One: Keep Warm. Winter belongs to Yin, and the fundamental principle is to preserve Yin essence, which requires reducing the loss of body fluids. Therefore, it is necessary to "avoid cold and seek warmth" to prevent the invasion of cold. However, avoid sudden and intense warming, especially by wearing heavy clothing, sitting close to a fire while drunk, warming the abdomen and back, or sweating profusely from excessive heat.
Two: Keep Feet Healthy. Feet must be kept clean and dry at all times. Socks should be washed and changed frequently. It is advisable to wash feet with warm water daily, while also massaging and stimulating the acupoints on the soles. Persist in walking for at least half an hour every day to keep the feet active. Additionally, choosing a pair of comfortable, warm, lightweight, and moisture-absorbent shoes is also very important.
Three: Drink More Water. Although sweating and urination decrease in winter, the cells in the brain and various organs of the body still need moisture to nourish them and ensure normal metabolism. In general, daily water intake in winter should not be less than 2000-3000 milliliters.
Four: Regulate the Mind. Winter can easily lead to a state of low spirits in both body and mind. The best way to combat this low mood is through physical activity. Activities like jogging, dancing, skating, and playing ball games are excellent remedies for dispelling winter boredom and nourishing the spirit.
Five: Ensure Ventilation. Indoor air pollution in winter can be dozens of times more severe than outdoors. It is important to frequently open doors and windows for ventilation to purify the air and refresh the mind.
Six: Nourish with Congee. Winter diets should avoid sticky, hard, raw, and cold foods. Nutrition experts recommend drinking hot congee in the morning and eating a light dinner to nourish the stomach's Qi. Particularly suitable are lamb congee, glutinous rice with red dates and lily congee, Eight Treasure congee, and millet with milk rock sugar congee.
Seven: Sleep Early. The Yang energy in winter is stark and killing, and this is especially true at night. One should "sleep early and rise late." Sleeping early helps to nourish Yang energy, while rising late helps to preserve Yin essence.