Is your wellness routine stressing you out? Have you packed your morning with things that relax or energize you? Has self-care become one more thing you have to complete in your day? Do you feel guilt or shame when you don't keep up? You are not alone! As a society,
we have started to tune in and focus on the benefit and necessities of Self-Care. Everyone is talking about what they are "doing" for self-care, which is wonderful. Putting yourself first, catching up on doctor visits, exercising, eating well, spending time with friends, volunteering, ensuring you get enough sleep, meditating, yoga, vacations, therapy, massages, etc., are great ways to look after yourself and are much needed. But sometimes, we miss the purpose of self-care by putting pressure on ourselves to be perfect at yet another thing. Or trying to build in everything we have learned and overwhelming ourselves in the process so we do none of it. We can get stuck in "doing" mode, when inaction is also essential self-care. Sometimes we just need to be still, quiet, and rest. Finding that balance between doing and being is vital in pursuing self-care.
Yin and Yan are concepts from traditional Chinese philosophy and describe complementary yet opposing forces in all aspects of life.
Yin represents feminine energy, darkness, stillness, introspection, and the more passive and receptive aspects of nature and human behavior. Yin energy is often associated with the moon, water, and the earth. Yin is slow, deep, and nurturing. Conversely, Yang represents masculine energy, light, activity, extroversion, and the more assertive and outwardly focused aspects of nature and human behavior. Yang energy is often associated with the sun, fire, and the sky. Yang is big, exciting, and activating power.
Yin and Yang are often described as opposites, but they are actually complementary and interdependent aspects of the same system. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the ideal state is one of balance between these two forces. When Yin and Yang are balanced, a person or system is said to be healthy and harmonious. When they are out of balance, there may be disharmony or disease. Yin and Yang are used to understand the world's duality and interconnectedness and encourage individuals to seek balance and harmony.
So, while Self-care can take many forms, depending on a person's individual needs and preferences, it is important to ensure you include both Yin and Yang activities to create that balance.
Yin self-care activities promote rest, relaxation, introspection, and nourishment of the mind and body. They are intended to go deep inside and soothe the body, inside out. Here are some examples of yin self-care activities:
1. Taking a warm bath or shower: This can help relax the body and ease muscle tension.
2. Practicing Yin Yoga or stretching: Yin yoga is a gentle form that focuses on holding poses for extended periods to promote deep relaxation and flexibility.
3. Reading a book or watching a movie: This can be a great way to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life.
4. Spending time alone in quiet reflection: This can include journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Or even be quiet in your own space.
5. Getting a gentle massage or other forms of bodywork: Skip the deep tissue massage; it can be painful and stress the body. Use a gentle massage to release tension and promote relaxation in the body.
6. Engaging in creative activities: This can include activities such as drawing, painting, or playing music, which can help to promote relaxation and self-expression.
7. Spending time in nature: This can involve taking a leisurely walk in a park, sitting by a lake or river, or simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world.
Overall, Yin self-care activities promote rest, relaxation, and introspection, allowing you to take a break from the busyness and demands of daily life.
Yang self-care activities promote energy, movement, and stimulation of the mind and body. Here are some examples of yang self-care activities:
1. Engaging in physical exercise: This can include activities such as running, weightlifting, or participating in team sports.
2. Taking on a new challenge: This can include learning a new skill or taking on a project that mentally or physically challenges you.
3. Spending time with friends or loved ones: This can involve socializing, going out for dinner or drinks, or participating in group activities.
4. Volunteering or engaging in community service: This can promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment while also benefiting others.5. Setting goals and taking action to achieve them: This can involve setting goals in various areas of your life, such as career, personal growth, or relationships, and taking steps to complete them.
6. Engaging in activities that promote mental stimulation: This can include activities such as playing games, solving puzzles, or reading thought-provoking books.
7. Practicing self-discipline: This can involve setting boundaries, sticking to a schedule, or making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a nutritious diet or avoiding unhealthy habits.
Overall, Yang self-care activities promote energy, movement, and stimulation of the mind and body. They can help to increase motivation, boost confidence, and promote a sense of accomplishment and well-being. In a society that places more value on doing, we often have to permit ourselves to find balance in self-care through slow, deep, inward-focused restful steps. When you have too much going on, and your body is desperate for rest, rest and know that this is a form of self-care that can bring about the balance you need.