The Holidays...Finding the true season of winter in your life, body and for your own health. Creating your own balance.

For most of us, the holidays are a mixed bag. We may have had great holidays as a kid or not. 
There can be a lot of pressure to buy gifts, this adds more financial pressure. In a time of inflation this can be an added stress. I am pretty much done with my holiday shopping, I need to pay off my credit card bill and yet I am STILL getting bombarded with emails/ marketing, trying to get me to buy, buy buy. I have kids so it could really be endless. 
When do we stop? So much of discipline and balance is saying NO. 

We also start eating more, which can create a sense of lethargy and even add to emotional distress, when our blood sugar is unstable.  We may feel pressure to socialize when we don't want to. If life is about creating balance, notice if you are isolating yourself, maybe make a plan with some friends. It's the yin and yang of life. 
When is it fun to go out and celebrate and when is time to say no and stay home with some tea? Asking ourselves these questions help!  

If we follow the cycles of nature, winter is a time with more darkness, a lot of people experience more sadness and depression. It is a time where we should be going inward and slowing down. Before electricity, people had to prepare use candles, go to bed earlier! It is a time where we can rest, eat good food, find joy inside and out (luckily we live in Colorado). Rejuvenate for the busier times of the year of longer days. I know I often get sick in January, my goals to not be run ragged by then, so I have to slow down. Our bodies also like stability in routine, in chinese medicine, consistency is a key part of our health. What is a tradition or routine you can do for yourself that could bring you comfort and joy? 

Where can you find the natural season of winter in your life ?  Examples are... going to bed earlier? Taking some time to reflect, meditate, journal? I love the twinkly lights and there is/ can me more magic to be experienced of course! 
But, We don't want to ignore that other emotions are there, there can be sad memories or a loved one is no longer with us and more. 

I like to exercise mindfulness, slow down, make a good meal, a cookie, watch a movie, take a walk, take a nap if you are tired! Vitamin D is especially important this time of year. 
Literal exercise is very important to get our blood flowing, drink lots of water, flush out toxins, lactic acid. It's good to eat warmer foods, veggies, try to avoid sugar! Bacteria and viruses can thrive on sugar, so one important way to avoid getting sick is to avoid it. Use honey or eat fruit! 

We can help you with your stress, with acupuncture, massage and also chinese herbs are great for immunity and treating these circulating bugs. 

Life is full of seasons, and I wonder if  you could take a moment and listen to your body, what would/ could your body need right now ? Often when we honor our bodies, it allows us space to experience all the emotions, sadness, joy, peace and more.  I wish you all much healing, soothing darkness and healing light this Winter Season.