Ah, the holidays. It's the time of year when we’re “supposed” to feel joyful, festive, and… well, totally burned out, right? Between gift shopping, family gatherings, and endless events, we’re often left drained before the year ends. But here’s the thing: nature, in all her wise, wintry ways, actually wants us to slow down. Yes, winter is like one big universal permission slip to chill, reflect, and reconnect with our calm, restorative side—our “Yin” energy if you will.
So, how do we lean into our Yin while everything around us screams “DO MORE”? Let’s dive into some easy, Yin-nurturing ways to stay sane, cozy, and blissfully balanced during the holiday season.
Hit Snooze on “Hustle Mode”
Winter is designed to be slower. And no, that’s not a loophole to get out of holiday parties (although… maybe it could be). Embrace those early nights and lazy mornings! Let yourself take it down a notch: stroll instead of sprint, maybe skip the to-do list for a day, or—gasp!—even say “no” to a few things. Think: cozy, warm, and soft. The holiday hustle can wait. Let winter be your excuse to be a little lazier.
Sleep Like It’s Your Job
There’s nothing Yin about cramming a month’s worth of shopping, cooking, and socializing into two weeks. Winter sleep is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed! Invest in cozy pajamas, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and get to bed early. Consider it a challenge to log as much sleep as you can before the New Year. A solid bedtime routine (hello, chamomile tea, and meditation!) will leave you recharged, re-centred, and ready to tackle whatever festive chaos comes your way.
Make Your Journal Your BFF
Picture this: a cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and your journal. No screens, no interruptions, just you and a few deep thoughts. Yin energy loves introspection. Grab your notebook and do some stream-of-consciousness writing about the past year or make a list of things you’re grateful for (or even a few things you’re not doing this year!). Journaling is your space to be real and to refuel. No one’s reading it, so feel free to get deep or weird. Bonus points if you write by candlelight!
Go Big on the Comfort Food
We’re talking hearty, warm, delicious foods here. Soups, stews, root veggies, whole grains—things that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a giant blanket. Yin energy doesn’t do diets or frantic holiday snack tables. Reach for comforting, nourishing foods, like oatmeal, sweet potatoes, or a warm bowl of ramen. If you want to get fancy, throw some warming spices like cinnamon or ginger into your cooking. Your body will thank you.
Create a "Calm Zone" (Think Zen Den)
Between family gatherings and holiday crowds, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes. Create a mini sanctuary in your space—a Zen Den, if you will. It could be a corner of your living room, a spot near the window, or even your bathroom (light a candle, and voilà, instant spa). Make it comfy and quiet, and let this be your go-to spot for some peace and quiet when the holiday noise gets a little too loud.
Embrace Gentle Movement (No Gym Membership Required)
Yin energy is all about flowing, gentle movement. So, forget the high-intensity workouts for now and think more along the lines of stretching, gentle yoga, or even a slow, relaxing walk. Find some yin yoga videos, or just stretch it out on the living room floor. You’ll release tension, improve circulation, and feel grounded without the adrenaline rush that intense exercise brings. Plus, no holiday workout guilt—your body is allowed to chill, too!
Channel Your Inner “No”-vember
Yes, it’s December, but it’s never too late to say no—to extra commitments, parties, volunteer shifts, or anything that doesn’t feel right for you this year. Politely decline, blame it on “winter mode,” or just say you’re booked solid with self-care. Setting boundaries is the ultimate Yin superpower; it keeps your energy reserves intact and lets you spend your time on things that truly matter (a.k.a. watching Elf for the fourth time).
Master the Art of Mindful Breathing
A few deep breaths can be a lifesaver. Whenever you feel the holiday frenzy creeping up, stop and take a few slow, mindful breaths. Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. It’s the simplest way to reconnect with your inner calm and reset the vibe. This tiny ritual will leave you feeling Zen in even the busiest moments.
Keep Gatherings Low-Key and Cozy
Instead of big parties, try low-key gatherings this season. Hang out with a few close friends, watch a holiday movie, or cook a cozy meal together. Small, chill gatherings let you connect in meaningful ways without the energy drain of huge events. Plus, you’ll have more time to chat, laugh, and just be together—minus the party pressure.
Focusing on Yin energy helps restore calm, support inner balance, and provides grounding energy—perfect for countering stress, fatigue, and overstimulation. The Eden Method, developed by energy medicine expert Donna Eden, offers many techniques to balance and strengthen Yin energy.
Here are some of the best Yin-centered Eden Method exercises:
1. The Hook-Up
The Hook-Up connects the central and governing meridians, helping to balance the entire energy system. This is a grounding technique that stabilizes Yin energy and is especially helpful for calming anxiety.
