Friend,
Winter is all about storage, rest and restoration. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidney energy is the powerhouse of the body. Its job is to supply reserve energy to any organ running low on Qi (ie: life force/immunity).
Ever wonder why you feel more tired in the winter?
According the the Chinese, you’re supposed to be tired. It's nature's way of signaling that it's time to rest — not re-boot. This is to prepare us for the bounding energy of the spring.
You've probably heard of Yin and Yang. Winter is a yin season, which is exemplified by cold, darkness, dampness and especially inactivity. During winter we should model this in how we behave. Early to bed and late to rise is best. As well as expending a minimum of energy.
Aside from getting sufficient amounts of rest, there are other things we can do:
Exercise:
Exercising is always healthy, but from a TCM perspective it’s best to change up the way we approach it in winter. Long, slow movements are better. Stretching, yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are great options. It's a good idea to balance a physical workout with a mental and spiritual one. For cardio workouts, consider shorter walks and movements that strengthen the lower body (legs, hips, pelvis and low back) such as squats or lunges.
Food as Medicine:
In winter, it’s best to focus on warming soups and stews. Try adding some walnuts, black sesame seeds and goji berries to oatmeal in the morning, as these foods nourish the kidneys. Other foods that support kidney energy are: kidney shaped foods (kidney and black beans), black and blue foods (blueberries and blackberries), nuts and seeds, asparagus and deep green, leafy vegetables, and seafood (fish, shrimp and seaweeds).
In general:
Be sure to keep your back, neck and feet warm. The low back is closely tied to the strength of the kidney Qi. Cold enters the body from the feet and wind enters from the neck, so be sure to keep these areas protected. Build extra time into your schedule for rest and focus on sleep like its your new hobby. When at all possible, wake without an alarm. Stay warm by the fire if you have one and enjoy it. It’s what nature asks of you!
I know getting more sleep and rest than you normally would can be a challenge during the winter, but take it from someone who's still rebounding from last year's adrenal (related to kidney energy) exhaustion: It's easier to rest if it's an option than it is when it becomes a mandatory part of your life. I can't tell you how many invitations I've had to turn down in order to stay focused on moving forward in order avoid a relapse.
Get your rest. You'll be glad you did. | 
