People want to be productive in their lives. Whether it be work, family, or recreation, we all want to know that we are accomplishing as much as possible in our various life endeavors. We also want to know that we are working in the best possible environment to keep our spirits high and create peace with the people around us.
The Chinese have long been in touch with this idea in valuing the concept of feng shui. Westerners, too, have caught on to the notion to some extent. But it certainly isn’t something that has been universally adopted in the West. So it could be worth your while to step back and think carefully about whether the physical structures around you are as conducive as possible to a healthy, productive life.
What can feng shui do for you?
We won’t tell you exactly how to arrange your furniture. Obviously, this means different things for different people. You might like vaulted ceilings because they give you a sense of freedom, or you may prefer snug rooms that provide a sense of coziness. You might debate about picture vs casement windows in Edmonton, but different people have different tastes. What we can provide you with is a list of benefits that designing productive spaces can provide.
Improved mood
Numerous psychological studies have indicated a relationship between company furniture and employee mental well-being. When you feel at peace with the environment around you, you are more energetic, your stress levels are lower, and you feel more excited about getting the job done.
This is one of the primary driving factors behind the creation of coworking spaces. People often see the sizes of their work areas as being akin to their allowable freedom of thought. Consciously or not, many people feel psychologically constricted by sitting in a cubicle all day long. While some jobs may require greater focus, companies and coworking outfits are generally making the move towards more open spaces.
Personalized or unique areas and enhanced creativity
Another thing that workplaces (and this clearly translated to home life, as well) have been putting a greater emphasis on is uniqueness. We’ve all heard the stories about what it’s like to work at Google, where they have bizarre rides inside the office, foosball tables, and swimming pools. Google was one of the pioneers of this idea, but they certainly aren’t alone. Companies are rapidly gaining awareness of the need for physical stimuli to spark ideas in people and encourage brainstorming.
Both your physical workplace and your home can be areas where you express your creativity. You can bring a couple favorite knick knacks to your desk at work to help keep you motivated. And you can similarly keep your home alive by adding your personal touch to parts of your house (especially if you work from home!).
The importance of natural light for our psyches
We hear it so often that it probably sounds cliche, but you can’t get too much natural light. We both need vitamin D when we are outside, and psychologically we need to feel the effects of natural light inside as much as possible.
Natural light is important for several reasons:
- It lifts our spirits
- It makes us more productive
- It can help lower your energy bills
- It helps you maintain a normal circadian rhythm, which leads to better sleep habits
If you aren’t able to adjust your home or office to give yourself more natural light, you should try to replace it as much as possible. If you really feel like you are deficient in this area, you might consider investing in an artificial sun lamp. These lights are popular in Scandinavia and other extreme Northern climates.
Biophilic design
More and more workplaces (and homeowners) are incorporating elements of biophilic design into their interiors. Biophilic designs help to give people some of the feelings of peace and tranquility that nature itself provides. Some of its elements include:
- The use of natural materials, such as bamboo, wood, and stone
- A greater presence of water. Fountains, ponds, and even miniature indoor waterfalls can provide a sense of nature that people need while indoors.
- Plants. People can always benefit from having a greater number of plants around them. Try to vary the number and type in your environment.
- Natural patterns. Some materials can be created to mimic the patterns of nature. This also has a calming psychological effect on people.
It’s all up to you (and the people around you)
In the end, it is up to you and those you live and work with to decide what will lend you the greatest psychological strength. Talk to your coworkers and family and see if you can brainstorm some good ideas together. Your budget will also play a role, of course, but together you should be able to find a workable solution in any case. And then you will be free to charge ahead in all your endeavors.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
