While mainstream waited till the 1990s to adopt Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement boasts a 5000-year-old history. Promoting positive energies, Feng Shui suggest that the placement of objects affects our body, mind, and soul. But while Americans continue to paint their doors red and decorate their homes with fountains, mirrors, and plants, their offices remain sterile and cold.

With Americans spending more waking hours at work than at home, building positive energies in the office or workspace can affect your overall attitude and health. If your job’s got you down, it may not be your work - it may be your space. Taking the time to implement a few Feng Shui guidelines to your office or workspace may make the difference between dreading your morning commute to looking forward to your career.

COLOR is very important in the art of Feng Shui. Offices and workspaces are often painted a stark white. This color is associated with death, and therefore not the most productive to work around. If you’re unable to paint the walls, try incorporating color through decorations. Shades of reds, pinks, and purples are believed to promote happiness, while green is associated with growth and success. No matter what colors you chose, though, avoid dark colors. Feng Shui believes that dark colors are too heavy to use on interior spaces.

SECURITY plays a large role in the flow of positive energies in your office or workspace. Does your desk face the entrance? If not, then you may be feeling vulnerable and nervous. Try moving your desk around or adding a mirror that will allow you to see the door or entrance. Having your back towards a window can also bring on feelings of insecurity. Hang blinds or curtains to ward off this feeling.

LIGHT is essential for a happy work environment. Replace fluorescent bulbs with full spectrum bulbs. If you’re unable to do this, then try bring in your own lighting with floor and desk lamps.