According to Wikipedia, the definition of workplace stress is: ‘The harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when there is a poor match between job demands and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.’
 
With added responsibilities many people are wearing several hats, and working 9 to 5 surely seems like a thing of the past. 

Increased hours are needed just to keep up with the pressures of fast paced technology and social media. 

Remote employees often find themselves putting in more time at home than if there were physically in the office.
 
From a feng shui perspective, environmental conditions such as poor air quality, fluorescent or other harsh lighting, noise, and even work stations that do not have an ergonomic set up, all play a huge part in creating stress. 
 
Peace of mind and feelings of safety are just as important at work as they are at home.

A Room with a View

Desk placement is of utmost significance in office feng shui.  The intention is to feel ‘supported’ at your desk by having your back face a wall (rather than a window or open area).

Having exposed spaces behind us as we work can cause distraction or uneasiness, putting us on guard. 

A way to bring in supportive energy and empowerment is to hang a picture of a mountain or landscape behind you.  

If you are in an open cubicle with a path behind your chair, creating an energetic barrier with furniture or plants will give you a better sense of security. 

Reflection from a mirror or shiny object that is strategically placed can prevent others from ‘sneaking’ up on you.

For any folks who work at home, please be sure to separate your work area from your personal space.  You can designate boundaries easily enough with partition screens or plants.  

Reboot your Body 

Night is yin/quiet energy and day is yang/active energy.  Get adequate sleep to bring your body back to its natural balance of yin and yang.  Insomnia, or excessive yang, is an inability to recharge.  It is important to determine how many hours you need to feel restored and productive.      

Mood Lighting 

Reduce the strain of fluorescent glare by adding a task lamp.  Go online for full-spectrum bulbs as they closely mimic natural light. 

Elemental Balance 

Irritability and anger could be an imbalance of the wood element.  Healthy plants help to mitigate these detrimental emotions.  They also clean toxic air. 

Let it Flow

Water in feng shui symbolizes money.  Add a tabletop fountain or beach scene to the entryway of your space (north corner of the bagua). This yin element also helps to offset yang energies found in work spaces.
 
Got (Good) Chi?

We are affected by the energy in all things.  Clutter breeds chaos and stress.  Organize and clear off your desk.  Give yourself breathing room by keeping only what is used daily.  No piles on the floor, please!  Don’t forget about digital de-cluttering.  ’Out with old’ means ‘in with new’…thoughts, energy, opportunities, etc!  

Get Personal 

Create a sense of belonging at work by having things that you own and love.  The view as you look out from your desk is a main focal point.  Add something motivational or conceal what is unsightly.  Blue reduces tension.  Black is calming. Flowers make us happy.  

Get (Tao) Connected  

Go outside daily for small breaks to reconnect with the natural rhythm of nature. Natural light and fresh air alleviates anxiety.

De-stress through Gratitude

Decrease the negative; increase the positive.  Rather than ruminate on the undesirables, come up with two positives for every negative.

Finally, try to maintain a sense of humor.  What better way is there to relieve tension than a good belly laugh?

These words, commonly heard during feng shui consultations, usually refer to the most disorderly of rooms – garages.

Often times it seems that these scary places are not considered to be part of our living space. Instead, they become storage sheds attached to our houses.

In some instances they are packed with so much stuff that a car cannot even fit.

Folks would rather park in a driveway and endure rain, cold and snow than participate in the daunting act of clearing out unused or unwanted items.

The room’s purpose goes from car protector to stuff collector.

It is a misconception that a garage that is packed to the gills does not affect us on an energetic level.

Every time you enter a disorganized space, whether on foot or by car, your subconscious mind goes into “I need to get to this” mode.

Instead of feeling relaxed that you are home safe and sound, the chaotic energy brings on unnecessary stress.

Give your garage purpose and make use of the space. Use pegboards and shelving for easy access of garden tools and cleaning supplies.

Pay particular attention to the wall directly in front of you as you enter. This is a perfect spot to change an unwanted pattern with a supportive saying or plaque.

Treat it like a room. Cleaning and sweeping the area not only clears out stale chi, it prevents the dirt from being tracked into the house.

Color is an easy way to change the energy of a space. Hang some artwork that is bright and cheerful.

Toxins from paint can meander into your living space. Go through old cans and dispose of them in an environmentally safe way.

All your belongings contain energy. Insidious clutter brings in stuck, negative energy that can prevent you from moving forward in life. Clear out the space and break the cycle of procrastination.

Don’t let the stagnation of clutter create energetic barriers that prevent you from manifesting what you desire.

With the energy and newness of spring, now is the time to organize and clear out what no longer serves you. Discard/donate/sell.

Consider making a donation with your proceeds to offer relief for Japan. It will make you feel good.

You know, it just occurred to me why they call it a garage sale.

Feng shui teaches us that to make changes in our lives, we can start by making changes in our environments.  Feng shui is about tuning into our personal spaces and taking inventory of what works and what doesn’t – both literally and figuratively. 

Clutter clearing is a branch of feng shui that helps us to sort our lives and restore balance.  As we clear out old energies, we bring in the new.

We learn from scientific studies that all things are comprised of energy.  Addressing our clutter and removing any unused, broken or unwanted objects helps us to release lower energies from our surroundings.  As a result, we can then experience a renewal of positive life force energy and make way for new things to come in.

Clutter in one’s space not only leads to stress and potential health issues, but it also results in demotivation and lethargy.  The stale energy that clutter breeds prevents us from being able to move forward in life, thus making it harder to make necessary changes and accomplish our goals.

We can set the stage for change simply by adding or removing something in our personal environments.  Decluttering and eliminating things that are not important frees up energy, space and time for the things that do matter.

The process of decluttering, however, can be quite overwhelming.  To mitigate procrastination, start with a small area – such as one drawer or closet shelf.  Because we spend 1/3 of our lives in the bedroom, I would suggest that you focus on this room first.

If you need an extra bit of discipline, set a timer to help manage your time.  Set aside 10-15 minutes a day and make the commitment to sort through the items one at a time.  During the process ask yourself why you are keeping it, and then make quick decisions on what should be kept, trashed, recycled or donated.  Things that make you feel good and contribute to the quality of your life belong on the stay list; all else can go.  A good motto to keep in mind:  if you don’t use it – lose it!

Once you get on the clutter ride you will be amazed at the amount of energy you gain and just how contagious it becomes.  The momentum will grow and your 15 minutes will easily turn into 30 minutes.  Before you know it, an hour will have gone by and you will feel a noticeable energetic shift and uplifting, as positive energy flows in your surroundings.

Decluttering brings in clarity and focus, and helps you take control of your life.  By paying attention to what is going out, you will naturally become more aware of what is coming back in.  The personal decisions you make as you manage your clutter will allow you to create an environment of your own choosing.  You will feel nurtured as you surround yourself with things that you love.

It’s time to release that stuck energy and get out of your rut.  Start the New Year by letting go of the past and making space in your life for new possibilities!