Balance
Flowing on from last month’s theme of Cosy + Serene, we explored the importance of slowing down and syncing ourselves with the natural world. Nature reminds us of how to slow down—a world we are part of.
Yet, the modern world is doing the opposite, especially during the festive season. Yang energy dominates with social events, celebrations, organising tasks, and added responsibilities. While this time of year is joyful, it can also heighten stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
By cultivating awareness, energy management, and the balance of yin + yang, we can remain present, enjoy the season, and protect our well-being.
In this guide, you’ll discover yoga-inspired lifestyle tips to:
Understand yin + yang energy and its relevance to balance
Recognise personal stress + anxiety triggers
Apply practical strategies for energy management, boundaries, and self-care
What is yin + yang energy?
Yin and yang represent interconnected, interdependent forces in nature. Understanding these energies helps us navigate the festive season mindfully.
Yin energy: Calm, introspective, receptive, nourishing. It encourages self-care, mindfulness, and stillness—helping us recharge amid the busyness.
Yang energy: Active, dynamic, outwardly expressive. It fuels the excitement of social gatherings and holiday preparations. Too much yang without balance can lead to overwhelm or burnout.
Cultivating both energies allows you to navigate the season with grace, remaining calm, present, and engaged without sacrificing well-being.
Understanding stress, anxiety + triggers
Yoga practice, especially Svadhyaya (self-study), enhances self-awareness. Observing your thoughts, reactions, and behaviours helps identify triggers for stress and anxiety.
Reflect on last year:
What caused you overwhelm or stress?
What brought joy and happiness?
Journaling these reflections allows you to prepare for Winter 2024, ensuring you prioritise what truly matters while letting go of unnecessary pressures.
Energy management
Yoga’s brahmacharya principle focuses on managing energy. One practical approach is working with a mandala—a visual tool to manage your energy flow within your personal universe. This practice is explored in detail in this month’s Inspired Club philosophy session.
Boundaries
Set clear intentions for what you’re available for—and what you’re not. Use your reflections on triggers to establish boundaries that protect your energy.
Consider:
Saying no to unnecessary commitments
Avoiding over-scheduling
Reserving time to slow down, rest, and simply be
Look for ways to create yin + yang balance in your diary and schedule.
Prioritisation
Set intentions for what truly matters this season. Compare last year’s priorities with what aligns with your current intentions. Reorder your list to ensure the most important activities receive focus, while less essential tasks are delegated or let go.
Self-care
Remember: you cannot give what you don’t have. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths or face masks (though they’re lovely!); it’s:
Restful sleep
Nourishing meals
Moving your body
Time outdoors
Nervous system soothing practices
Meditation + quiet reflection
Prioritising these ensures your energy is replenished, allowing you to fully engage in the season.
Vibrations from the modern world
We absorb energy from our environment, intentionally and unintentionally. Be mindful of others’ stress and anxiety, ensuring you distinguish between your own feelings and the collective energy, while extending compassion.
Mindfulness in festive moments
Even simple holiday activities, like decorating the Christmas tree, can be approached differently:
Be present in the moment rather than rushing
Recognise you get to participate, not that you have to
Light candles, play music, and enjoy snacks or a festive drink mindfully
Approaching life with intention transforms your experience, creating joy instead of pressure.
For more yoga-inspired lifestyle guidance, mindfulness practices, and tools to navigate Winter with calm + balance, join the Inspired Club.