If you’re working from home, stuck in a spare room where there’s a pile of laundry in the corner, in may not be the most inspiring place to work. The practice of Feng Shui is based on the Taoist belief that the world is filled with energy that affects our health and fortune. We look at how you can use Feng Shui techniques to arrange your office and ensure you’re filled with positive energy.
When Feng Shui first became popular in the West in the 1960s and 1970s many people were sceptical. China’s philosophy of harmonising people with their environments didn’t sit well in British offices, for which filled ashtrays and Styrofoam coffee cups scattered everywhere were the norm. But things have definitely moved on and people now appreciate that creating a positive working environment definitely helps with productivity. We look at 12 tips to Feng Shui your home office.
1) Go with the flow
Did you know that Taoists believe that energy sources which affect our luck and health flow first from your front door then spread upwards? This suggests that an office space should be on the same level as your front door or on a higher floor, but not below. Basements and dark box rooms should be avoided.
2) Good riddance to bad rubbish
If you get struggle walking to your desk because of piles of washing or papers, it’s definitely a sign that you need to re-organise your office. Tidy rooms make for tidy minds. Finished cups of coffee should be immediately cleared into the kitchen because it’s dead space and of no further use – and recycle any paper that’s finished with instead of leaving it stacked up around your desk.
3) In with the new
Don’t allow your office’s look and energy to go stale. Refresh it every six months. Even if you just put up new pictures, change the background on your monitor or get a new mug – it all helps to revive the energy.
4) Be master of all you survey
Have your desk placed in a commanding position. This means one facing your front door rather than a window or wall, preferably in the corner farthest from the door. This enables you to see all that’s going on. Feng Shui guru Ken Lauher advocates installing a big mirror ahead of you. This not only makes the room look bigger, but it gives you the impression of not being trapped. It also allows you to view what’s going on behind you.
5) Within arm’s reach
Feng Shui law dictates that everything a remote worker uses daily should be within arm’s reach. All else should be filed away out of sight.
6) Plantlife
Real-life plants lend harmony to offices, giving them a homely feel. Low-maintenance bamboos are particularly fashionable and look modern.
7) Be in your element
There are five Feng Shui elements: water, earth, metal, fire and wood. Home offices should contain all of these to produce a more harmonised, balanced energy flow (also known as chi). You should major on the element that best encapsulates your personality and working attributes, or what your business needs most. But your dominant element shouldn’t be too overbearing to avoid disturbing your office’s equilibrium. How do you know which one is you? Simple. Ask yourself: “What’s the holiday of my choice? The beach (water), a mountain/skiing trip (earth), a city break to a skyscraper-strewn metropolis (metal), hot-weather holiday (fire) or forest getaway (wood)?”
8) Water
The opportunity and communication element. Add a mini-fountain, aquarium or any glass-made product. Position in the north region of your office.
9) Earth
The relationship, stability and balance element. Lend earthy, autumnal tones to your office using brick and ceramics and landscape paintings. Position near your work area’s heart.
10) Metal
The financial element. Grey, silver and metallic colours should abound. Position this in the west of your office.
11) Fire
The productivity element. Red should abound along with candles or lamps. Position near the southern area of your office.
12) Wood
The loyalty and creativity element. Wooden desks, floors or accessories should suffice. Position at the eastern region of your workspace.
Whatever changes you make – even if it’s just washing up your mugs more frequently – being a bit tidier makes you feel revitalised! Happy Feng Shui-ing…
Posted by Lisa Hill