Ideally, we should find a balance between yin and yang. We may naturally tend toward one or the other, and by becoming aware of the concept, we can begin to think about how to find equilibrium when we go towards one extreme. Foods and activities are characterized on the spectrum of yin/yang and can be used to balance our bodies.

A good way to begin to understand these concepts is to think about the seasons. In winter (yin), there is more darkness and cold, we tend to look inwards more, rest more, and slow down. Winter is the season for reflection and self-care that we often associate with the feminine. Additionally, in winter we tend to eat warmer foods (more yang) that are cooked for a long time (fire, yang) to balance the nature of our external environment.

In this way, a more yin person may be someone who is more solitary, emotional, often cold, a good listener, compassionate, patient, or shy: this type of person could tend towards depression or inaction/isolation and could benefit from adding more yang (contracting) foods to their diet, engaging more in physical activity, and pushing themselves to be more adventurous or try a new hobby.

Summer, on the other hand, is the most yang time of year. It is more hot, with more hours of daylight. The energy promotes action more than rest, and we may spend more time being social and outside, move more, and have more energy to go, go, go. Additionally, in summer we tend to eat lighter and colder foods (yin), including more vegetables and raw foods that balance the heat and fire of the summer.

According to this concept, a more yang person may be someone who tends to be warm and/or has a ruddy complextion, outgoing, more active or adventurous, high achieving, and more on the move: this type of person could tend towards burnout and would benefit from adding more yin (expansive) foods to their diet, slowing down, taking more time for reflection, connecting with their emotions, and prioritizing time for rest/self-care.