As we begin a new year (and soon to be Lunar New Year) I’ve been looking into and learning about what balance actually is when beginning again. Whether we set intentions, resolutions, goals or decipher our motivational words for this year, it is helpful to, at the start of something new have a foundation upon which to build. We can accomplish more and even more important than productivity - we can build a healthier mind and body on top of a strong base.

If Winter is the foundation of the year, what are we building now?

In Chinese Medicine, Kidneys are the organ that correspond to winter. The small space in between those Kidneys is where the spark that creates our vital energy resides. Some of that energy is from our parents, but the rest is from the lifestyle we lead and the thoughts that we circulate in our minds. It is the bank of our energetic essence. In other words, our kidneys is where we store our vital energy for life and right now is the time to nurture, support and strengthen it for the rest of the year!

That sounds intense.. how would one do that?

1. Do not over work - working and working out are necessary. Being active and sweating every day makes life feel better in your bones. That is good effort. When you notice decreased focus or anxiety it is time to step away. It sounds counterintuitive, but this is when we should rest and recharge ourselves. Recharging is what makes your heart happy; reading in a cozy chair or unwinding to the CBC, you do you.

2. Get adequate rest - in the same vein as above, make sure you get enough sleep! So if your chosen streaming service is relaxing, turn it off an hour before you intend to go to bed to allow yourself to wind down. All that darkness currently outside (sunset is 4:49 pm today…) is telling you the same thing - it is a season of slow and sleep.

3. Hydration - so simple. So deceptively simple. Not my forte. If it’s slightly fun and interesting to drink water, I’ll have an easier time remembering. So I drink warm goji berry tea (sometimes with ginger too). Goji berries are strengthening to the Kidneys and can help relieve cough too. *Organic is best as sometimes the non-organic ones are dyed to look fresher. Eek.

These tips are all so simple and commonly prescribed but not adhered to as we so commonly prioritize ourselves last. If we fill up our wells in these darker, colder days of January and February, we can be nourished and healthy for the upcoming energetic seasons. And no one wants a summer cold…