Fall is here. The nights are longer and I was reminded the other day that it will be another 3 months before the days will start getting lighter. Don’t despair! Below are 3 ways to help battle the dark day blues.

When you feel like hibernating like a bear you probably feel that your desire to sleep is more than normal.  This signals a time to start taking some Vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin.” Reliable sources tell me that it is ok to take up to 10,000 IU a day, while others recommend a much lower dose; it’s best to find what works for you as we are not all the same.

When you’re feeling a little gloomy or blue, turn to essential oils to help lift your spirits.  Citrus oils like grapefruit, lemon, lime or orange are lovely for putting a smile on your face and brightening a room.  One of my favorite blends is “Smile,” which you can use in a diffuser or as a mist.  Essential oils are available at my studio or send me an email at lifestyle-harmony@telus.net.

Fall

is also a time for boosting the immune system. Many people like to increase their dosage of Vitamin C by adding some odor-less garlic, or my personal favourite, cat’s claw. These are all available from my shop as well.  This becomes even more important if you are under additional stress and not getting proper sleep.  A poor diet can also contribute to a weakened immune system.

I went to Hong Kong and Bali for two weeks during the height of their summer. Going to Bali was about the value of keeping my word to myself and going to Hong Kong was a goal that I set 25 years ago, never knowing how or when I might get there. It had gone on the back burner until planning my trip came up.

Bali is a very culturally rich country and many are very religious Muslims or Hindus.
I had a few lovely opportunities to learn little about their ceremonies.  They do many different rituals and pray to their Gods several times a day.  Each family and each village have a temple.  Every morning they start with a blessing to the Gods and they do a ceremonial basket of fresh flowers; you can see the floral displays in front of the shops as well as in front of their homes.  The people there are very warm, friendly and welcoming. They provide outstanding customer service.

For me it was definitely a place that touched the heart and provided a reminder of the power of having dreams.  I believe it is so important to have dreams, to take action, to fully live our lives, to be present, and to be aware.  Bali represents all of that. Walking thru the rice paddies took me back in time.  It reminded me of the dreams I have had for so long to have an experience of that kind.  Every so often I would have to pinch myself to remind myself that yes it is real, yes I am in Bali, and yes I’m living one of my dreams. What dream are you living?  What dreams are you going to fulfill?

I look forward to sharing much more on my blog, please visit it at www.lifestyleharmony.ca to sign-up to receive my feeds.  If you’re interested in seeing some of the wonder of Bali, “like” Lifestyle Harmony on Facebook as I will be posting my pictures there.