According to the Meriam-Webster dictionary Feng Shui is a Chinese geomantic practice in which a structure or site is chosen or configured so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it; also orientation, placement, or arrangement according to the precepts of feng shui. Feng shui literally means “wind and water.” Even if you don’t adhere to Chinese spiritual beliefs of yin-yang, there is something to be said for balancing the energy in your office space, thereby producing a more productive, creative and motivating work environment.
In Tampa Bay and in America in general, workers spend 8.8 hours per workday in their office space! When we are investing that much time in our careers and devoting our life energy to our work pursuits, that time should be a pleasant and positive experience.
Spring time is a perfect time to reassess your office space environment and give it an inspirational lift. In Spring we naturally gravitate to the outdoors, why not bring a little of Spring time indoors? Spring cleaning is always a good idea. Along with routine spring cleaning and organizing, consider these 5 ways that you can make your office time more creative, productive and refreshingly positive:
- 1. The use of natural light – Having access to natural light makes you more likely to be healthier, focused and in a better If you are lucky enough to have windows in your office or near your cubicle, good for you. Otherwise you may want to invest in an LED table lamp that can simulate natural light.
- 2. Plants give you a lift – That is why we give them as gifts on special occasions and why we decorate with them. Here in Tampa Bay, we have easy access to plants year round, but in the office think easy care plants that sanitize the air such as mother-in-law’s tongue, pathos plants, ivy or aloe. These plants remove the toxins in the air as well as give off oxygen.
- 3. Help from Himalayan salt crystal lamps – These amazing salt lamps are said to have properties that cleanse and deodorize the air, reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, eases coughing, increases energy levels, neutralizes electromagnetic energy, improve mood and concentration, treat seasonal affect disorders, reduce static electricity in the air and even more.
- 4. The placement of your desk – If you have your own office, place your chair where you can see both the beautiful outdoors as well as what it going inside. People have a natural tendency to select positions that make them feel more secure. Think about how many people sit in the same chair during conferences or in the same pew at church services. Your chair position can also affect your posture, mood and concentration so experiment with various chair positions to get the height and angle that is right for you. If you are in an open concept office space and find you r desk position to not be advantageous, you might consider appealing to your management basing your request on principles of e
- 5. Organize your desk with care – Set work supplies and desk items strategically where you will need them, but consider using streamlined containers and grouping related items to decrease visual clutter. Everything on your desk should have a purpose and a place that it goes so that you can easily tidy up at the end of the day and start the next day with a clean work space.
Setting up and maintaining office space feng shui can make your work time a pleasant and positive experience. If you follow these suggestions and put some thought into your individual needs, you will find your days in the office can be more balanced and enjoyable.