HERE ARE 7 FOOL-PROOF STEPS TO RELEASE BAD VIBES FROM YOUR HOME OFFICE (AND YOUR WHOLE, REALLY) AND UNLEASH PRODUCTIVITY AND PEACE. AFTER ALL, YOU’LL BE SPENDING A LOT MORE TIME THERE.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui, which literally translates as “wind water” in English, is an ancient Chinese art of spatial arrangement. Based on the premise that everything has energy, Feng Shui employs sundry techniques to maximize the energy flow and balance in a space. The end result is an environment where you can be happy, healthy, prosperous, and free in the Feng Shui Nine Life Areas.
- First thing’s first – time to declutter!
Clutter symbolizes stagnant energy in Feng Shui and prevents you from reaching your goals, or good things from reaching you. So like Marie Kondo advises, only keep things that “spark joy” and get rid of things that are broken, no longer useful, or conjure up negative memories. Keep your desk, drawers, and storage spaces tidy and organized with only necessary items. (Make sure 50% of your desk is clear.) Keep your office clean, dust often, and empty the trash can every evening.
- Remember: location, location, location.
Ideally, your home office will have a separate entrance or be situated near the front home entrance so energy can flow through the door and into your home office. Suboptimal locations include spaces near bathrooms or bedrooms, anywhere in the central part of the house, or in/near the basement.
- Desk
Place your desk in a power position with a view of the doorway, but never directly across from it. A position diagonally across from the door is ideal. (If you must have your back to the door, put a mirror above your desk so you can see behind you.) Locate your desk in front of a solid wall for extra support. Do not position your desk in front of a window. Opt for a rectangular, wooden desk and avoid square desks and circular desks. Keep a glass of water on the right side of our desk to boost creativity.
- Color Me Focused
Choose your home office colors based on the direction it faces and the element (earth, water, fire, and metal) associated with that direction.
- North (water element): Pale shades of blues and greens
- South (fire element): Reds, orange, and yellows
- East/Southeast (wood element): Browns, tans, and greens
- West/Northwest (metal element): Whites and grays
- Southwest/Northeast (earth element): Light yellows, light browns, beiges, and tans
- Let there be life – with plants!
Plants bring the energy of nature into your home office. Some of the best plants for a home office include:
- Bamboo
- Philodendron (money plant!)
- Ficus
- Jade
- Boston Fern
- English Ivy
- Chrysanthemum
- Lotus
- Magnolia
Plants with spiky leaves, cacti, dying and unhealthy plants, and artificial plants should not be kept in home offices. Some plants are great air purifiers (i.e. Bamboo, Boston Fern). Place plants in east, south, or southeast areas of the room to promote wealth.
- Lighting is key.
Natural lighting is best according to Feng Shui principles, so your home office should have windows. For artificial lighting, choose LED and full-spectrum bulbs are best, and avoid fluorescent bulbs. Desk lamps and other task lighting are useful for concentration.
- The finishing touches – choose the right decor.
Home office decor should make you feel happy and successful! Choose artwork of motivational quotes or inspirational images in bright colors. Hang artwork on the northwest and west walls. Add Feng Shui items including wind chimes, fish tanks, sailing ships, vases, and crystals. Place moving water images or a small water fountain in the north area of your home office to energize your career. Create Yin Yang balance (mix dark with light and bright with neutral).
In these times of uncertainty and weighing anxiety remember, you are not stuck at home. You are at home. So why not make the best of it? Be well and stay safe!
