De-clutter
This one seems pretty obvious but focus on the surfaces of the room; tables, desks, vanities, shelves, etc. The less you have sitting out, the more peaceful the room will feel. Consider having something on each surface to collect small things you like to keep sitting out – like a jewelry dish, tray, or perhaps a bedside lamp with an organizer you can put little things in. Be careful not to make this an additional source of clutter though. A good rule of thumb is that everything has a “home,” even pens, lotions, cards, remotes, everything. If something is sitting out, resolve to find a location where it will permanently reside when you’re not using it. Once you find a home for everything, you’ll be able to breathe easier without things literally in your way.
Don’t Leave Messes Behind Closed Doors/ Drawers
Unorganized places behind closed doors can provide just as much stress as messes out in the open. Sort through all of your clothes, and get rid of things you haven’t worn in a while, things that aren’t flattering or don’t fit you, or things that you keep out of some type of guilt (for example your old uniform or that souvenir t-shirt you’ve only worn once, and it was when you tried it on in the store). Ask yourself “does this bring me joy?” If not, toss it in the goodwill pile. Be ruthless, because how often do you think of clothes you got rid of and miss them? Never.
Sort the remaining clothes by season, and if it’s an option, keep the clothes not in season in a different closet or in storage area, then sort the current season by color. Arrange something to hold your shoes, belts, hats, and scarves. Don’t leave anything out or on the ground. Is it just me or does it feel like a huge weight was just lifted off of your shoulders?
The 5 Elements of Feng shui
Water, fire, metal, wood, and Earth are the 5 elements. Decorate with these things in mind. If it’s an option, try wooden floors, earthy tones, metal lamps, water features, and perhaps candles to incorporate fire elements. Wooden headboards are highly recommended to promote intellectual growth. Tones of fire can be a stressor in bedrooms, but in other living spaces they can be energizing and promote productivity.
Utilize Natural Light and Air Flow
During the day, keep blinds open and open windows and doors to air rooms out. Stuffy environments can hinder creativity and host bad energy. Consider using a vaporizer or other air purifier, I would personally recommend using a diffuser with stimulating scents like peppermint and lavender. If you can’t actually take a breath of fresh air, this comes close.
Textures
Particularly in a bedroom, fluffy rugs, pillows, and cushions can fuse together with sleek surfaces to create a peaceful and comfortable environment. Be sure to consider a variety of textures when choosing décor for a room, too many similar textures can make the room uncomfortable.
By Space
Feng Shui tips vary depending on the type of energy you want in that room.
For example in your bedroom, you want a tranquil vibe that helps you relax and unwind. Your room should be an escape and even a romantic place, not a place where you worry or work. Try nude or earthy colors, grays, deep lavender, blue, and throw in accents of pink or red for romance. Don’t mix too many colors; simplicity is key in this space. If you are choosing furniture, try rounded edges, as it’s said that sharp points can produce bad energy and tables with sharp edges can even point bad energy directly at you while you sleep.
A space like your car can even be influenced by elements of Feng shui. Be mindful of how much leg room you’ve provided your passenger, scooting or laying back the seat slightly can have a huge impact on how open your car feels. Although if there are people in the back seat, be mindful of how much room they have as well. Wipe down mud from dirty shoes or other spills because stains carry bad energy. Same goes for car seats, try seat covers if your seats are tarnished. A car freshener with a scent of water, lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint can make a big difference in the airflow within your vehicle. Organize anything that is typically swimming in your center console (chap stick, gum, lotion, hairspray) so that everything is right where you need it and you don’t need to stress about looking around for things while you’re driving. Don’t use car accessories with vibrant colors; go for tranquil tones to promote focus and energy to bring with you to your destination.
In other living spaces, like living rooms or kitchens you can go for more vibrant colors that energize you. Go for golden beige colors, or tones of fire (red, rustic orange, etc.). The surfaces can be much sleeker than in bedrooms, having too soft of a living space may hinder your productivity during the day.
For your office or workspace, utilize plants and water features. Consider adding a water feature to your workspace, even if it’s just a diffuser. The sound of water brings relaxation and concentration. Having a plant in your workspace as a symbol of growth and life can energize your workday. Try to stick with more basic colors, the goal is not to be distracting (blacks, grays, rustic greens, wooden surfaces, metal). Face a clean wall with basic inspiring designs or artwork, consider a landscape photo or a hanging metal art piece. Don’t over decorate, and focus on providing yourself with a few elements of concentration and inspiration. Simplicity is key for focus.
Other personal strategies
I swear by diffusers and essential oils, along with candles, body sprays, and lotions. Nothing is more relaxing or incorporative of the five elements than a moving source of energy with water, fire, or stimulating scents. Also, keep things from being dirty; dust/wipe surfaces and sweep floors. The discomfort of walking around barefoot on top of crumbs or inhaling stuffy air provides a lot of bad energy.
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