The essence of health preservation lies in “moderate work and rest, and the integration of movement and stillness”. This wisdom originates from the profound insight of ancient medical practitioners, who ingeniously expounded the balance of life activities through the theory of yin and yang. Zhang Jingyue and other sages discussed in the “Supplementary Wings of the Classic of Changes” that “stillness is the foundation of movement, and movement is the beginning of stillness… Yin and Yang rotate, and Qi separates movement and stillness; all things grow according to this principle; day and night change, and the human body also alternates between movement and stillness. To understand the mysteries of movement and stillness, one must deeply understand the principles of Yin and Yang. When movement reaches its peak, stillness is necessary, and when yin is abundant, yang is necessary.” This statement expresses the fundamental law of life activities: labor and leisure, movement and stillness, are interdependent and mutually restrictive, jointly maintaining the harmony and vitality of the body.
In daily life, it is necessary to arrange work and rest time reasonably, ensuring that there is neither excessive fatigue nor laziness. The 8-hour workweek in modern society is established based on a profound understanding of the physiological laws of the human body. It effectively balances work and rest, allowing people to recover their physical and mental strength while busy. However, the true combination of movement and stillness is far more than that. It also requires us to be fully committed and focused during both work and rest. When working, give it your all, and when resting, completely relax, allowing the body and mind to truly rest, just like drawing a bow and shooting arrows. Only with proper tension and relaxation can one achieve great success.
In addition to busy work and study, a rich and colorful leisure life is also an indispensable part of health preservation. Whether it’s watching movies, singing songs, drinking tea, chatting, or playing relaxing games, they are all good ways to regulate the body and mind, and bring joy to the mood. However, it should be noted that even entertainment activities should follow the principle of combining movement and stillness, arrange them reasonably, and avoid excessive energy consumption. For example, after a busy day, it is often more efficient to relax through some relaxing activities and then switch to deep sleep.
In addition, it is particularly important to flexibly choose a combination of rest and rest based on individual physical condition and needs. When physical exhaustion occurs, rest is the main way to allow the body to fully recover; When mentally exhausted, one can activate their thinking and relieve stress through appropriate activities. In short, whether it’s quiet solitude or joyful gatherings, as long as one can strike a balance between movement and stillness, the best health benefits can be achieved.
