On Thursdays we take you to “The Well”; your source for inspiration and how-to’s.

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This week we are lucky enough to present a post from special guest contributer Amber Zuckswert - the creative, educational, and inspirational voice behind Epicself.com.
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Improve your Productivity and Get Creative - Feng Shui Your Desk

Cubical got you down? Corporate America has millions of us cramped in tiny, bland boxes that are the farthest thing from an ideal space for creating and producing fabulous work. With no inspiration, comfort, or much-needed calm, your workspace can drown you in boredom, making it that much more enticing to make a b-line for the nearest exit. However, just as your work environment can hinder your success, it can drastically improve it too… so long as you have the right techniques.

Feng shui is a great way to get your space to work for you. Using simple feng shui principles, you can create flowing energy (chi) that will invigorate you and your work environment, allowing you to be more creative and productive. Whether you work from a home office or find yourself surrounded by a pale, flimsy cubical, here are some feng shui tips to enliven your space:

Furniture Arrangement: First, take a look at the Bagua map of energy. Each part of a room can be divided into sections relating to certain aspects of your life. If you are looking to change careers (or simply to improve the one you have), the best area to place your desk is in the blue area. To emphasize creativity (for artist, designers, etc.), it’s best to work in the pale green area.

If you don’t have the ability to move the furniture around, consider how you are facing the entrance to the room. You’ll want to make sure you are in the command position, so your back is not facing the entryway.

Watch Out For Clutter: Make room for new opportunities and allow chi to move freely by organizing your desk. Not only will you be able to find everything, you’ll also have a sense of calm every time you walk into your clean and simple workspace.

Pick The Perfect Set-Up: Finding a chair that will keep you supported and comfortable for long hours is a must in any desk job (how can you be productive if your back is aching?).

The size of your desk can harbor problems as well. A desk that’s too small can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, while a desk that is too large can have you reaching two feet for the stapler. Find a balance that works for you.

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Now that you’ve got yourself comfortably situated and organized, it’s time to decorate (this is my favorite part)!!

Feng shui utilizes the five elements (earth, fire, water, metal, and wood) as well as color to create balance in a given space. To improve certain aspect of your life, you need to strengthen the corresponding characteristics.

For Career: Strengthen the element of water and the color blue. Here are several ideas to get you started:

• Use dark blue or aqua for walls, furnishings, upholstery, or accessories (curtains, pillows, etc.). Black is also a water color, but should be used as an accent only
• Use curvy, irregular, or wave-like shapes for furniture, fabrics, and accessories
• Place a water fountain or aquarium on your desk or near the entrance. Not only will this generate chi, but it will also add a soothing sound and effect to the office
• Use imagery or pictures of water (oceans, streams, lakes, etc.) on the walls

For Creativity: Creativity is linked to the element of metal and the color white. If you are looking for a little inspiration, try these tips:

• Add white or metallic colors to your space
• Use round and oval shapes or arches
• Add white flowers or plants with white blossoms
• Amp up the lighting (preferably natural / not florescent)

Feng shui is a wonderful tool to strengthen and improve specific areas of our lives. Use these tips to create a calm, soothing, and energized workspace and you’ll enhance every workday!
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To learn more about feng shui check out some of my favorite resources: Fast Feng Shui, by Stephanie Roberts, and Feng Shui For The Soul, by Denise Linn.

And for additional tips, including how to make your bedroom a calming oasis, click here.

Related Articles:
Office Om
5 Ways to Improve Your Life

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