In a recent podcast interview (it will air in February) someone asked me – how much rest is enough? And I gave them a classic Chinese Medicine answer. It depends. I love how unique, how specific and tailored this medicine is to each person, throughout the year and through a lifetime.
The question of rest is so relevant this time of year. As the days get shorter there is a natural tendency to sleep more, to want to press snooze, to *maybe* regret RSVP-ing to that party. This is normal for anyone.
AND some people need more rest. There are so many reasons why this could be:
- Insomnia (This is a high priority to address.)
- Years of overwork, burnout or “adrenal fatigue”,
- Autoimmune conditions, recent illness or a stressful life event
- Elemental Personality Type – For example, water element folks are deeply nourished by being horizontal
- Energetic sensitivity – For those who are highly sensitive, or introverted, the work of adulting, parenting and ruling the world can demand more energy.
When I support people with fatigue, it’s a two-pronged approach. One prong is to increase energy and capacity with acupuncture, herbs, supplements, moxibustion, tailored nutrition, qigong, lifestyle awareness…
The other prong is to support a compassionate stance when looking at “Why am I this way?”. This can be hard when the cultural paradigm is “go, go, go” or busy-bragging, or when your life partner is an energizer bunny that doesn’t get it. The sooner you can drop comparing yourself to others (or to yourself five years ago), the sooner you can take a stand for deserving the rest you need, the sooner you will claim gains in your vitality.
Also, resting isn’t just for people who are struggling. There is so much potential energy available to you this time of year, if you slow down, get plenty of sleep, or take a power nap. Think of it as making big deposits to your stamina for work and creativity in the new year and channeling the visionary potential of Albert Einstein.
Do you need a rest pep talk? Do you crave a more compassionate stance toward yourself and your need for rest? Do you want or need more energy to navigate your life? Right now, the most yin time of year, is a potent time to begin this journey. You can schedule your first or next visit opens in a new window::HERE::
