Make your office a place you actually want to be.
Most of us would do anything to be more productive at work—use noise-cancelling headphones, operate by the 20/5 time rule, and alternate between standing and sitting. However, while these are all great things to incorporate into your daily routine, feng shui experts insist that no real change in productivity will occur unless the energy in your space is right. Feng shui, a Chinese geomantic practice in which a site is configured so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it, is trending across all rooms of your home, especially the bedroom. But feng shui can promote energy in your home office as effectively as it promotes relaxation.
The best feng shui office ideas all involve ensuring the productive energy is flowing and your space is designed to maximize it. Feng shui doesn't have to be minimalist; in fact, there are plenty of colors and prints you can use in your work space if that's what you want. Feng shui won't work unless it's functional for you. After all, it's your office (and your energy). If you don't work from home, don't worry: You can implement most of these feng shui office ideas in a corporate setting as well.
Many of the best feng shui office ideas are as simple as adding artwork, photos of loved ones, and plants to your workspace. You don't need to renovate the office to be more productive, although that could help in some cases. Read on to learn how to feng shui your office for a more productive and pleasant workspace.
It's important to remember why you're working. Keep inspirational messages, photos, textures, and colors on a pinboard to reference and refresh every so often. This helps promote positive energy and mental focus.
Whenever possible, try to work using natural light as opposed to overhead or task lighting, which can cause headaches and eye strain. When the sun goes down, opt for a task or desk light with a warm lightbulb to finish the day's to-dos by.
Not only do house plants bring us joy and add a pop of color to our office spaces, but they can also keep us healthier. Plants are known to purify the air, produce oxygen, and simply make us happy. Plus, it's beneficial to take care of something every once in a while.
Soothing color palettes are beloved and recommended by feng shui practicers for a reason. Not only do they bounce light around and make a space feel brighter, but they also exude a calm energy, a must-have for those who have a stressful 9-to-5 job.
Your office should be somewhere you enjoy working, so decorate it with things that make you happy. Hanging your beloved artwork, keeping your favorite mug closely, and displaying photos of your family will radiate a more positive (and more productive) energy.
An abundance of visual space can make you feel calmer and more at ease, so if you can, face away from a wall. Like in the bedroom, having your back against (or near) a wall can make you feel more grounded and stable.
If your office is small or you have to face a wall, hang a mirror above your desk in order to reflect light. This not only makes the area feel larger, but it can also give you a view of the entrance or door, a must-have in feng shui.
The best way to be productive while working from home is to have a designated area, whether it's a home office, a nook, or just your dining room table. If possible, avoid working from your bed or the couch in order to keep your productive energy strong and let the relaxation zones do their job when the day is over.
"Clear desk, clear mind" is a cliché for a reason. Limited clutter will give you more mental space to focus on the tasks at hand.
According to feng shui principles, the most powerful person in the office is seated farthest from the entrance (causing everyone else to have to walk to them). If possible, place your desk in the back of the space to promote an air of authority, even at home.
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