If you’re in the northern hemisphere, winter is just about here. Depending on where you live, this may mean that you’re bracing for several months of shorter days and colder temperatures.
For many people, it’s harder to get out and engage in a lot of activities that you normally enjoy throughout the year. If that sounds familiar, you may know that it’s easy to spend more time than you’d like scrolling through social media or watching TV.
In this blog, you’ll learn about several healthy activities you can do indoors to stay healthy when the temperature drops. All of these tips align with the health principles of Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong.
During winter, it’s easy for your energy to become stagnant if you’re spending a lot of time at home. However, there are some easy yet powerful ways to keep your energy alive and moving.
One extremely simple way to keep your mind and energy moving is to read books that inspire you. In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, there is a saying, “The mind leads the Qi.” In other words, the thoughts that fill your mind have a significant impact on the quality of your energy.
When you read books that inspire you, it uplifts your entire energy system. Not only does that feel good, but it also makes it easier to engage in other healthy behaviors.
Everyone is inspired by different kinds of books, so try to find books that resonate with you. Books about empowerment, growth, and spirituality are a few good genres to try. Master Qi Gong teacher, Lee Holden, has some great book recommendations to help you get started with your winter reading list.
A strong network of social connections helps support mental, emotional, and physical health. During winter, it may take a bit more effort to maintain social connections, but it’s still important.
Consider having friends over to play games and enjoy a meal together. If you want to combine time with friends with your reading interests, why not start a book club?
On days when you’re not able to see friends or family members in person, pick up the phone and give your loved ones a call. Having regular, positive social contact can brighten your day and elevate your energy levels. In one of our previous blogs, we offered a few practical ways to connect with loved ones this season.
One thing that’s great about cold weather is that it makes warm soups taste even better! When it gets stormy outside, chop up some veggies and make a delicious meal.
Winter is a great time to experiment with new recipes and have fun cooking and baking. According to Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, warm soups are great for balancing your energy and cultivating your Qi during winter.
In one of our previous blogs, we offered several important dietary tips to balance your Water Element, which is especially important to do during the season of winter.
Depending on where you live, it may be more difficult to go on walks or hikes during winter, but it’s still important to stay active.
Try to find active indoor activities that allow you to move your body even when it’s raining or snowing. Perhaps join a gym that offers exercise classes. Or, start doing home workout routines in your living room.
Walking on a treadmill, dancing, and stretching are a few other great ways to keep your body moving when you can’t get outside.
Qi Gong is a perfect winter activity because it’s something you can do wherever and whenever you want. It also doesn’t take up a lot of space or require you to have any kind of special equipment in order to practice.
Qi Gong combines several different kinds of movement and offers the benefits of stretching, strengthening, and gentle conditioning. This makes it a well-rounded form of movement that is perfect for cold winter days.
If you’re interested in discovering Qi Gong for yourself and giving it a try, be sure to check out our Thirty-Day Qi Gong Challenge.
Based on the constraints of winter, Qi Gong is the perfect practice to explore this season. You don’t need any special equipment and you can do it whenever you want at home.
The Thirty-Day Challenge is a perfect way to give Qi Gong because it offers thirty unique lessons that are each just seven minutes long. This makes it easy to find time to practice and also helps you build a healthy habit that you can do all winter long, and throughout the rest of the year.
The Thirty-Day Challenge is offered online, so you can enjoy the lessons from the comfort of your own home. Click on the banner below to learn more and discover how Qi Gong can help you feel more healthy, vital, and alive this winter season.
