Working from home certainly has its benefits — you can work in your pajamas, make your own schedule and hours, and spend most of your time in the comfort of your own home. Mixing work and home life can quickly become stressful and messy though.

It’s important to keep an organized and tidy work space. Practicing Feng Shui can be a great way to keep a happy balance in your office space. The key elements of water, fire, wood, and earth can help you find a calm balance and lead to more energy and productivity.

In this five part series, we will share 50 easy Feng Shui tips for your home office space.

Part One – Organizing Your Furniture

Remove Televisions

You will find enough distractions on the internet and your smart phone, so remove any televisions from your work space. Not only do they serve as a constant distraction, but they also make the work space less natural. If you need to stay up to date with the news, you can always search for it online.

Minimize Clutter

Decide what furniture you need in order to have an effective and pleasant work space for both you and your visiting clients. Adding too many decorations or pieces of furniture will lead to overcrowding and a nervous energy. Stick to minimal requirements for comfort and ease only.

Keep Paths and Doorways Clear

When you enter your work space, the last thing you want to see is a floor covered in abandoned objects. Keep items put away and off the floor so positive energy (Chi) can freely flow through the room. Your mood will improve when you walk into a tidy room.

The 3-Foot Rule

When arranging furniture, remember to always leave at least three feet between every piece you add. When you’re not using your desk chair, leave it three feet away from your work desk as well.

Remember the Elements

Using metal is a good way to make sure you incorporate fire into your design. Using wooden furniture and metal furniture handles two of the four elements. If you can’t find a piece of furniture made of metal then try and find one with a metal finish.

Show Your Doors

Any furniture you sit on should be placed so that the entrance or exit is always in view. Good Feng Shui means always having a clear way to leave a room and knowing who or what enters it.

Have More Than One Seat

If you only have one choice of where to sit you may end up feeling closed in or cramped. This can lead to feelings of panic and lack of focus. Make sure you have at least one other comfortable place to sit in your office. Moving from a desk chair to a comfortable sofa can help you focus for longer.

Always Be Comfortable

Your office needs to be comfortable for you — it’s where you will spend most of your tie and you will be the one using it the most. Entering your work space should allow you to leave everything external behind and let you focus on your work.

Make it Cozy

Adding throw pillows and soft blankets will make your office appear cozier. Place some pillows on your sofa or chairs, and drape blankets over their sides. You want things to appear cozy and easygoing. Don’t actually use these unless you are genuinely cold or in need of them though. It’s very easy to fall asleep or become unproductive when you’re that comfortable.

Keep Things Moving

Try to keep rearranging your layout, even with little changes if you can. By making small changes you will keep energy levels up and you will be more alert just from noticing the little differences. Even a couple of inches will make a noticeable change.

About Out of the Office Virtual Assistance:

Since 2006, Out of the Office has offered ideas and ways to increase your productivity, decrease your workload, and work more efficiently. We nurture a successful business relationship, while continuing to grow as your business partner. We are focused on streamlining your administration, social media planning and execution, content writing and offering creative solutions for your business success.

Image credit: Foto-Rabe | CCO Public Domain