If you’re spending a decent chunk of your day at a desk or some sort of work space, it’s time you start considering feng shui. Feng shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing yourself with your surrounding environment. In theory, better feng shui will bring positive energy to your work space, resulting in higher productivity and overall happiness with your work.
According to Laura Cerrano of Manhattan Feng Shui, there are 4 simple ways to feng shui your office.
De-clutter. In a perfect world your desk would always be tidy and clean with only a few essentials out. However, desks are meant for working and we’ve all had those projects that require several stacks of paper and total chaos. It’s important that you keep your desk as clean as possible and after chaos strikes make sure your desk doesn’t stay like that forever. Try to tidy up your space at the end of each work day.
Add plants. When it comes to desk décor that provides good feng shui we recommend air purifying plants. Adding a plant of some kind, maybe in an attractive container, to your desk such as a plant is great for positive energy and also gives you something nice and calming to look at during stressful situations. Air-purifying plants not only add life and feng shui to your desk, there are also scientific health benefits to having them around. According to Bayer Advanced, a study from the Agricultural University of Norway claims that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats, and dry coughs.
Add Artwork. This can range from landscape photos to inspiring quotes that help you power through your work day. If you’re looking for a creative outlet outside of work, create your own artwork and put it on your desk.
Sit in a commanding position. A commanding position means facing the door. This arrangement symbolizes being able to see opportunities as they walk through the door. If you work in a shared or open office space, Cerrano suggests putting a small mirror on your desk to reflect anyone coming into your space.
Creating a better work space also has a lot to do with where you place things on your desk. Organize your desk with attention to how you feel at it. Does it have a nice sense of flow? Is it a place where you feel safe and as stress-free as possible?
Position your planner or to-do list so it’s not haunting you all day, which is sure to lead to procrastination. Your to-do list should act as a gentle guide for your day, not a terrifying list of demands. Keep your day planner easily at hand but tucked away as you focus and check off one task at a time. This way you can give your full attention to each to-do, without being distracted by everything else on your list.
When it comes to your workspace, lighting is more important than you’d think. While some people prefer working in darker settings, it’s important to always have some sort of task lighting so you aren’t straining your eyes. It also helps, even when you have plenty of light, to make you feel more at home at your desk, giving it a sense of warmth and intimacy, even in an open shared workspace.
For best feng shui, place your Mitzi fixture to your upper left, the wealth feng shui bagua of your desk. The perfect desk mate for you depends on your style and needs; check out our pretty portables to see if one is right for you. We love Bianca (pictured above): her marble details and sense of balance make her a high-style work companion, keeping things harmonious. For more of a task-light, adjustable lamp, you might want to invoke mid-century Milla.
Happy feng shui-ing!
