Print article The winter solstice arrives on December 21st, 2024. It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks the first day of winter. As the holiday season approaches, the image of joy, celebration, and togetherness comes to mind. However, the reality for many individuals is that holidays can bring stress and anxiety.
With minimal daylight hours at this time of year, some individuals may experience melancholy and sadness, primarily due to a drop in serotonin levels.The winter solstice affects the body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormonal release, and other physiological processes. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm can contribute to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and changes in mood.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the winter solstice is associated with the energy of the kidneys. The kidneys store the foundation of Life, an essence called “Jing”. This is our inherit primal energy, intricately involved in reproduction, aging and overall vitality. Healthy kidney energy is linked to strong physical and mental resilience, with imbalances often manifesting as fear or insecurity. It’s believed that by harmonizing oneself with the seasons we stay healthier and prevent disease, balancing our internal organs energy with the energy that surrounds us. As such, winter is a good time to strengthen the kidneys.
Here are some suggestions to promote kidney health:
- Rest is important, being in bed by 10pm.
- Practicing nourishing forms of exercise such as Tai Chi or yoga.
- Calming the mind with meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Taking pleasure in creative activities such as writing, cooking, sewing or knitting all help to connect to the kidney energy.
You can still go for blustery walks on the beach or excursions to the snow, it just means the scales tip more in the favor of rest.
This theory naturally extends to our diet as eating seasonally and locally will help nourish the kidney essence. Winter foods include squashes, potatoes and all other root vegetables, winter greens, mushrooms, bay leaves, coriander, fennel, leek, nutmeg, pine nuts, rosemary, spring onions, apples, pears and citrus. Organic meats, fish, black beans, kidney beans, walnuts, black sesame seeds, chestnuts and cinnamon are all excellent at nourishing the kidneys. Focus on simple, well cooked meals to encourage easy digestion, such as warm soups and stews.
This holiday season, prioritize your well-being by incorporating natural and holistic strategies to manage stress. From regular exercise and a healthy sleep schedule to mindful practices and a nutritious diet, there are numerous tools at your disposal. By embracing a holistic approach, you can create a foundation for a stress-free and meaningful holiday season.
Happy Winter Solstice!
Lisa
Follow me on Instagram at @behealthyoga and on FaceBook at Lisa Breitenwischer and BalancingEnergy Health and Yoga Wellness.
Chinese Medicine
