by Setareh Moafi, L.Ac. PhD
What if the reason you feel tired, uninspired, or behind isn’t because you’re doing too little—but because you’re asking too much of yourself at the wrong time?
As this year comes to a close, I have a suggestion for you…
Stop the shoulds. Seriously.
Instead of asking yourself what you should be doing, ask yourself: what would nourish me in this moment?
The answer might surprise you.
Lately — and especially since my recovery — I’ve noticed that the more I try to do something big, like set a goal or try to figure out what’s next in my life, the more my nervous system revs up. Now more than ever, I know when to turn inward and give myself permission to be gentle.
I’ve learned that only when I truly slow down do the things I hope to create begin to unfold with more ease and momentum.
Slowing down helps build Kidney Qi and preserve Essence, the foundational reserves of your vital energy.
Winter is the most important season for nourishing Kidney energy. In the Northern Hemisphere, the emphasis on goal setting and New Year’s resolutions contradicts the restorative nature of this time of year.
In fact, this is true of any time of the year when you feel depleted or burned out.
It’s important to listen to the signals and allow yourself to rest, restore, and conserve.
By honoring Winter’s natural rhythm, you generate authentic energy—energy that later becomes the focus, fortitude, and willpower needed to live out your highest potential.
The Source of Your Willpower: The Water Element
As the primary energy of your entire being, Kidney energy relates to your fundamental drive to live and the willpower to fulfill your goals and dreams.
Supporting healthy Kidney energy also means caring for the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys. Through proper nutrition, rest, and balanced movement, we can better manage stress—the primary factor that depletes adrenal function.
During the Winter months, when daylight is scarce, it’s especially important to slow down. Going to bed earlier, sleeping in when possible, and reducing overall stimulation helps restore the adrenals and calm the nervous system.
This includes minimizing caffeine, reducing screen time (TV, computers, and video games), avoiding overexercising and overworking, and being mindful of excessive sexual activity.
It’s also essential to limit exposure to stressful or unhealthy relationships whenever possible, as emotional stress places a significant burden on the Kidneys and adrenals.
Easy Ways to Support Your Kidneys
Small changes to cultivate your Water energy will allow your body to draw energy back into your Kidneys.
Proper rest and nutrition are essential.
For a limited time, you can join the Yin & Yang of Nutrition course — in person or online — to learn Daoist food energetics and movement practices to align you with the seasons, so you know exactly when to eat, rest and take action.
You can also listen to episode #79 of The Natural Healing Podcast to learn some of the best foods to support your Kidney Qi for optimal brain and bone health, stronger willpower and longevity.
The Lunar New Year in 2026 begins on February 17th, marking the transition into the Spring season and the beginning of the energetic Year of the Fire Horse.
As you focus on strengthening your willpower throughout the Winter, a newfound courage can sprout forth in the coming Spring season to support you with healthy goal setting and new beginnings.
Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. is Co-Owner and Director of A Center for Natural Healing in Santa Clara, California. Setareh offers clinical services and transformational workshops that blend the ancient practices of Classical Chinese Medicine and Yoga. Learn more at www.setarehmoafi.com.