For many people, mid- to late winter can be difficult. We’ve shaken off the holidays, have slid back into our routine, and any sentimental feelings we may have about winter are starting to dissipate. We may be noticing more sunlight in the morning and evening. But it’s cold and dry, creating the potential for snow. “When will this end?” is an ever-looming question. Sound familiar?
A Shared Experience
In 2014, Christopher Ingraham, a former researcher at the Brookings Institution and Pew Research Center correlated Google search data to determine the general population’s mood throughout the year. Known as the Google Misery Index, this data suggests that overall our last days of winter are actually the hardest.
These findings roughly correlate to what we know as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is prevalent in both the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. SAD is thought to be a result of the change in sunlight. But it’s not simply less (or more) sun equates a poor mood. There are other factors at play.
The Chinese Medicine Take
In Chinese Medicine, Winter’s energetics and role is meant for us to embrace all things yin – resting more, slowing down, drawing inward and recharging our battery. While nourishing on many levels, this change in behavior, activity and orientation towards ourselves and others can have some negative effects. For example, in this mode of hibernation, less time may be spent socializing and feeling connected to others, resulting in feelings of isolation and discontent. Therefore, by going “dark” and embracing the rhythm of the season, we may start to notice a decrease in energy, mood and enthusiasm.
As we move through mid- to late Winter, we start to notice a hint of Spring around the corner. Sunlight is increasing but very slowly. If we were living in an agrarian society, we would be on the last round of our stored foods and thinking about the crops that need to be planted for the Spring season. But it’s not quite time. This can create a sense of feeling stuck, unsatiated and uncertain about what lies ahead. Such feelings can lead to depression, irritability, fatigue and pain.
What We Recommend
Build. Uncertainty is a call for visioning what lies on the horizon, planning and planting seeds. It’s not about big and lofty plans, but the small steps necessary to bring something to fruition.
Trust. Remember, this is a season – it is not forever and will continue to evolve. Trust in the shift and change, knowing that action and potential is just around the corner.
Move. If you feel like a water hose that’s been kinked or stopped, it may be time to untwist and release. Feeling compressed and restless may simply be a request for unstructured movement. Think of activities that fill your pot without draining it. For example, taking a walk in nature is a great way to move qi – simply one foot in front of the other, taking you wherever you choose to go. Additionally, setting aside unstructured time, i.e. piddling, allows instinct to drive you to action.
We also invite you to continue to “Winter.” With fuller reserves, you will enjoy a strong and focused Spring. And, if you’re in the throes of Winter Blues, consider coming in for a seasonal tuneup to focus on contentment and balance in these final blustery days.
