So you have an office or study and are thinking, if it was a little different I just know I could get more done. Something needs to change but you just aren't sure what to do. If you follow these quick and easy steps based on feng shui principles you can maximize the impact of changing your office while using minimal time and effort.
1. DECLUTTER
Photo Ledge Shelf
Clutter is seen in feng shui as obstacles in life. Maybe you have a home where everything is in pristine condition in its place. On the other hand, maybe you like to be surrounded by knick knacks and sentimental objects. That's okay if it's truly your personality and not merely an excuse. Either way, it's important to figure out why you keep the things you have. Ask yourself these questions to help clear clutter:
Do I keep broken things because I hope one day to fix them? Broken items are bad feng shui and should be repaired in a timely manner, perhaps within two weeks. If you don't see yourself repairing it by then get it out of your space as soon as possible; recycle it.
Do I keep things because they're sentimental? If an item truly brings happy memories find a place for it. Add a shelf to your family area for family pictures or hang awards in your recognition area. If it's an object that makes you sad or is part of a past part of your life, such as a first marriage or a failed business deal, recycle it. Objects like these hold you back in your past rather than allowing you to live in the present and move forward.
Do I keep things "just in case"? If you keep old notes or objects because you one day might need them, think about whether you ever actually have needed or looked at them. If you haven't looked at old papers in the last year or two, recycle them. For the papers you must keep, scan them and store them electronically. Speaking of computers...
Do I have a full hard drive, inbox, or have files I'll never realistically use again? Your computer is your space, too, even though it's not as noticeable. Take time to clean out your inbox, delete temporary files and unneeded notes, get rid of desktop shortcuts you don't use every single week, run virus and malware scans, and defragment your computer. These steps will simplify your work life and make your computer run faster.
Do I have so much on the desk or in my office that I feel unproductive or that I can't work? Feelings such as these are a clear sign that your office, particularly your desk, needs help. Clear everything off your desk that isn't used every day. Find an organization system that works for you; use files, drawers, or something else and use it. If you don't use it then it doesn't work for you; try something new. Keep everything you use frequently in arm's length.
Is everything clean? Dust and grime are also a type of clutter. If you find yourself avoiding dusting or cleaning because it would take too long to move things you're surrounded by clutter. Keep what you use frequently and move or get rid of the rest. Create a regular cleaning schedule so you remove the dirt before it becomes a problem, say, every Thursday. If it helps, keep a list of the cleaning chores you'd like to that day.
2. SIT IN THE POWER POSITION
The placement of your desk makes a huge impact on your work productivity. For example, keeping your back against the door takes away control and makes your subconscious nervous. Place your desk in the power position to relax your body. The power position is the place in your room that allows a direct view of the doorway but isn't directly in front of the door. If you absolutely must have your back to the door place a mirror on your desk that allows you to view people as they enter the room.
Additionally, try not to sit directly in front of a window. As with sitting in front of a door it weakens your body's confidence by allowing others to see in without your permission. Kings of old sat with their back against a solid wall to protect themselves from attack from behind. Doing the same and avoiding sitting with your back to the door or window does the same for you, though today the attack is more likely peering eyes than a knife in the back.
If there is no choice but to sit with your back to a window then create your own solid wall. Use a high-back chair, a half-curtain, place a screen behind your desk, or use plants to create space and privacy behind you. If needed, put plants or other objects on the window ledge to create a more solid background. A solid background also helps increase confidence by increasing the perceived power you have as seen by others.
3. CREATE A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
You may feel you already have a comfortable environment. To objectively analyze your office ask yourself these questions:
Is my chair comfortable to sit in for long periods of time?
One of the most important things for office workers sitting at a desk is a properly fitted chair. A chair that is ergonomically correct for your specific body is of utmost importance to keep your body in good physical condition and to maximize comfort and therefore work productivity. Invest in a chair with proper lumbar support, seat size, and arm height, and make sure you sit in it before you buy it.
Is the smell of my office distracting or unpleasant?
It's imperative to find the cause and dispose of unpleasant odors if you want to work at your best. Sometimes a good scent can be too strong, distracting you from work or even causing breathing difficulty and respiratory problems. Get rid of these immediately, and don't be afraid to kindly explain to your office buddy that the strong scent of their perfume, cologne or candle is distracting. Certain scents, however, at a pleasant strength, increase productivity and make the mind more alert. Mint stimulates the mind, laurel provokes inspiration and enhances mood, and rosemary, lemon, and laurel all make the body feel more confident. That is, unless any of these scents have negative memories and emotions associated with them; in this case the memories always override what would otherwise be a positive effect on the body.
Am I surrounded by wires and electromagnetic fields?
Hide as many wires as you can by bundling them with bands or zip ties and then placing them in hard-to-see spaces. You may want to create a false desk front between which to hide wires. Try to keep three feet of space between you and all electrical equipment. Move fax machines and printers to the opposite side of the room, and unplug equipment when not in use. All electrical and battery-powered equipment emit electromagnetic fields, EMFs, and you may be surprised at the amount and duration of time you're bathed in them. Consider using an electromagnetic field tester to measure exactly how much EMF you're exposed to while sitting at your desk, and use this information to move the highest EMF-emitting devices at least three feet away from your chair.
Can I see well? The office and especially the desk should be well-lit at all times, but avoid using a lamp that crosses a dark shadow across you or your work space. This tells your subconscious that something else is more important than you and your work, hindering confidence and productivity. Natural light is best.
What do I see from my desk?
Do you see clutter from a neighboring cubicle or a picture that makes you feel sad? Do you feel your walls are drab or, conversely, overwhelming? Your surroundings truly do have an impact on how you feel mentally, and your mental feelings affect how your body physically works. White, gold, silver, and round shapes focus mental activity. Purple, blue, and gray help build confidence. Add these colors by painting an accent wall or hanging a curtain across a wall, painting your desktop gray or covering it with gray glass, or adding art with one of these colors and a positive image as the primary element. Awards and pictures of goals inspire and do well hung on a wall across from your desk. Use plants or a folding screen to block views of neighboring messes.