The Chinese practice of feng shui dates back several millennia. Essentially, it involves arranging your environment in such a way that everything harmonizes and stimulates positive energy. Feng shui principles in your home office may help enhance productivity, creativity and even your earnings! We’re sharing some top tips from Feng Shui & Beyond, an online guide to the practice, on how to feng shui your home office.
Place Your Desk Further Away From the Door
Feng shui believes that a doorway is the mouth of the energy coming into a room and you don’t want to place your desk right in the middle of that stream of energy. The best position for your desk is diagonally across from the door, so you can see the door and most of the room.
Use Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can help turn your home office into a refuge. Different oils can have different effects on your mood. Basil, grapefruit and rosemary is especially helpful for mental alertness.
Separate Your Home Office From Your Personal Life
To help you concentrate better, keep your home office physically separated from the rest of your home — especially from your bedroom. Even just screening off your office area is a good a start.
Separate Your Home Office From Your Personal Life
To help you concentrate better, keep your home office physically separated from the rest of your home, especially from your bedroom. Even just screening off your office area is a good a start.
Have Something Solid Behind You
If there are windows behind your desk, cover them, or you may feel like you don’t have enough support. A solid wall behind your or a high-backed chair will add stability and keep energy from flowing out the window.
Put Inspiring Images or Messages on the Walls
Decorate the walls with images that inspire you and symbolize abundance, success, prosperity and what you want to accomplish. They can be pictures, mottos or symbols. It’s an especially good idea to choose images related to your business.
Have Some Pictures of Those Who Support You
A few pictures of family, friends or even mentors will remind you of your support system.
Add Plants
Plants activate positive energy and help get rid of negative energy, like the electromagnetic energy coming from your computer.
Choose the Right Colours
Every colour has a different energy and meaning according to feng shui.
The colour white promotes mental focus in feng shui, while blue boosts clarity and inspiration.
Avoid Sharp Corners
Opt for office furniture for pieces with rounded corners.If your furniture has sharp corners, position each piece so corners aren’t in the flow of traffic. See how this dreamy Toronto home went from outdated to outstanding.
Avoid Overcrowded Bookshelves
A overcrowded bookshelf can make you feel overwhelmed. Stick to the books that are essential for your work or that keep you inspired.
Have a Nice View
If your home office looks out over a parking lot or construction site, it may leave you feeling uninspired overwhelmed and confused. If you cannot change the view, mask it with a translucent curtain that still lets natural light in.
Add Pieces that Reflect Your Personality
Adding some decor that reflects your personality will help encourage personal growth. Choose pieces that inspire you.
Choose the Right Desk
A rectangular desk is perfect for a home office, since it enhances concentration. Avoid bright colours that can make you restless.
Get Rid of Clutter
Clutter drains your energy. Keep your office clutter free and organized. It’s a good idea to schedule time for de-cluttering and organization once a week or so.
Keep Only the Items You Need Every Day on Your Desk
Like your office, your desk should be free of clutter. This is distracting and drains your energy. Keep only those items you need every day on your desk.
Add a Water Feature
The sound of running water helps reduce stress. Try adding a small water feature like a table fountain or an aquarium to your office.
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