Guest Author - Diane Kern

You apply Feng Shui to your home. Can you take this further and apply Feng Shui specifically to your desk in your home or work office? Yes you can.

Where you place your desk is the most important consideration. You should sit with your back to a wall for support. When you have a window or door behind you then you will feel uncomfortable. You are unable to see when someone is approaching your desk and can easily be startled. Windows and doors can create drafts even when closed and this can give you a chill and be will disturb your concentration. If you know your most auspicious directions try to utilize one of them when choosing a desk placement. One of the best places to sit is kitty corner from the door.

Keep your desk top clear of clutter. When you can’t see the surface of the desk for all the papers, plants, coffee cups and various electronic equipment how can you keep a clear mind and concentrate on your work. If you have the room, add a small bookcase and auxiliary file cabinet on wheels to help you organize. A bulletin board is a great help in keeping important information close at hand.

Make sure you have no shas in your office. When you sit at your desk you don’t want to sit under a beam or sloped ceiling. These will create pressure on your head giving you headaches. No sharp corners or poison arrows should be pointing towards you. If they are, place a tall leafy plant in front of the offending shas. If you don’t have room for a plant try a soft curtain to obscure.

Consider the smell of your office. Yes that’s right-smell. What does your office smell like? Can you smell last night’s dinner or do the pets tend to hang out in the room? Make sure there is a nice fresh scent in your office. Peppermint is a great pick me up. Have a bottle of essential oil of peppermint available in your drawer for when you are feeling that afternoon slump.

Keep art work to a minimum in your office but do have something beautiful to look at to refresh your eyes. A beautiful landscape or gentle waterfall that flows towards you is a good choice. Remember to keep the wall color neutral so you can concentrate and choose a color appropriate to the compass direction. Eye strain can come from inappropriate lighting. Have enough light on your work surface to see clearly but avoid glare.

Take a break every now and then. Shift positions, talk a short walk, shake out your arms and legs to avoid exhaustion and problems caused by repetitive motions.

If your office has a separate outside entrance you might also have a doormat. Make sure you do not have your company name on it. You don’t want people walking all over you with dirty feet.