Yes, you read it right – you can set up your office to be more productive, and here are things you should pay attention to. But first, lets make it clear it isn’t some Chinese magic decor or something. Feng shui is both a science and an art that deals with energy and attraction. The aim is to create an atmosphere that elicits unique emotions and sensations.

Feng shui is particularly important in a home office because, unlike in a corporate setting, you have full control over the architecture, furniture, and layout of the room. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to feng shuiing an office; it is dependent on the individual and their professional goals, as well as the purpose of the room.

To put it simply, a feng shui office will help you have a more efficient day, a better job, and, eventually, a better life. Here are some expert recommendations for designing a feng shui-friendly home office.

Don’t Forget About Your Workplace

Take some time now to pay attention to the feng shui of your workplace, and we mean really pay attention to what is going on in your workspace, if you have been neglecting it. Answer some fundamental feng shui questions, such as: What really is going on behind your back? When you first walk in, what do you see? What is the consistency of the air that you inhale? What is the light quality?

Easy and basic feng shui office tips will help you maximize your productivity and well-being at work, as well as establish subtle changes in your relationships with your colleagues. Let’s take a look at a simple feng shui case study to see how to deal with complicated feng shui in the workplace.

The following are basic feng shui suggestions that were given in response to a user’s query on the feng shui forum. Her office was set up with her back to the entrance, several file cabinets at an angle to her office chair, and much too many things on her desk, all of which created visual clutter. It was easy to understand why she was exhausted and irritated at work because there was no focal point or motivational energy to uplift her.null

Do you have a desk and what colors are around you?

This is a serious question – The desk is the single most essential piece of furniture in any home office. Above everything else some people recommend that you make sure your desk is sturdy (so avoid a leaning desk, for example). Make sure the desk is in good shape, the legs are even, and there is no wobbling, regardless of the type of furniture you pick. Keep it clean. This doesn’t mean you should have nothing on your desk, but it does mean you should just have the things you’re working on that day; give your desk some breathing space. We’ve all heard it before: a cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind.

Colors are crucial in feng shui, especially in a room like an office. The colors you pick should be based on the type of work you’re doing. For example, the colors that an accountant would choose for feng shui are unlikely to be as productive as those chosen by a graphic designer. Green represents development, black represents the water element and is associated with wealth, and purple represents clarity. White or pastels help to encourage creativity. If you’re nervous, though, stick to earth tones.

Also remember – Your energy can become sluggish and vulnerable if you have your back to the entrance, window, or general office traffic. Strong feng shui backing can be achieved in a variety of ways, from putting a row of large, lush plants behind your seating area to slightly repositioning your office chair so that you face the wall.

Light and Scent are Important

Lighting is only one way to boost the feng shui in your home office. Working in a dark office can be exhausting, so having a well-lit office is important. Although plenty of natural light is desirable, all offices need additional lighting from lamps. Fluorescent light bulbs are energy sapping and should be avoided.

Another aspect of feng shui is scent. Citrus essential oils, according to Cantley, can be very beneficial on long, stressful days. The Aroma Gem diffuser ($80; saje.com) is shaped like a gem and uses ultrasonically to disperse essential oils into the air.

Defending Against Poison Arrows

The attacking energy, Sha Chi (the feng shui name for poison arrows), will deplete and weaken one’s energy, so it’s critical to correct this situation.

The simplest way to deal with feng shui poison arrows is to reposition your furniture slightly so that no sharp angles are pointed at you as you work. You can also put any office-appropriate item in front of the sharp corners to counteract the negative feng shui force.

Take Care of Your Energy and Get Some Plants

Art or any other office-appropriate artifacts that evoke pleasant, uplifting memories can be highly beneficial. This is a must-have for any office room, large or small, because one’s personal energy can easily be drained at work. It’s entirely up to you what you bring. Bring your child’s brightest art, for example, if it will look good in your room, because we are all deficient in color!

Also, get you some plants. Plants Will Make You Feel More Alive. Plants will do the best job by bringing fresh energy from nature (if they are properly cared for, of course! ); make sure to pick a plant that not only looks nice but also purifies the air (most office spaces have high indoor pollution levels).

Of course, creating good feng shui in any room, including your office, entails much more. All you have to do now is get started (and commit to keeping your office space fresh and happy).