By Carol M. Olmstead, guest blogger
Do you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also know as the winter blues? Or maybe you're experiencing a case of cabin fever? This kind of winter lethargy zaps your energy so all you want to do is crawl back into bed or eat chocolate all day. Even people living in sunny climates can experience the negative effects of the shorter winter days. Fortunately, Feng Shui can come to the rescue. Try these five tips to beat the winter blues:
1. Let There Be Light. Keep your lights on, even during the daytime, and consider replacing your current bulbs with full-spectrum versions that simulate natural daylight. You can also vary your light source to help raise your spirits, combining overhead, task, and floor lighting. Try turning off the overhead fluorescents in your office and bring in desk and floor lamps as alternatives. If you still have any of those CFL fluorescent ("corkscrew) light bulbs around, replace them because their harsh energy is damaging to your health in general and their glare is especially negative if you suffer from SAD.
2. Light a Fire. Surround yourself with the light, yang energy of Fire Element colors like reds and oranges to warm up your surroundings and lift your spirits. Avoid surrounding yourself with blues, grays, or blacks that represent dark, yin energy. If you have a fireplace use it as often as possible, and if you don't have one, burn candles to counteract the darker days and long winter nights.
3. Soar to New Heights. Add a few new tall objects to your décor to symbolize upward growth, including tall plants, floor lamps, or high bookcases. Add accessories in fabrics with vertical stripes and upward botanical patterns that will pull up your spirits, and avoid horizontal patterns that represent status quo rather than growth.
4. Clear Clutter. Clearing clutter is always a good Feng Shui recommendation, but it's especially important when you suffer from SAD or winter blues because a clutter-free environment represents moving smoothly forward toward a clear future.
5. Heat Up Your Menu. Cook up some hearty stews and use spicy seasonings liberally to activate the Fire Element in your food. Serve your meals on red or orange plates and bowls to add even more Fire to your menu. Avoid eating cold foods during the winter month, and start to bring them back gradually as the days get longer.
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA, is a Feng Shui Practitioner, critically-acclaimed author, and dynamic speaker. She specializes in helping you attract wealth, harmony, love, and much more. Through her company, Feng Shui For Real Life, Carol provides residential consulting and office and business consulting and conducts Feng Shui workshops and trainings nationwide. For more information visit www.FengShuiForRealLife.com.
