Let it go

Let it go

Let it go

Don't know your chi from your chai? There are still a few principles that anyone can apply:

Begin the clearing out process as you take down your tree. Are there ornaments still in the boxes that you haven't put out in years?

Give these things to a relative, donate them to charity or throw them out. Feng shui consultant Carol Olmstead says you can make room for new, positive energy by getting rid of "emotionally loaded things that you don't really use anymore."

Add nature and color

Look around and ask yourself whether the room needs more permanent greenery. This can include real or artificial plants, or pictures of plants or outdoor scenes. Both experts suggest bringing in more nature by adding a lush new plant, placing it in the health area of your home if possible, to ensure a healthy beginning to the year.

"Feng shui tells you to take a look at how your life changed with the colors and shapes of the holiday season," says feng shui consultant Carol Olmstead. "See what changes you could make in your decor afterwards to sustain that feeling."

If you miss the bright colors from your decorations, consider adding some touches of new color now.

Balancing actThere's no need to overdo it with decor changes, though. Change - and feng shui - is all about balance.

HGTV's "Fun Shui" host Stephanie McWilliams advises that you consider what is out of balance in your room, including color and texture. If you feel stressed, she says, remove the fire colors such as pinks, reds and purples, and bring in soothing blues and greens. If the winter blues and light deprivation get you down, she suggests sunny yellows.

This is also good time to adjust your lighting. McWilliams tells her clients to unblock and open windows and curtains, and bring in full-spectrum light bulbs.

"Every single object in your home is speaking to you," McWilliams says. "Let's just pray they're saying something nice!"