The Future is ‘Orangey’

Tips on making it through the winter

Even in the height of summer, an artist will find and paint cool blue hues into the shadows of the colour orange.  In winter, by taking a tip from the artist’s palette, we can reverse the process, bringing the warmth of sizzling orange into our ‘winter blues’.  

If you simply don’t like the long dark, cold days of winter or are feeling depleted of vitality after a winter ailment such as a cold or ‘flu, think creatively about how you can introduce ‘orange’ into your life and diet.  Thick, nourishing soups, which include carrots, swede, tomatoes, yam or pumpkin and perhaps some baked beans or lentils for protein; look almost too good to eat.  Cantaloupe melon, oranges, tangerines, mangoes, peaches and apricots can form a basis for compote of fruits or fresh fruit salad. Fresh juices made from a similar selection of fruits or vegetables will be equally nourishing.  

The yellow-orange pigment that gives such foods their bright colour is called Beta-carotene.  It is one of the anti-oxidants that can contribute to long term good health and provide protection against the effects of ageing and disease. Beta-carotene is also found in red foods.

Pot plants with orange flowers will brighten a dark corner, and if you have copper ornaments, extra polishing will warm you up, add a sparkle to a dull day and provide a sense of satisfaction.  How about doing a jigsaw puzzle that has a picture of light and warmth! Alternatively, look at gardening or other books and photographs which remind you of warm summer days.  Get out the paint-pot, (even a ‘tester’) and colour something orange.  Put your plants into terracotta pots and perhaps add a little stencilling for creative therapy.  If ‘orange’ doesn’t appeal to you, think more of burnt orange, tan, or warm pink/red colours with a hint of orange. 

Best of all, think about pampering yourself with some essential oils or of having a professional aromatherapy massage to relax those tight, aching muscles and give your spirits a lift.  Aromatherapy provides a very gentle but powerful stimulus that encourages the body to relax, release stress and balance itself in a very natural way.
 
Bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia), is extracted from the rind of a small bitter orange and is reputed to have the effect of uplifting the spirits.  Other oils such as Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and Orange (Citrus sinensis) come to mind.     All of these oils are contra-indicated for their photo-sensitising effect, but when used in the winter there is no chance that the skin will be exposed to strong sunlight or run the slight risk of harmful side effects.  Having said that, even on the dullest winter day, some sunshine manages to pierce dark clouds, bringing you its healthy rays so try and get out in the fresh air for a brisk twenty minutes walk late morning or early afternoon every day.

Essential oils may be used in vaporisers, baths, footbaths, inhalations and for massage oils or lotions. If you buy essential oils (which are highly concentrated), make sure there is a safety dropper in the neck of the bottle and that full instructions for dilution and use, are included.    Read the instructions carefully and follow them. These are especially important in the case babies, children, pregnant women, the frail or the elderly.

Jacquie Clarke LLSA Adv. MIFA

Sunday Scene Breakfast Club