As the holidays continue to unfold and the days get shorter, it’s easy for emotions to swing with the changing season. With the Winter Solstice on December 21st marking the longest night of the year, we’re reminded of the season’s natural pull toward stillness. Yet, this time of year often brings a blend of excitement and overwhelm—joy for the celebrations ahead and stress from travel, social gatherings, and endless to-do lists. The cold weather and early sunsets (we feel it too) can leave us feeling both sun-deprived and sluggish, caught between festive cheer and the need to slow down.

With the lack of sunshine and all the activity, self-care practices become more important than ever. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Winter is a time for reflection and stillness. Adjusting your daily routines to balance activity and rest can make all the difference in boosting your "Happy Hormones"—dopamine and endorphins—to help you enjoy a healthy and joyful Winter season.

What Are Happy Hormones: Dopamine + Endorphins

You’ve likely heard a lot about hormones like dopamine and endorphins, but what do they really do? Dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, plays a crucial role in fostering feelings of pleasure, motivation, and focus. On the other hand, endorphins serve as natural stress relievers and painkillers, creating that euphoric sensation we often feel after exercise or joyful moments. Maintaining healthy levels of these hormones, especially in Winter, can help you stay emotionally balanced and counteract the seasonal dips that many experience during the colder, darker months.

How to Keep Happy and Healthy This Winter: 5 Tips

Take Time to Listen and Recharge

Winter provides a natural pause, making it the perfect opportunity for reflection and self-care. Take advantage of the quieter pace by journaling, meditating, and paying attention to your dreams. The stillness of the season invites you to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level, recharging your mind and spirit.

Nourish Yourself Well

Hydration is key, even in Winter. Cold, dry air can dehydrate your body as much as summer heat. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water a day. Nourish yourself with warming foods like soups, stews, and hearty vegetables. Boost your vitamin C intake and incorporate ingredients like ginger to support your immune system.

Keep Warm

According to TCM, areas like the neck, shoulders, and back are especially vulnerable to cold and wind. Protect these areas with scarves, layers, and cozy jackets to shield yourself from winter’s harsh elements.

Get More Rest

Winter is nature's way of telling us to slow down and rest. Try adjusting your bedtime routine by going to bed earlier, allowing your body to recharge in line with the longer nights. Your body will thank you as you restore energy during this season of renewal.

Practice Fluid Movement

Engage in fluid exercises like yoga, tai chi, qigong, or even dance to help your body and mind flow like water during winter. These practices promote mindfulness, deep breathing, and flexibility, keeping you grounded during the season’s quiet.

How the ORA Method Boosts Your Happy Hormones: Acupuncture, Red Light Therapy, and Meditation in NYC

At ORA, we offer a holistic approach to boosting your Happy Hormones through our signature method, which integrates acupuncture, Red Light Therapy, and meditation. These three elements work synergistically to promote balance and well-being:

How Acupuncture Boosts Endorphins

Acupuncture is a powerful way to stimulate endorphin production, relieve stress, and bring your body back into balance. By targeting specific points related to stress and mood, acupuncture encourages the release of endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood and reduce anxiety.

How Red Light Therapy Helps with Emotional Wellness

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common during the winter months due to the lack of sunlight. Red Light Therapy helps counteract these effects by improving energy levels, enhancing circulation, and boosting serotonin production. This therapy can help combat seasonal dips in mood and leave you feeling energized and uplifted.

How Meditation Boosts Dopamine

Meditation is a powerful practice for calming the nervous system, boosting dopamine, and managing cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. By promoting mindful breathing and focused awareness, meditation activates the relaxation response, helping to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress. At the same time, it enhances dopamine production, the feel-good hormone that fosters motivation and joy.

By incorporating these therapies into your winter routine, you can boost your Happy Hormones and create a profound sense of calm and resilience.

Calming Acupressure Points to Use at Home

When you can't make it to ORA, acupressure is a great way to release Happy Hormones from the comfort of your home. Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of needles, you can massage the points yourself while taking deep breaths.

• LI 4 (Hegu): Located between your thumb and index finger, this point is simple yet effective for relieving stress and tension. Press and hold for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply. It's easy to access and can be used anytime, anywhere.

• Yintang: Found between your eyebrows, this point promotes relaxation, mental clarity, and peace when massaged for 30 seconds. Incorporate this into your morning or evening routine for a daily dose of calm.

At-Home Ideas to Boost Your Happy Hormones

While ORA’s treatments are bespoke to your needs, there are ways to bring that experience home:

• ORA Acupressure Kit: Stimulate pressure points with this easy-to-use kit. Acupressure beads stay on for up to 5 days, offering calm throughout your day.
• Calming Chai Tea: Sip on this warm, spiced blend to ease nervous tension. It’s a perfect coffee alternative for the morning or a relaxing pre-bedtime drink.
• ORA Candle: Create a soothing environment during your self-care rituals. Light one as part of your evening routine to unwind earlier.
• ORA Bath Salts: Treat yourself to a luxurious, detoxifying bath with our salts to relax muscles and clear your mind.
• Campo Essential Oil - Relax Blend: A few drops can instantly promote relaxation when used in a diffuser or applied to pulse points. Great for a midday breath break or before bed to unwind.

Supplements to Consider for the Winter

• Vitamin D: Known as the "sunshine vitamin," it helps regulate mood and can counteract the effects of shorter daylight hours.
• Magnesium: This mineral supports muscle relaxation, stress reduction, and better sleep.
• Ashwagandha: A powerful adaptogen that helps your body manage stress and boost mood.

Consult with an ORA acupuncturist to see which supplements are right for you this winter.

Here’s to a Happy Hormone Winter

At ORA, we offer a variety of holistic treatments designed to boost your mood and enhance your well-being during the colder months. Whether it’s the ORA Method, massage, or a Red Light Therapy session, our serene New York space provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, helping you recharge and reset.

We hope these tips bring warmth and balance to your winter. Remember, brighter days are just a wavelength away with the ORA Method. Book your session today and discover the transformative difference ORA can make.