People who’ve heard of feng shui know that it has something to do with the flow of energy around a home and how that flow can be helped or hindered by the way items are placed around a room. But feng shui also responds to the different seasons. Here are four things to do to keep the energy flowing even on the cold days of winter:

Use Warm Colors

Because winter is yin, which means it has the qualities of coldness and darkness, it is balanced by colors that are warm, if not fiery, such as red or orange. These colors are considered yang. Neutral colored pillows, draperies, slip covers and bedclothes should be swapped out for accessories that have these warmer colors and can be bought from places such as Modern Home 2 Go. Fruits and vegetables with warmer hues, such as tomatoes and pumpkins, should be eaten. Even artwork with cool colors like blue or green can be exchanged for artwork with warmer hues, at least for the season.

Plug up Drafts

Drafts coming in from leaky windows need to be corrected and the windows themselves covered with warm drapes in bright, warm colors and made of heavy fabrics such as velvet and flannel. Air conditioning units need to be either removed or covered up while they are not in use.

However, on days when it’s sunny and not bitterly cold, move the draperies aside, and let in natural light for a few hours.

Add More Light

Winter is the time to change lightbulbs. This is especially important now because the inefficient, incandescent light bulbs are being phased out. Homeowners should screw in at least one lightbulb that gives full spectrum light that mimics a sunny day, and use halogen, LED or compact fluorescent or CFL lightbulbs. These lightbulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, and LED and CFLs are cooler. Halogen bulbs, however, are hotter, so make sure they are kept well away from anything flammable, including those heavy draperies over the windows.

Candles not only provide light, but can be the focus of calming rituals. Simply light a candle, sit before it, and breathe in and out.

Declutter

Donate old clothes and other items to charities. This is not only a good thing to do for others but decluttering a home frees up good energy, or chi. Decluttering makes room not only for new items but new ideas.

Following the principles of feng shui saves winter from being the part of the year that just has to be endured. These tips make winter cozy, comfortable and even quietly invigorating.