.

1. Declutter Emotional Baggage

>> Identify lingering emotions like resentment, guilt, or sadness.

>> Journal about what’s weighing you down.

>> Practice forgiveness—not for others, but for your peace.

2. Let Go of Negative Thought Patterns

>> Challenge limiting beliefs.

>> Replace self-doubt with affirmations.

>> Meditate to quiet mental clutter.

3. Set Emotional Boundaries

>> Reevaluate relationships—who uplifts you, and who drains you?

>> Learn to say “no” without guilt.

>> Prioritize your emotional well-being.

4. Refresh Your Mind with Positive Practices

>> Engage in activities that bring you joy—painting, dancing, or walking in nature.

>> Surround yourself with positive influences.

>> Express gratitude daily.

5. Detox from Digital Overload

>> Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate.

>> Limit news and social media consumption.

>> Spend more time offline, connecting with real moments.

6. Welcome New Energy

>> Try something new—a hobby, a skill, or a new perspective.

>> Declutter your physical space to reflect inner clarity.

>> Breathe deeply—inhale renewal, exhale stress.

Spring is a season of growth and renewal. By releasing emotional clutter, you create space for peace, happiness, and alignment with your best self. I feel spring renewal is about taking stock of what needs to go and what needs to stay, including people, opportunities, and habits. We don’t need to end things for new beginnings. There is something called intuitive transition too.

This spring cleaning of life reminds us to pause and check whether we are aligned with someone, with some opportunity, and with our own thinking.

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Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here.