welcoming the season of Rest
/On December 21st, we celebrated the Winter Solstice and ushered in the final season of the year—a time when the days grow shorter, the air turns colder, and life slows down. This winter climate creates the perfect environment for rest and reflection, an invitation to pause and recharge. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter represents the most Yin time of the year, marked by stillness, introspection, and the promise of light returning. It's no wonder this season inspires us to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead.
Winter is governed by the Water Element, which symbolizes nourishment, storage, and the preservation of life’s essential energy. This is the season to replenish what’s been depleted over the year by embracing slowness and prioritizing self-care. The Water Element connects to the kidneys and urinary bladder, two powerhouse organ systems responsible for maintaining our energy reserves. The kidneys are like your body’s battery pack—they fuel every function, from keeping your bones strong to regulating fluid balance and even inspiring you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
When we push too hard—whether from stress, lack of sleep, or overworking—our kidneys, bladder and Water Element can become depleted. Signs of imbalance include back pain, weak knees, exhaustion, and even anxiety or low motivation. For some of us, it can be hard to shut off that ‘go-go-go’ mentality, but here’s the good news: winter offers the perfect opportunity to restore and recharge. Instead of fighting against the seasonal cues and continuing a hyper-productive lifestyle, embrace the opportunity to slow down, reflect and prepare your body and mind for a joyous year ahead.
Tips for a restorative winter:
By slowing down, getting plenty of rest, eating nourishing foods, and adapting a restorative wellness routine, you can protect your reserves and support your overall vitality.
Diet
Fuel your body with warming, hydrating foods that align with the Water Element. Think dark, salty, and nutrient-rich ingredients like:
Proteins: Nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, and saltwater fish
Vegetables: Root veggies, dark leafy greens, and seaweed
Fruits: Dark berries
Grains: Whole grains
Meals: Soups and stews
Skip cold and raw foods for now, and spice up your meals with warming ingredients like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to keep your inner fire burning.
Lifestyle
Winter calls for more rest—so embrace it! Go to bed early, wake with the sunrise (later in the winter), and create a cozy environment to nurture your body and mind.
Stay warm: Keep your lower back and abdomen warm to protect the kidney energy. Dress in layers to protect against the harsh winter climate and consider using warming herbs like moxa for additional support.
Vitamin D boost: Shorter days mean less opportunities to get the critical vitamin D we need to support muscle function, mood and mental health, hormone regulation and so much more. If you’re unable to regularly get out in the sun throughout the day, consider adding a vitamin D supplement address deficiencies and support your overall health during this darker season.
Activity
Avoid sweating excessively, as it can deplete your energy reserves. Opt for more gentle exercises like Yin yoga to help regulate Qi and blood while calming the mind and nourishing the body’s energy.
Incorporate poses like butterfly and frog pose that focus on stretching the abductors, hamstrings and spine which fall along the kidney and urinary bladder meridians.
Add restorative therapies like massage, reflexology, or acupuncture to your wellness routine. These practices are excellent for reducing stress, improving sleep, and replenishing your energy reserves.
By aligning with the season’s rhythm through rest, mindful movement, and nourishing foods, you can maintain balance and emerge stronger and more vibrant when spring arrives. Take this time to reflect, replenish, and prepare for the renewal and growth ahead.
