Relieve Stress with Spring Yang

Spring is approaching, which means a shift from yin seasons to yang seasons. If you're feeling stressed, you may have an imbalance between yin and yang energies. If your stress comes from excess yin, and deficient yang, then it's time to embrace the yang of Spring!

What are yin and yang energies?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), yin and yang are the foundation of physical and mental traits. Yin represents feminine energy, such as coolness, moon and earth, contemplation, darkness, and rest. Yang is represented by masculine energy, such as heat, productivity, heaven and air, and action. Fall and Winter are yin seasons, while Spring and Summer are yang seasons.

How can I relieve stress with Spring yang?

If you have been resting in yin energy, without tapping your yang energy, then you may restore balance as you welcome Spring, the arrival of a yang season.

If your stress comes from yin excess and yang deficiency, then here are some ways that you can harness the yang of Spring to find peace:

• Start your day with movement and fresh air. Move your body. Get outside. Getting sunlight will switch off your melatonin and make you feel more awake. If you have been exercising indoors, in the evening, then shift to morning workouts, outdoors. Go for a brisk walk or hike. You will feel more energized and alert.

• Make goals, and keep a schedule. Break your goals into small, doable action steps: 30 minutes is a good guideline per step. Make time for 1-2 steps each day.

• If your self-care activities or hobbies have been restful, or inward-focused, switch them up. Try yoga in the park. Join a local group of birders for mornings of bird-watching. Garden. Volunteer with a local organization.

• If your regular massage is more focused on relaxation, get a Thai massage, or sports massage, to activate muscles and move chi.

Here's to the arrival of Spring, and to replenishing yang!