We often think of incorporating feng shui to gain a sense of peace and harmony where we live, but what about our work environments?
According to Wikipedia, the definition of workplace stress is: ‘The harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when there is a poor match between job demands and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.’
With added responsibilities many people are wearing several hats, and working 9 to 5 surely seems like a thing of the past.
Increased hours are needed just to keep up with the pressures of fast paced technology and social media.
Remote employees often find themselves putting in more time at home than if there were physically in the office.
From a feng shui perspective, environmental conditions such as poor air quality, fluorescent or other harsh lighting, noise, and even work stations that do not have an ergonomic set up, all play a huge part in creating stress.
Peace of mind and feelings of safety are just as important at work as they are at home.
A Room with a View
Desk placement is of utmost significance in office feng shui. The intention is to feel ‘supported’ at your desk by having your back face a wall (rather than a window or open area).
Having exposed spaces behind us as we work can cause distraction or uneasiness, putting us on guard.
A way to bring in supportive energy and empowerment is to hang a picture of a mountain or landscape behind you.
If you are in an open cubicle with a path behind your chair, creating an energetic barrier with furniture or plants will give you a better sense of security.
Reflection from a mirror or shiny object that is strategically placed can prevent others from ‘sneaking’ up on you.
For any folks who work at home, please be sure to separate your work area from your personal space. You can designate boundaries easily enough with partition screens or plants.
Reboot your Body
Night is yin/quiet energy and day is yang/active energy. Get adequate sleep to bring your body back to its natural balance of yin and yang. Insomnia, or excessive yang, is an inability to recharge. It is important to determine how many hours you need to feel restored and productive.
Mood Lighting
Reduce the strain of fluorescent glare by adding a task lamp. Go online for full-spectrum bulbs as they closely mimic natural light.
Elemental Balance
Irritability and anger could be an imbalance of the wood element. Healthy plants help to mitigate these detrimental emotions. They also clean toxic air.
Let it Flow
Water in feng shui symbolizes money. Add a tabletop fountain or beach scene to the entryway of your space (north corner of the bagua). This yin element also helps to offset yang energies found in work spaces.
Got (Good) Chi?
We are affected by the energy in all things. Clutter breeds chaos and stress. Organize and clear off your desk. Give yourself breathing room by keeping only what is used daily. No piles on the floor, please! Don’t forget about digital de-cluttering. ’Out with old’ means ‘in with new’…thoughts, energy, opportunities, etc!
Get Personal
Create a sense of belonging at work by having things that you own and love. The view as you look out from your desk is a main focal point. Add something motivational or conceal what is unsightly. Blue reduces tension. Black is calming. Flowers make us happy.
Get (Tao) Connected
Go outside daily for small breaks to reconnect with the natural rhythm of nature. Natural light and fresh air alleviates anxiety.
De-stress through Gratitude
Decrease the negative; increase the positive. Rather than ruminate on the undesirables, come up with two positives for every negative.
Finally, try to maintain a sense of humor. What better way is there to relieve tension than a good belly laugh?
Susan Tartaglino received her certification through the Feng Shui Institute of America, and is a Red Ribbon Professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild.
Susan was first introduced to the concepts of feng shui during her residency in Hong Kong in the 1980's. After discovering how influenced people were by their physical environment, Susan was instantly intrigued and eager to learn more about person-place connections. Becoming a feng shui practitioner was the perfect path for her to share her enthusiasm.
Other interests include a dedicated yoga practice, meditation, the beach, and spending healing time with nature in her garden.