Make Work More Enjoyable and Productive with Feng Shui

Keeping your office clean and uncluttered makes concentration easier. Be sure to have an unobstructed path in and out of your office for yourself and for visitors so energy can flow in and out easily--that includes new ideas.
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You've probably heard that Feng Shui can bring harmony and balance into your home, but did you know it can also improve your performance at work and create a more pleasant workspace? While the ancient Chinese philosophers who developed the practice of Feng Shui thousands of years ago didn't have the average corporate employee in mind, the concepts of yin and yang and the flow of positive energy can be applied to any environment. Your office, desk and surrounding area have a big impact on how you feel and operate during a typical day.

Some companies hire Feng Shui experts for architectural design, interior design, and landscaping. If you're lucky enough to work for such a company, you may already be reaping the benefits of Feng Shui. But what if you're stuck working in an old, dark building that hasn't been updated in twenty years? Don't worry. In both scenarios, what's most important is your own personal workspace. And that's usually a place you can improve.

The principles of Feng Shui can easily be applied to work. Ask yourself the following questions about your office or workspace. If the answer to any of them is "no", find a solution to improve the energy.

1.Is it clean?
2.Is it uncluttered?
3.Is it filled with things you enjoy?
4.Is there enough light or better yet, natural light?
5.Is it welcoming to visitors?
6.Is fresh air available?

Keeping your office clean and uncluttered makes concentration easier. Be sure to have an unobstructed path in and out of your office for yourself and for visitors so energy can flow in and out easily--that includes new ideas. Fill your space with things you love (photos, favorite coffee mug, motivational sayings, etc) and your time working will be more enjoyable. If you're lucky enough to have natural light through a window, that's energizing. If you don't, make sure you do have enough light and perhaps bring in your own desk lamp instead of relying on fluorescent lighting all day. If you don't have a window that opens, a plant is a good solution for absorbing carbon dioxide and replacing it with oxygen. Going outside for lunch also helps.

Lastly, make sure you move your own energy around during the day by standing up, stretching, going outside, walking around or visiting colleagues.

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