How can you plan your day in harmony with natural cycles? That’s the subject of today’s article.
Time is one of the most precious resources we possess, and the way we manage it can have a significant impact on our well-being, productivity and personal fulfilment.
The traditional approach to time management focuses on rigid calendars and to-do lists, but feng shui offers us a unique perspective on organising our days in harmony with natural cycles.
In this article, I’m going to suggest how you can plan your day in a way that maximises your energy, promotes harmony and improves your quality of life.
A story of chi, yin and yang
Feng shui is based on the idea that everything in the universe is interconnected, and that energy, or ‘Chi’, flows everywhere around us and within us. The aim of feng shui is to optimise this vital energy to create a balanced environment conducive to health, prosperity and well-being. Feng shui takes the view that people are in constant interaction with their environment, whether it’s the place where they live or the place where they work.
Chi is born of Nature. So Feng Shui takes into account natural cycles and their influence on our energy and mood.
As you know, one of the fundamental principles is the balance between Yin and Yang, two opposing but complementary forces. Yang represents active energy, light, heat and movement, while Yin symbolises passivity, darkness, calm and rest. So you can organise your day to follow a natural rhythm of rising energy (Yang) in the morning and relaxation (Yin) in the evening.
Plan your day according to natural cycles
Time management in harmony with natural cycles is based on the principle that there are times of the day when our energy is most conducive to certain activities. Feng shui invites us to take advantage of the variations in energy throughout the day to optimise our productivity and well-being.
Here are a few tips for organising your daily tasks according to the yin/yang times of day:
- Morning: take advantage of the rising energy
The morning is generally the time when energy is at its peak. Feng shui considers this period to be more Yang, which means that it is conducive to dynamic and productive activities. It’s the ideal time for demanding tasks, making important decisions and concentrating. You can start your day by planning the most difficult tasks or projects that require the most attention. - Afternoon: deal with routine tasks
The afternoon is often associated with more balanced energy, but with a slight Yin slant. This is the ideal time for tasks that require creativity, collaboration and communication. You can plan meetings, brainstorming sessions or artistic activities during this period. It’s also a good time to take a break and relax, renewing your energy for the rest of the day. - The evening: encourage relaxation
The evening is a Yin period, characterised by relaxation and rest. It’s a time to slow down, meditate, practise breathing exercises, or spend time with your family. Avoid stressful or demanding activities at the end of the day, as they can disrupt your sleep and well-being. A gentle transition into the evening will promote restful sleep.
Time management and the seasons
The seasons also exert a significant influence on our environment, our energy and our moods. Feng shui was born out of the observations needed to understand natural cycles. Each season brings its own rhythm, specific needs and unique opportunities. That’s why each season is characterised by one of the 5 Chinese elements.
In a broader context than the day, here’s how the seasons can influence the management of time and activities throughout the year:
- Spring: renewal
Spring is a season of renewal and growth. The days get longer, temperatures warm up and nature comes back to life. It’s the perfect time to launch new projects, cultivate ideas and plan for the future. You can take advantage of this energy by setting aside time for creativity, strategic planning and exploring new opportunities. - Summer: expansion and communication
Summer is synonymous with warmth, abundant light and sociability. It’s the perfect time to broaden your horizons, make connections and work as part of a team. You can plan outdoor activities, social gatherings and collaborative projects. Take advantage of the summer energy to get on with demanding tasks that require an open mind. During the summer, take advantage of natural light to maximise your productivity. - Autumn: harvest and introspection
Autumn is the time when nature prepares for winter, and it’s also the time to reap the rewards of your efforts. It’s the perfect time to assess your progress, make adjustments, and prepare your interior space for winter. Autumn is a time for introspection, meditation and mental preparation for the months ahead. In autumn, tidy up and reduce distractions for better concentration. - Winter: retreat and rest
Winter is a time of rest and retreat. The days are short and nature is at rest. It’s the perfect time to slow down, rest and refocus inward. You can devote time to restorative activities, meditation, reflection and planning for the year ahead.
By being aware of the seasonal cycles and adapting your activities accordingly, you can harness the energy of each season for more harmonious and efficient time management.
So there you have it, I hope these tips will help you to approach your days in a more serene and harmonious way. Of course, these principles are trends, and we’re all different. Some people are more yin than yang… and each person’s need for balance will move these variables accordingly. The main thing is to take the time to sit down, to observe yourself and try to adjust your own needs and your own functioning to the natural rhythm of the day.
