Note: this piece first appeared in the December 2005 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
Culturally, we’ve moved away from our natural tendencies to sleep more and do less during the winter months — in fact, we’ve gone in exactly the opposite direction, trying to be more productive and get more done during the winter than any other time of the year!
This year, try something different. Instead of trying to force yourself to get everything done, try letting some things go. Sleep more and worry less. Make some simple changes in your routine to support your body’s needs. Try the following ideas to help you find balance this winter.
Get more sleep. Rest and relaxation are essential during the colder months. It’s normal to need an extra hour or two of sleep per night in the winter. Listen to your body!
Make intelligent food choices. Warming spices (such as ginger, cumin, and cinnamon) are wonderful for drawing heat into the body, and substantial hot foods (such as whole grains and cooked vegetables) are great options for winter. Be careful not to overeat — winter is a buildup season for your body, and it’s easy to gain unwanted weight, especially if you overindulge in sugary holiday treats.
Turn inward. Winter is the season of introspection. In traditional Chinese medicine, winter is also associated with stronger emotions. This is a perfect time to begin or increase a journaling or meditation practice.
Support your circulation with daily movement. Indoor exercises, such as yoga, are ideal to increase your flexibility and support your meditative practices during winter. Also, try to enjoy some time each day in the fresh air and the scarce winter sun.
Rethink holiday gifts. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to run yourself into the ground shopping in crowded malls full of stressed-out people. I love Adbusters’ gift exemption voucher (available to download and print on their website). Exchange these vouchers with friends and loved ones (well before the date of your usual gift exchange) and take this season off from gift shopping. If not buying gifts isn’t an option, shop online! It’s much less stressful than braving a shopping center: you can do it in your pajamas and have the perfect item for everyone on your list in minutes.
