3 Secrets to Unlocking Your Winter Vitality and Energy

Many of us lead hectic, busy lifestyles, and the winter season is a wonderful reminder to slow down and take some time for yourself to restore your energy. Winter is the sleep of nature, and everything experiences the slowing of natural processes, even our bodies. This is the time to come back to quietness and rebuild your energy reserves. As practitioners of Chinese medicine, we know that the winter season is linked to kidneys, the adrenal glands, and the bladder. When these bodily systems are out of balance, our energy becomes depleted which can lead to illness.

If you’re prone to colds, the flu, poor circulation, mood swings or low vitality during the winter, here are 3 ways you can unlock your winter vitality this year:

Early to bed and early to rise

Going to sleep early during the winter is ideal in order to preserve energy- try to get at least 8 hours in every night. To make falling asleep easier, turn off the technology at least a half hour before bed. We like taking an easy walk or mediating before we call it a night!

Be peaceful

Try to avoid experiencing excessive emotions in the winter, as they drain your energy reserves. The winter is a good time to wrap up in a blanket and read a good book, or to pick up a new indoor hobby like knitting or cooking. Also get yourself outdoors when the sun is shining, as the sun will impart its life-giving and spirit-lifting properties onto you.

Eat for the season

A warming diet including foods like leeks, onions, turnips, squashes, potatoes, and kale will keep your health and energy up during the winter months. Soup is also a wonderful winter food, and there are endless recipes to keep your palate satisfied! Great winter beverages include warm water with lemon, tea, coffee, and hot cocoa (loaded with marshmallows of course!)

Keeping these tips in mind as you go through the next few months will ensure you have a vibrant and satisfying winter season. Hibernating as much as possible in this cold weather is good for your body and soul! We look forward to seeing you in the new year.