The home office became increasingly important following the pandemic, when lockdowns compelled much of the workforce to transition to full-time remote operations. While some have returned to the office, there is still a large percentage of individuals working from home at least part-time. In fact, Upwork estimates that over 36 million Americans will still be working remotely by 2025.
This means that a dedicated home office is still very much a priority for homeowners. It also means that separating personal and professional life can be more difficult. Striking this balance can involve some trial and error, but creating a sense of peace and positive energy within your home work space is a great place to start.
Feng shui principles can be applied to your home office to encourage positive associations with your work and help refresh your priorities. You will find that a few simple modifications will greatly enhance your focus, productivity, and sense of tranquility.
4 Simple Steps for Home Office Feng Shui
1. Use a Desk
Having a proper desk is a top priority for home office feng shui. It is the anchor and focal point of the room, and acts to solidify its purpose. The position of your desk is also important. Ideally, you should be facing the entrance or door to the room. Even if you are not expecting any visitors, this position is empowering and also calming, since you can’t be caught off guard.
If you are unable to face your desk toward the entrance, consider placing a mirror next to or over your desk so that it reflects the door. On a subconscious level, this will still provide peace of mind and help to direct the flow of energy within the room.
For your desk chair, choose a comfortable one in a color that brings you joy or connects you to one of the elements you wish to reflect. Fire colors, for example, inspire leadership and ambition. Wood colors stir creativity and intuition.
2. Tidy Up
Clutter is a natural part of the home office, but it can also negatively impact your sense of joy within the space. Try to keep your surfaces as clear as possible. Decorations should be minimal and meaningful.
Avoid adding unnecessary tech (like speakers, lamps, or microphones) that will result in tangles of cords and take up space. For your necessary electronics, make sure the cords are neat and bind them together with velcro or other cable tie.
If your work involves large amounts of paperwork, it will be worthwhile to invest in a good storage or filing system.
3. Purify the Air
The air in your office should feel fresh and cooling. To purify it, try the following methods:
- Make sure to regularly dust, since computers, printers, and other tech can rapidly accumulate particles and make the air in the room feel stuffy.
- Place a few house plants. Not only are they natural air-purifiers, they have also been demonstrated to have a positive effect on mental health. Just make sure to take care of them, since dying or drooping plants can have the opposite effect.
- Try an essential oil diffuser. Place a few drops of a calming scent (like lavender) or an invigorating one (like eucalyptus) to help set the mood for your office.
4. Light It Up
Ideally, your office should have a window that lets natural light stream in and provides you with a peaceful view. However, if this is not possible, examine the available light fixtures in the room. If your overhead lights feel too bright or oppressive, consider changing the bulbs to a warmer tone.
If there is no overhead lighting, place one or two floor lamps against a wall or in a corner. Try not to have the light directly in your line of vision.
I encourage you to try these simple home office feng shui tips for an instant boost in mental health and productivity. Let me know your results in the comments!
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