January Blues

Many people find the winter hard and January especially so - daylight hours are short and the weather is harsh yet it is the ‘New Year!’ The ‘New Year’ suggests a fresh start and a surge of energy but most us don’t feel that way which is perfectly natural when we are still in the depths of winter.

Chinese medicine teaches us to adjust our lives with the changes in the seasons and winter is the time for conserving energy, for restoring and recuperating. A little like hibernation, winter is also the time for withdrawing from the outside world, of quiet contemplation and a gathering of strength.

Modern life often makes these things hard to do but making an effort to slow down in winter can result in feeling better in the coming months, the idea being that conserving energy now will result in renewed vitality for the strong, energetic surge of spring.

Important for winter:

• Get more sleep - go to bed earlier and get up later (if possible!)

• Eat hearty foods - stews, soups and winter warming comfort food

• Keep warm - layer up and bring out your favourite winter woolies

• Do less - if you’re feeling tired stay at home, get cosy in front of the fire, cuddle up with your cat/dog/favourite person and read a book or watch a film. Try to find the enjoyment in this time of year.

If you’re still struggling with low energy, low mood or feeling out of sorts please get in touch to see how Acupuncture could help you.