With changing times and rise of online workers, many of us are working from home and anybody who works from home knows the importance of a dedicated space for work, AKA home office. To get less distracted and increase your home office productivity, you can use the principles of Feng Shui. This is why today’s article is contributed by an expert Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang.
For anyone who has been working remotely for some time or maybe just getting started, there are a lot of benefits to look forward to. Not only are you able to get more control over your working schedule and work how you’re most comfortable, but you’re often able to achieve a better work-life balance.
However, working from home isn’t as easy as you might think when staying productive. It can be easy to get distracted when in your own personal living space, and it can be challenging to find the right balance of comfort and efficiency. How you design your living and working space has a lot to do with striking this right balance.
Incorporating the principles of feng shui can effectively improve the atmosphere of your home office. Though a familiar term, not everyone understands how feng shui is practically applied in home settings. Fortunately, there are straightforward and budget-friendly ways to start creating more balance, efficiency, and a sense of calm in your workspace.
The Fundamentals of Feng Shui
Feng Shui actually translates to “wind” (Feng) and “water” (Shui). It’s an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surroundings. It incorporates the core concept of “Chi,” which is an energy that flows through all objects and spaces. By optimizing this energy flow, you can create balance and increase your productivity.
Yin and Yang, two opposing yet complementary forces, are also central to Feng Shui. Yin represents tranquility, stillness, and receptivity, while Yang symbolizes dynamism, activity, and warmth. A balanced environment, according to Feng Shui, requires a harmonious blend of both these energies.
Understanding the Bagua is also important. This energy map is an octagonal grid with nine sections that guide the arrangement of your space. Each section corresponds to a different life area, such as wealth, career, or relationships.
How To Increase Home Office Productivity with Feng Shui
Choosing the Right Location for Your Desk:
Feng Shui principles suggest that the position of your desk can significantly impact your productivity by creating a more calming and secure atmosphere. The “commanding position” is key here. Ideally, your desk should be situated so you can see the door without being directly in line with it. This placement allows you to be more accepting of new opportunities (represented by the door) while still maintaining a sense of control and security.
It’s best to avoid placing your desk facing a wall since this can symbolize encountering obstacles in your career. Having your back to the door can also create feelings of vulnerability or anxiety since you won’t see who is coming into your safe space.
Creating Balance With Natural Light and Color:
In Feng Shui, natural light helps add focus and attention and should be a key element in a home office. Your desk should be near a window, but avoid direct sunlight hitting your work surface to reduce glare. Light-filtering shades or curtains can help to manage the amount of light that enters the room.
When choosing colors, Feng Shui suggests earthy tones such as light yellow, beige, and pale green for a home office because they help to support better concentration. However, the colors you choose will also depend on the type of energy you want to have. For example, blacks and blues are said to improve introspection and communication, while purples and reds are closely linked with prosperity.
You’ll often find careful color balances used in a variety of settings, from couples therapy or premarital counseling to doctors’ offices and other healthcare environments. Choosing the right color palette helps to create a more neutral setting to help reduce tension and lower anxiety levels.
Maintaining a Clutter-Free Workspace
A cluttered workspace can be a major energy drainer. This can lead to increased levels of stress and even negatively impact your mental well-being. Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is key to creating a more productive environment.
Regularly check your desk and surrounding areas for clutter and remove unnecessary items. You should only have the essential tools you need to do your work within reach. To help declutter, use various storage solutions such as drawers, shelves, or desktop organizers to keep your workspace tidy. Remember that a clear space promotes a clear mind.
Bringing Natural Elements Indoors
Another great way to quickly improve your mood and help you stay more focused when working at home is by bringing more natural elements indoors. House plants, for example, not only look great but can actually purify the air and create a more relaxing environment to work in.
If you’re not a natural gardener, that’s okay! You can start with more low-maintenance options like succulents, snake plants, or ZZ plants. These are easy to take care of and don’t require too much attention. Outside of plants, you can also add natural elements to your workspace by installing a small tabletop water fountain to hear relaxing sounds throughout the day.
Placing Mirrors Strategically
In Feng Shui, mirrors can be powerful additions to a space that can manipulate energy and create an illusion of spaciousness. When properly placed, you can effectively improve the flow of positive energy throughout the workspace. However, it’s also important to avoid positioning a mirror directly opposite your desk. This is referred to as “poison arrows,” as this can lead to feelings of unease and distract you.
The ideal placement for mirrors is to the side, where they can reflect other areas of your office, such as facing a wall with artwork or getting a better view of a window, which also helps to amplify natural light.
Create a More Productive Working Setting at Home
Whether you’re starting a new job or just looking to stay more productive in your home office, following Feng Shui principles can help you create a more efficient working atmosphere. By following the guidelines discussed, you can create an inviting and energizing space that helps you to get more work accomplished while maintaining a positive mental state.
Guest Author Bio:
Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion, Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and clients.
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