The new post-pandemic normal is working remotely at home, being socially distanced from colleagues, and quickly adapting to work technologies is not a choice but a necessity. Research estimates that one in four Americans, over 26% of the American workforce, continues to work from home. And, for geographically dispersed teams, setting up an effective home office is critical.
Also critical is having clear work boundaries to balance stress levels. Lacking a designated space for career tasks may make you easily distracted and unmotivated to work.
Whether you are setting up a new workspace or looking to refresh your existing space, here are a few feng shui do and don’ts for optimizing your home office.
Some things not to do:
- Don’t work from your bed or couch. Having a dedicated desk will represent a stable career.
- Don’t work while watching TV, or listening to a podcast. This will distract from your focus.
- Don’t have a cluttered space; this will stop the flow of chi.
- Don’t work in a space you don’t like.
Some things to do:
- Do have a solid wall behind you to feel supported.
- Do add a mirror to give a sense of expansion, make it brighter and it can help with creativity.
- Do put artwork behind you that represents the support and strength in your career or your support system. That could be a mountain, or your family and friends.
- Do place artwork across from your desk that inspires you. Perhaps a place you want to go to or something you are working for like a particular trip or new house. I like to have a sun photo or painting across from me symbolically shining the light on my work.
- Do invite nature in with live plants.
- Do have your desk in a power commanding position, one that faces the entry door. This will allow you to feel more in control of your life and your career.
- Do get rid of clutter to symbolically unblock any ideas and potential. This will increase your flow.
- Do use colors you love that will inspire you. Choose a color you’re drawn to, or pick one according to the element that you want to invite in:
- Water element: Black for intuition, wisdom, and social connections
- Wood element: Green or blue for growth, new beginnings, and rejuvenation
- Earth element: Yellow or brown for nourishment, boundaries, and support
- Metal element: White for precision, organization, and beauty
- Fire element: Red for inspiration, passion, and recognition
Our homes are as unique as the individuals who live in them. And I hope these tips help you to feel more prosperous, creative, and full of chi as you work from your home space.
Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.
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