Now that the internet has enabled so many people to work from home, setting up your home office can and should be more than just finding a free corner to hold your laptop. If you’ve been creative enough to figure out how to work from home, why not spend a little time creating a space that will help you accomplish your goals?
The art of feng shui
There are many resources on the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”), and the range of possibilities can be daunting if you’ve never considered using these principles in your personal space. If you’re just getting started, it’s best to focus on the things you can do easily with just a little bit of information.
Clearing clutter
One of the most important things to do first, especially in office feng shui, is to clean up the clutter. Take some time to organize things in categories before removing them from your office, if only temporarily. Grab some boxes, and label them with a few basic categories:
- bills
- office supplies
- magazines
- stationery
- personal items
Toss your papers and other junk into the boxes and think about them later. The important thing is to clear the room so that you can begin creating your perfect space.
Using color
Even if you don’t know a thing about feng shui, an immediate “cure” for your office can be a fresh coat of paint. Different colors can provoke different responses in the brain.
First, think about what you’re hoping to accomplish from home. Are you a writer and need a place to ponder new ideas? Consider something in the blue family. Maybe you’re an accountant and need your brain to be clear and organized? Consider a shade like apricot or pumpkin. These colors help to increase your mental clarity. Red may seem too bold, but if you’re trying to make a big sale, it may be just what you need to get the job done. If it seems like too much, try an accent wall rather than painting the entire room.
For a quick color guide to feng shui, consider the list below:
- Red: represents aggressiveness in business
- Orange: good for co-operation and collaboration
- Yellow: promotes clear thinking
- Blue-green: slows down busy thoughts, good for reflection
- Purple: stimulates creativity
Envisioning success
Now that you’re clutter-free and surrounded by a color that inspires you, you’re ready to move on to the next step. But in the meantime, spend some time in your new space imagining the amazing things you’re about to accomplish!
(This is the first of three articles on Office Feng Shui)
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Rethink Your Office Using a Bagua
Leigh Hopkins - Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to ensuring that all children have access to a quality education. I’ve seen the ...
