Balancing Yin/Yang energy for the upcoming season

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Tips to balance Yin/Yang in the winter months

Denise Pala CYT

Here we go again, into another winter are you ready?

Yin is characterised as cool, wet, slow, quiet, more feminine qualities,

Yang is characterised as warm, dry, fast, extraverted, more masculine qualities.

The seasons in nature change every year from warm to cold, long days of sunlight to shorter days and more darkness, and since we are part of nature, our bodies and lifestyle have to opportunity to change with it.  It is natural to have preferences for certain seasons, there are certain times of year that resonate with our core elements that make us feel energetic and like ourselves. The key to be balanced through seasonal change is recognizing the tools to develop equanimity with all seasons.

Winter is particularly the YIN season, a time for storing energy, as the days get shorter, we should be slowing down, nesting, resting, nourishing warming our body and soul, however we tend to have heightened activity close to the end of the year. We become lethargic an tired, and out of balance and restless.  This is due to our action packed cycle being out of sync with the earth’s natural cycle.

The winter Solstice is only 3 or 4 days before Christmas, it is the shortest, darkest most “yin” time of the year, instead of turning inward, we are out celebrating with excess “Yang” activity.  This can artificially create stress.

Winter is a time of stillness and inner reflection, use this time to gain clarity for the upcoming cycle of spring rejuvenation and growth. Over the next few months take time to discover what inspires you to stay healthy and make that part of your daily routine.  Here are some tips for balancing your Yin and Yang energy during the cold season.

1. Make the most of your time, adjusting your internal clock to go to sleep early and wake early in tune with the natural cycle of the sun. By Waking up between the hours of 6:00-7:00am is optimum to promote energy for the whole day.
2. When you wake up drink a glass of hot water with lemon, boosting your system and inviting heat into your body.
3. Exercise your lung muscles, go outside! Take a walk or jog, invite fresh air into your lungs and you are bound to warm up and boost your reserves of energy.
4. Practice a more calming form of yoga; try YIN YOGA, a yoga practice that is powerful, in the sense that “YIN” is slow, steady, thoughtful and meditative, poses are held to stretch the connective tissue, invigorating muscles instead of placing undue strain on them.
5. Most important eat to maintian energy.  Start you day off with a complete meal I reccomend VEGA as a shake! Its full of protein, and the healthiest! Vanilla Chai is my Fav!