Many people know that the elderly must begin to nourish themselves in winter, much like how many plants store energy during the cold season. However, experts point out that many people tend to overlook one group in winter: middle-aged people. Middle age is a peak period for both psychology and work, especially for men. But neglecting early health maintenance can also cause significant harm to the body, much like the Thirteenth Prince in the drama "Bu Bu Jing Xin," who passed away at the young age of 44. Therefore, as many allusions suggest, middle-aged people also need to nourish themselves in winter. So, how can middle-aged people maintain their health in winter?
How Middle-Aged People Can Maintain Health in Winter I: Calm the Mind and Worry Less (i.e., "In one's prime, do not compete with the times; extinguish vain thoughts in the spirit")
1. Maintain a cheerful and optimistic mindset, do not strain yourself over trivial matters, and do not obsess over fame and fortune or be swayed by gains and losses.
2. Use your brain reasonably, consciously develop your mind, cultivate a good personality, and find a spiritual pillar for your career.
3. Learn to appreciate the strengths of others, and listen to more music in your spare time from work and study, as it will bring you endless joy.
4. Pay attention to your personal appearance; dress appropriately for different occasions. Maintain a youthful mindset to boost your spirits and add fun to life.
How Middle-Aged People Can Maintain Health in Winter II: Work Hard, But Do Not Overexert (From "Beiji Qianjin Yaofang · Dao Lin Yang Xing," which means "The way of nurturing life is to always desire a little labor, but not to be overly tired or to push beyond what one can bear")
1. Avoid long-term "overload" to prevent excessive fatigue and the accumulation of illness from overwork.
2. Adjust your life's rhythm according to your own situation and establish a new life order.
3. Take every opportunity to get appropriate exercise. There is a saying: "Move a little in winter, and you'll suffer less illness; be lazy for a day in winter, and you'll drink an extra bowl of medicine." This highlights the importance of exercise in winter.
How Middle-Aged People Can Maintain Health in Winter III: Moderate Desires and Preserve Essence (From "Yang Xing Yan Ming Lu": "Those who are strong and moderate in sensual pleasures in their prime will be robust and live long.")
1. Desires must not be indulged. You should moderate sexual activity according to your actual physical condition. Do not damage your kidney's vital energy due to unregulated sexual activity and internal injury from fatigue. The kidneys are the foundation of innate vitality. When kidney essence is abundant, the five organs and six viscera are all vigorous, the body's resistance to disease is strong, and one is healthy and robust, leading to a long life. Conversely, if kidney essence is deficient, the five organs will decline, leading to various illnesses and an early death. "Tai Ding Yang Sheng Zhu Lun" states: "For a person in their thirties, one emission every eight days; for a person in their forties, one emission every sixteen days. If the person is weak, they should be even more cautious. For a person in their fifties, one emission every twenty days... Those who can maintain this throughout their lives will ward off illness and extend their years, remaining vigorous even in old age." This shows that strict and regular moderation of sexual activity is a necessary guarantee for health and longevity.
2. Nourish the blood and secure the essence. The Tang dynasty medical expert Sun Simiao used the phrase "For men, it is most precious to have a clear heart and few desires to nourish their essence; women should have a peaceful heart and a determined will to nourish their blood" to explain the importance of moderating desires and preserving essence. This means that for men, essence is primary, while for women, blood is the functional substance. The Eastern Han medical expert Zhang Zhongjing, on the other hand, used "All who are chaste in their desires..."