Feng Shui Your Office
At its core, Feng shui, or the Chinese art of placement, is a spiritual discipline involving more than just the arrangement of objects in your environment. But, you can still benefit from the latest movement to hit the office scene. You can spend hours and hours researching the topic so this is an attempt to condense most of the main points for you. Practical and simple with a swash of eccentricity, Feng shui is the complete package. The reason for its continuous impact in the business world is uncomplicated: Feng shui is based on creating a harmonious environment and much of this can be accomplished with some simple office furniture. Creating a peaceful environment is exactly the goal (profit motives aside) of modern business operations. Efficiency is crucial and Feng shui offers to help with this. In fact, the better the office environment, the better the state of mind….a wonderful benefit to your mental health and stress control.
Well, skip over the suggestion that you select your office site. You probably don’t have much control over that one. But in case you are curious, circular and horseshoe shapes are preferred. That factoid aside, what can you do? Get the right accessories and the right office products.
Mirrors do wonders. Nothing tacky or over the top here, just a few small mirrors for effect will suffice. Interesting fact, did you know that in Feng shui, a mirror hanging by the cash register symbolizes a doubling effect and can be a harbinger of good fortune?
Good use of lighting is crucial to the Feng shui office. This is said to further the flow of chi. Chi is a Chinese word used to describe the natural energy of the universe. That sounds like something you may want right? So, if you are lucky enough to have a window, you should avoid having your back to it. If possible, your desk should face the door at an angle with your back to a wall for support. Try and occupy the corner farthest from the room entrance to exert a commanding position. Symbolically, business enters through the door. Face the door. If this is impossible, place a small mirror on your monitor in front of you. Now you can see who is approaching from your rear and the gods of Feng shui will be reasonably satisfied.
Want to energize your desk? Then use objects of the five elements (according to Feng shui). Here’s come the big decorating tips: counterbalance light and dark colors, and balance flowing and rough textures.
In keeping with our earlier theme, clutter and mess is an abomination to the rules of feng shui decorating. A messy office can block and even repel positive chi.
Plants can be used to good reward in decoration. Some plants considered to be auspicious include, bamboo, jade, or any other leafy green plant. Place a leafy green plant in a red pot on the top left hand corner of your desk and keep it well-tended and healthy. Besides attracting the energy of life into your work space, it simply brings beauty.
Try to avoid sharp cornered objects and excessive overhead lights.
Organize those messy wires once and for all. Convoluted wires can be representative of chaos.
Although you probably have no control over this, strong drafts are not considered to have a positive influence.
Symbolic uses for the elements:
The five elements in Feng shui are: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Wood furnishings can be used to represent the wood element. Redis used to represent fire, an appropriate item The wealth corner of your office can be decorated with red eggs or red envelope containing coins. To represent earth, use glass. Stainless steel furniture is representative of metal energy. Conspicuous enough right? You can place a picture or symbol of a red fish or bell. Desktop fountains and aquariums are becoming more and more common. Flowing water can stimulate positive energy into your office cubicle and uplift your mood.
The Significance of Colors:
Colors play an important role in Feng Shui. Toning down or turning up certain colors can help you achieve your goals.
Yin (Passive energy: dreaminess)
Blue:Energy. It is considered calm and soothing. It relaxes and creates a feeling of peace and trust. Because it is affiliated with water, it can also be said to arouse a sense of adventure. Navy Blue is said to project intellect and wisdom.
Black:Money and wisdom. Great when combined with metal. In Feng shui, it is the color of power.
Purple:Spiritual consciousness.
White:Poise sureness and purity. To produce a calm atmosphere, it is best when combined with gold or silver.
Also, pink and green are considered yin colors.
Yang (Positive: motivating energy)
Yellow: Represents warmth, motion, cheerfulness, and friendliness. Yet, it is also said that too much yellow or overexposure can produce anxiety.
Orange: said to be the color of organization.
Red: The Chinese color of luck and happiness.
Others to consider: Tan, Brown, Mauve, Maroon, Lavendar, and Gold
The essence of Feng Shui is to use the natural positive energy, or Chi, present in any environment to enhance the surroundings. Tranquility, prosperity, and wealth are among the claims of those who’ve incorporated it into their lives. Attention to the practice has been known to improve office efficiency
Well-managed files. Maintaining well-organized files and storage cabinets demonstrates respect for your business records. These records represent in a very real sense your past, present, and future business. How you treat them matters.
Proper office furniture and equipment allows you to work in ergonomic comfort and also gives you a strong sense of stability and safety. Keeping your desk and work area clear also allows you to incorporate small touches of pleasant decor and the presence of at least one personal item in your work area. Make your office entry inviting. Beautiful items, the type that catches the eye, is said to attract chi.
Once the desk has been cleared of clutter and organized much better, the occupant could gain significantly more work space with the introduction of ergonomic tools such as a monitor arm mount, and a phone organizer stand. If need calls for, there is also the opportunity for under the desk storage cabinets.
Anything broken, stuck, or not working should be fixed, or if no longer needful, discarded. Likewise, remove items that may produce bad memories or emotions. Following these simple tips will allow you to create a more inviting work area improving your mood and productivity.