As we head into winter, I invite you to consider this season from a Chinese medicine perspective. Winter is the most yin time - inward, reflective, and slow. Without the rest and reflection of winter and yin, we lack the ability to sprout and grow to our full potential during the spring. This sprouting and growth could be anything - a wellness practice, a new idea, pursuing a passion project, pregnancy, spiritual growth, going back to school, or learning a new skill. Contraction is required for expansion.
So what are we faced with during the most yin time of year? Wayyyyy too much yang. Parties, get togethers, excessive spending, stress, expectations, and packed schedules. The opposite of inward, reflective, and slow!
This season, invite the yin back in. Here are some tips:
Make a list of the parties and activities that actually bring you joy and replenish you. Stick to those. Maybe the Elf on the Shelf goes on vacation this year. Just because its something you've done every holiday season doesn't mean it needs to continue. This guided journal is a great tool.
Make time for reflection. Take a bath, get out your journal, and think about your accomplishments, challenges, and how you've grown over the last year.
Eat warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews.
Find time everyday for quiet and still moments. Maybe it's just 5 minutes in the morning. Don't worry about meditating or anything fancy. Just take a few moments to check-in with yourself, or watch the last of the leaves fall from the trees.
Get more sleep! On average we need around one hour of more sleep in the winter, for some it might be more. Follow the sun's lead and head to bed early.
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