Easy steps for Feng Shui in your office
Most of us spend a lot of time at the office, so why not use Feng Shui to ensure that the energy there is positive?…
Feng Shui could help direct the flow of positive energy. (Shutterstock)
Most of us spend a lot of time at the office, so why not use Feng Shui to ensure that the energy there is positive?
Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of arranging a rooms physical objects to direct the flow of positive energy (sometimes called chi), certainly has its skeptics: there arent any scientific studies proving its efficacy. On the other hand, the Chinese practiced Feng Shui for thousands upon thousands of years, and many people believe in the practices ability to increase concentration, lift your mood, and affect your spiritual wellbeing.
In addition, recent research has shown that Feng Shuis basic principles, which include organizing your workspace and adding plants or greenery, can have positive psychological effects.
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Ready to rearrange? Follow these tips create an energy-friendly office.
Placing your desk
One of the most important considerations in workplace Feng Shui is your desk placement.
While there are variations in practice, almost all practitioners say that facing away from the office entrance is a no-no. This represents turning your back on business or opportunity, which is the opposite of what you want to do.
Ideally, you want your desk in a command position, meaning you have the entrance in your sights. According to Salary.com, you might either directly face the entrance or situate your desk on a diagonal from it. Other practitioners suggest that though you should be able to see the door, your desk shouldnt directly face it; looking out into the hall, onto a restroom, or into other peoples offices doesnt allow you to focus on your work and space.
Bagua map
A Bagua map indicates what part of an office, desk, bedroom, or other room corresponds to which area of your life. (Shutterstock)
As you continue arranging your workspace in accordance with Feng Shui, you should consult a Bagua Map.
The 9-part grid, integral to Feng Shui, indicates what part of an office, desk, bedroom, or other room corresponds to which area of your life. For instance, the upper right section (as viewed from above) of an office or desk connects to love and relationships, while the bottom left section connects to wisdom and self-awareness.
The idea behind the map is that youll focus on a few key areas in which youd like to attract positive energy. If youre hoping to bring about wealth and prosperity (the upper left corner of the Bagua map), place a valuable item, safe or a plant in this area of your office. On your desks upper left-hand corner, you might place a well-functioning computer or a smaller item of value.
On the other hand, if youre hoping for positive family energy (left center), you should include a family picture, heirloom, or other related item on this side of your office or desk.
Choose your element
Another important consideration in Feng Shui are the practices five elements: fire, wood, earth, metal and water.
Choosing one of these to represent you, your interests and your needs can help bring more positive energy into your workspace. Each element is associated with slightly different characteristics, colors and professions:
– Wood: Creativity, loyalty, trust; green, brown; lawyers, investors, doctors
– Fire: Passion, excitement, productivity; red, yellow; artists, therapists
– Earth: Relationships, dependability; light brown, yellow, orange; lawyers, accountants
– Metal: Financial success, harvest; silver, gray, gold, copper; wide variety of professions
– Water: Communication, wisdom, opportunity; blue, black; academics, artists, doctors
Regardless of which element you choose, be sure not to overdo it. While choosing a wooden desk or accents, or including a tasteful metal bookshelf or sculpture, will help direct your chi, constructing a room made entirely of one element will throw off the rooms energy.
Allowing energy to flow
Finally, Feng Shui requires that you keep your room free of too much clutter in order to better help the energy flow.
Practitioners suggest that a clear organizational strategy, such as incorporating files and drawer dividers into your office, can help you maintain a calm and positive attitude while at work. They also advocate for replacing clutter with greenery, such as plants or even pictures of natural scenes.
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Psychological research also supports this: studies cited on Greatist.com show that improving organization and replacing knickknacks with plants can boost your productivity and mood.
Though Feng Shui isnt a magic solution to a negative work environment, its worth considering whether your office is optimally arranged. If youre new to the practice, play around with ityou may just be surprised at your improved mood.
