According to East Asian medicine, while we’re still in Winter, the Solstice on the 21st marked our movement from the depth of winter into spring. There is still plenty of time to gain the benefits of the winter season by practicing moderation and rest.
Here are a few thoughts on how each of our acupuncturists’ Winter to be well all year long.
Missy:
I am a creature of motion and need to move my Wood Qi regularly. My winter includes continuing my movement, but in a way that resonates more with the winter so that I do not plow through my reserves. My workouts are cut in half and all intense cardio is reduced to casual walks or light trail hiking in the neighborhood. Weight lifting changes as well.
To avoid doing too much each day, I meal prep lunches for the week on Mondays. Roasting a ton of veggies with root vegetables and protein, making sure I always have a warm nourishing meal. Evening teas or a glass of rose turn into a warm mug of bone broth. My social circle is comprised of all suburban families, most are busy this time of year with various school concerts, holidays, and sick children. This automatically lays the foundation for more time relaxing at home with a good book or warm family game and movie nights. I TRY to read more for fun and less studying Eastern medicine to allow my mind a rest as well. #1 activity that is a must for my wintering: big comfy socks. The thicker, the heavier, the more layers, the better.
Deidre:
As a primarily Fire element type person- Winter is usually my least favorite time of the year (I do love the holiday season though!) Why? Because I am not a fan of being cold at all, the trees are bare, and once the snow and ice fall (as pretty as it is to look at) it’s not easiest to run/walk outside in frigid temperatures. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to embrace the very yin nature of this time of year and have grown to appreciate every season. My winter includes slowing down in all aspects of life. I love to nurture my body with delicious bone broth that I easily make from all my leftover bones, veggies, and other food scraps that are stored in my freezer and popped into my Instant Pot (and it cooks itself). As for movement, I turn to doing more slow activities like Yin Yoga, breathwork, and meditation. This allows me to go deep inward, as well as helps me to prepare for a new year and set new goals for myself. I also like to journal more, because writing my thoughts down helps me think more clearly and plan more efficiently for the future. Warm fuzzy socks are a must, and big comfy oversized sweaters and cardigans are my favorite to wear at this time of year. Lastly, for the first time in 9 years, I get to celebrate the holidays with my family without worrying about traveling over 3,000 miles away, stressing over a 12-hour travel day, adjusting to a 3-hour time difference, huge weather change, and then going back after only seeing them for a brief period. So in winter this time of the year, I honor nature, the most yin time of year and the yin aspect of myself—to move slower, give myself more time with things, and the opportunity to reflect on and truly appreciate everyone and everything in my life during this season.
Jennum:
For a long time, I did not practice wintering. I enjoyed intense, physical training for hours on end. I agreed to more social engagements than felt fitting for me. I kept my schedule very full. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t working for me. Now, I love wintering! While I still enjoy intense physical training, I save that for spring and summer. My exercise is more moderate – a gentle yoga or qi gong routine, a calm hike, and light weight lifting feel best for me. I love knitting and crocheting. These hobbies have my body resting while still engaged. I meditate. I have a two-year-old at home so many of my meditations are moving (with him) or shorter 5-15 minute practices of seated meditation. I also love eating cozy winter meals and making myself a nice black sesame latte.
So if you’ve found yourself feeling tired or hating this time of year, it may be time to ease into what nature is guiding us to do this time of year. Pushing past your body’s cues and nature’s signals could lead to illness later in the year. Take these messages as a suggestion to ease into the last bit of Winter so you’re ready to spring forward in the coming months!