Rest First - Then Move

Hello friends!

We made it to 2026, and man does January like to come in hot with a lot of pressure to change everything immediately. New year, new you, big goals, big plans. It really came rushing in this year with all the usual ads in tow.

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the constant push to shift, change, grow, and expand, especially with all the added pressure this time of year brings. And while that energy is everywhere right now, Chinese medicine follows a different energetic season.

The Chinese New Year doesn’t actually begin until February, which means we’re still deep in winter, the most yin time of year. Winter is about rest, restoration, and conserving energy. It’s not exactly the season for overhauling your entire life (despite what Instagram keeps trying to tell me).

We’re also in a bit of an in-between moment energetically. We’re finishing up the Year of the Snake and preparing for the Year of the Horse. The Snake asks us for introspection, laying foundations, and inner work. It’s about reflection and shedding what no longer fits. The Horse, on the other hand, is movement, expression, and action. It likes to go.

But the Horse, as do we, does best when it’s well cared for.

Late winter is a great time to prepare rather than push. To check in with what you actually need. To ask questions like:

“Where do I feel depleted? What needs more support? What would make change feel doable instead of exhausting?”

Slowing down a little often helps us move forward with more ease.

On a personal note, I’ve been noticing (again) my tendency toward an “all-or-nothing” mindset. Big goals, big plans…followed by overthinking, and then, very often, nothing. I’ve learned that for me, setting big goals can actually be counterproductive. So instead of listening to the hype of big change this year, I’ve been sitting with the word “intentional" and letting that guide what shifts truly need to happen.

Lately, that’s been showing up as very small steps. For me, that looks like a five minute guided meditation or a few gentle stretches. Sometimes it’s lifting weights briefly when I walk past them, rather than waiting for the “perfect” workout window. And when the thought crosses my mind to do the thing, whatever it may be, I try to stop overthinking and simply begin.

Those small choices add up. They build trust with ourselves and create a pace that actually feels supportive, which is exactly what we want as we head toward a more active season.

I hope that however you might relate to the new year, you’re reminded that when we are rested, nourished and cared for, growth becomes much easier to achieve. Acupuncture, self care, and small intentional habits can be perfect for this phase. Nothing big. Just simple.

If you’re feeling both the urge to change and the desire to slow down, you’re doing winter right. Also, still eat cake because…happiness.

Love,

Bridgette