Winter is one of my favourite seasons as it allows time to hit the re-set button after a busy and sometimes chaotic few months. However, for many, Winter can be a dreaded time, as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop. Whether you are a lover of the season or not, there are ways in which we can embrace this time and utilise it as an opportunity to give ourselves some TLC. Below are a few TCM approved self-care suggestions that you may wish to implement this Winter:

1. Wrap up warm - It might sound obvious, but keeping warm is imperative for maintaining health, according to TCM. Keep feet warm in wooly socks and always wear a scarf and hat to keep the wind and cold off your neck and head and never leave the house with wet hair.
2. Eat cooked foods, especially breakfast - warm yourself from the inside by eating cooked and warming foods like soups and stews. Avoid raw or cold foods during the winter months. Breakfast is especially important to nourish our digestive / Spleen Qi. Adding warming herbs and spices such as ginger or cinnamon is also beneficial. 
3. Embrace gentle movement - let's face it, finding the motivation to hit the gym in the dead of winter is hard! Instead of trying to push our bodies with high intensity workouts, embrace more gentle movement such as yoga, pilates or QiGong or opt for a slow and mediative walk. Try and move your body daily and make sure to get outside for some fresh air.
4. Practice saying no to things - Be okay with establishing and maintaining boundaries and get comfortable with saying “no” to things that seem daunting or draining. Don't fancy going out three times this week? Just say no! You can politely decline making too many social plans or opt to reschedule catch-ups for another time. Winter is a great time to slow down and self-reflect. Conserving energy and having extra “me” time is both encouraged and allowed.
5. Prioritise sleep - while it is recommended that we aim for 7-9 hours sleep a night, it has been suggested that we may require more sleep in winter. Embrace the longer nights by getting to bed earlier and allowing for a deep and restful sleep. Acupuncture is a great tool if you are struggling with insomnia and are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Acupuncture can be a great tool to have in your kit during the winter months, particularly if you are struggling with seasonal depression, low levels of motivation, seasonal illnesses or difficulty sleeping. If you are curious to find out how acupuncture might be able to help you, get in touch to arrange a no obligation discovery call, or make an appointment here.