Struggling with Winter? You’re not the only one! And, let’s face it, Lockdown doesn’t help. Five Element Acupuncture has some wonderful points to help people through the season they find most difficult, but there are also a couple of simple things you can do to help yourself. Here’s the three mistakes that people make that I see on a regular basis – and what to do about them.
Common mistakes (yes, we’ve all done them!) in Winter
- Staying indoors. You may be desk-bound/indoors and so hardly see daylight. Or it’s cold and wet and you don’t want to go out. However…. studies have shown that getting outside and interacting with daylight not only raises Vitamin D levels but also raises mood. So try and find a time to get outside in the daytime. If it’s sunny, wrap up and go for a walk. If it’s not… wrap up and go for a walk! It’s the daylight that’s important (though a crisp blue sky and sunshine is just magical!)
- Eating comfort food. Comfort food feels great (mashed potato… mmm!) – but a load of cake isn’t going to do either your waistline or your energy levels any good whatsoever. Sugar is a hormone disruptor, so definitely to be avoided if you have any hormone related condition (PMS, PCOS, Fibroids, Menopause….) Instead, try healthy comfort food (steaming bowls of soup, warming stews and chillis with plenty of beans or lentils, nourishing porridge with fresh fruit & seeds). You’ll still get the comfort factor, but not the sugar slump later in the day.
- Thinking it’s going to be Winter forever. 21st December marks the solstice, after that the days are starting to get longer – a little more daylight every day. By mid January, the sun sets half an hour later than in mid December. Nature is starting to stir: when you’re out and about, find some bulbs. Watch them over the next few weeks as you walk past them: the push upwards and outwards (in Acupuncture it’s known as moving from yin to yang) has begun. Spring is on its way.
What does this have to do with Acupuncture?
In ancient China, as acupuncture evolved, it enveloped lifestyle: the understanding of living with the seasons. In winter, we’re supposed to hibernate. As Spring comes, and nature awakens, it’s time to start getting going again! Understanding how to live with the seasons brings balance. If you need a little help, to remind your body what it should be doing naturally, get in touch.