Feng shui tip No. 1: Face office entrance

By Julie Howard
Idaho Statesman

Take a deep cleansing breath. And get ready to bring harmony into your workplace.

The idea here is called feng shui (pronounced fung shway), an ancient Chinese art that situates items in one's environment to allow positive energy to flow freely. By using feng shui, according to this philosophy, one can achieve an environment that reduces stress, promotes prosperity and good health, and enhances productivity.

Not bad for a little redecorating.

While commonly thought of for the home, feng shui principles can also be used in the office.

"I've had some people bring it up on occasion," said Salle Robinson, an interior designer for Business Interiors of Idaho. "One concern is having one's back facing the door. When it comes to furniture placement, sometimes there's only one way to do things with a small room or office."

While it's not a trend — yet — here are five feng shui tips for the office, according to Katherine Allen, owner of Feng Shui & Design in Boise, Idaho:

• Gain the power position

This means you should face a room's entrance when seated at a desk. Cubicle-dwellers are likely to have trouble with this one, but Allen suggests placing a mirror or reflecting ball near your desk so you can see people approach without turning.

"Psychologically, it puts you in a one-up position by knowing who's coming in," said Allen. "Having your back to the door is a defensive position."

Similarly, it's considered bad feng shui to have a window at your back.

"You want a good support system behind you rather than having the energy leaving through that window," said Allen.

Ways to compensate include using window treatments or plants to block the window, she said.

• Clean up your space

It seems to be just common sense that too much clutter on your desk or in your office will ultimately slow you down. In feng shui terms, clutter is a place where "energy gets stuck," said Allen.

Those who like to have lots of items at their fingertips can still be mindful of feng shui by straightening up the clutter.

"You can maintain things on your desk, but do it in small piles, not big ones," she said. "Everybody gets overwhelmed when the piles get too big."

• Activate all five senses

"Make sure there's something that delights the hearing, like music or a clock," said Allen. "You can have aromatherapy on cotton balls, or have fresh flowers."

A small rug under the feet can add a comfortable texture, and a picture of something you enjoy — your family, the mountains — adds something for the eyes. There are also ways to perk up basic office supplies.

"If you don't like your ugly files, then get color files," she said.

• Surround yourself with life-affirming objects, colors

Be aware that everything has meaning, so get rid of that dead plant on your desk. In addition, Allen offers these color tips: "Warm colors such as red, orange and yellow drive motivation. Cooler colors like purple, green and blue let you relax and tap into your creativity."

• Keep often-used items in reach

Having a good work flow around you is important and having important items at your fingertips helps you feel more in control and confident in your work, said Allen.

"Good flow helps you conserve energy for important tasks, and maintaining order gives you control over your space," she said.

Overall, if an environment has a good alignment, then it will provide support for your work, said Allen.

"It's like a recipe," she said. "Get it right, and the energy flows better."