How to do it:
Place one middle finger on your third eye (center of your forehead) and the other middle finger on your navel.
Apply gentle pressure and pull upward slightly.
Hold for 10-20 seconds, breathing deeply.
This exercise helps you feel more centered and stable, great for reducing stress and reconnecting with your inner calm.
2. The Crown Pull
This exercise releases built-up tension and allows for better energy flow through the head and crown. It also helps calm mental chatter, making it a great Yin exercise for quieting the mind.
How to do it:
Place your fingertips on the center of your forehead.
Slowly pull your fingers apart toward your temples, applying gentle pressure.
Move up to the top of your head, then down to the back of your neck, repeating the pulling motion.
The Crown Pull supports relaxation, mental clarity, and relief from tension, helping your energy feel softer and more expansive.
3. The Belt Flow
The Belt Flow exercise balances the body’s upper and lower halves, an important aspect of nurturing Yin. This flow helps break up stagnant energy and allows your energy system to “breathe.”
How to do it:
Place your hands on your lower back (kidney area), then brush them around your waist to the front of your body, over your hip bones, and down the thighs.
Repeat this motion several times, using light pressure.
This exercise creates a sense of openness and spaciousness, helping Yin energy to circulate freely, relieving feelings of overwhelm, and grounding your energy.
4. The Triple Warmer/Spleen Hug
In Eden Method, the Triple Warmer meridian often works in overdrive to protect us from stress, which can deplete Yin energy. This hug calms the Triple Warmer and supports the Spleen, which is associated with Yin energy.
How to do it:
Cross your arms and place one hand over your opposite elbow and the other hand on your opposite rib cage.
Hold this position, breathing deeply for a minute or two, focusing on relaxing your shoulders and arms.
This exercise gives the body a sense of calm and safety, balancing Yin and Yang energy and grounding your overall energy.
5. The Heart-to-Hips Exercise
This movement grounds the Heart’s energy, balancing its strong Yang energy with Yin grounding. It’s excellent for those times when your energy feels scattered or “up in the air.”
How to do it:
Place one hand over your heart and the other on your opposite hip.
Breathe deeply and hold this position for 15-30 seconds.
Switch hands, placing the opposite hand over your heart and the other on the other hip.
This simple exercise pulls down the excess energy from the heart area, promoting grounding, calm, and emotional balance.
6. Yin Heel Hold (Kidney Hold)
In energy medicine, the Kidneys are central to Yin energy and are associated with deep, restorative energy. Holding your heels activates Kidney meridian points, encouraging grounding and relaxation.
How to do it:
Sit comfortably and reach down to hold your heels.
Place your hands around each heel, wrapping them firmly but gently.
Breathe deeply and hold for a minute or two, focusing on feeling grounded and secure.
This exercise supports kidney energy, replenishes your vital life force, and is ideal for calming the nervous system.
7. Neurolymphatic Massage on the Spleen Points
Massaging these points on the spleen meridian helps boost Yin energy. It’s a powerful way to clear out stress toxins, which can overwhelm Yin energy.
How to do it:
Find the spleen neurolymphatic points on your body: located one rib below each breast, slightly to the sides.
Gently massage these points in small circles for 15-30 seconds each.
Breathe deeply and relax.
This practice helps release energy blockages, letting your energy flow more freely. It's especially useful after a long day or when feeling depleted.
8. Connecting Heaven and Earth
This exercise is excellent for balancing Yin and Yang energy, creating flow in the body and releasing stored tension.
How to do it:
Stand with feet hip-width apart.
Rub your hands together, then place them on your thighs to ground yourself.
Inhale and stretch one hand up toward the sky (palm facing up) and the other down toward the ground (palm facing down).
Hold this stretch for a few seconds, then switch sides.
After alternating sides a few times, bring your hands back to your thighs and bend forward slightly, allowing your body to relax.
This movement releases energy blocks and tension, connecting the upper and lower body to keep your energy balanced and grounded.
Each of these Eden Method exercises is a beautiful way to tap into and support your Yin energy. They encourage stillness, deep connection, and flow—all of which are essential for countering the fast-paced, Yang-dominated energy we’re often surrounded by during the festive season. Integrate them into your daily or weekly routine to feel calm, centered, and replenished, especially during demanding times.
This holiday season, remember that it’s okay to slow down, check out of the frenzy, and create your version of balance. By focusing on these Yin-centered practices, you’ll feel more refreshed, centered, and ready for the New Year—and you’ll be miles ahead of the holiday stress. So, here’s to staying calm, cozy, and totally in sync with that lovely winter energy.
❤ Becca
Becca, Mind, Spirit, Think
Becca Nielsen
energy medicine, yin, holiday, daily energy routine
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