Feng Shui Your Office in 6 Easy Steps

This post originally appeared on TheAwakenedNetwork.com

If you’ve been looking for an organic way to minimize stress and maximize productivity at work, then try the ancient art of feng shui in your office.  Feng Shui is a centuries-old method of arranging furniture, colors and designs to enhance the flow of positive energy, and has modern ties to color psychology and environmental psychology. Here are 6 easy things you can do to create a work environment that is less stressful, more harmonious and lends itself to greater achievement and prosperity.

1. Clean and Organize- It may seem obvious, but being in a dirty, disorganized work space makes it difficult to concentrate and focus on the tasks at hand.  If you can’t find the items you need, you end up wasting time and getting distracted looking for them.  Begin by thoroughly scrubbing down your office space including wiping down furniture, blinds and baseboards, dusting, sweeping/vacuuming, getting cobwebs, and washing draperies if possible. Then organize files and objects needed on a daily basis so that they are within arms’ reach. Office supply stores have tons of storage and organization solutions to fit every space.
2. Reposition Your Desk- If at all possible, position your desk so that you are facing the door.  That puts you in a position of power and makes you less susceptible to being involved in petty office gossip, arguments and backstabbing. If you share a workspace, avoid sitting back-to-back or face-to-face, as both positions create conflict. Try sitting side by side or staggered so that the energy has a proper path to follow.
3. Add Inspiring Artwork- Artwork has a tremendous impact on the psyche; when we view negative images, we feel negative and vice versa.  In your office, your artwork should follow the simple rule, “Be what you want to attract” — in order to feel more creative, inspired, motivated or prosperous, then select artwork that reflects those feelings.  Having some visual reminders around of why it is you do what you do or goals that you want to attain will also help you stay productive.  For example, a picture of a happy client might remind you that your job makes a positive difference to others, and will help you stay motivated to gain more happy clients.
4. Make it Harmonious- One of the fundamentals of feng shui is harmony and balance; for every yin, there is a yang.  Feng shui focuses on five elements — wood, earth, metal, fire and water.  The wood element incorporates wood furniture and accessories, but also vertical height such as tall windows or tall cabinets.  The earth element incorporates horizontal planes (like tables and desks), earthy colors, pottery, stones, etc.  The metal element incorporates metal pieces like filing cabinets, light fixtures or metal artwork, while the fire element incorporates lighting (both natural and artificial) and candles. The water element incorporates asymmetrical shapes, flowing drapery, mirrors and accessories such as fountains and aquariums. Assess your space to see if it includes all five elements and where it might be lacking.
5. Choose the Right Colors- Colors can have a tremendous effect on our moods. Some colors make us feel energized, while some colors make us feel depressed.  In the office, colors should stimulate creativity as well as encourage focus and concentration.  Great colors to use are pale green and gold, blue-green, pale orange and yellow, and white.
6. Add Stress Relievers- If you have a lot of sharp-cornered furniture, soften the edges by adding plants.  Incorporating things such as soft background music, softer lighting, an essential oil diffuser, a tabletop fountain, etc., will take the edge off stress and irritability and promote productivity.

By following these six steps, you can create a functional, harmonious work space that will make you feel more relaxed, focused and ready to get the job done.

Staff Writer: Kristen Miller