Feng Shui for Real Life

In Feng Shui, we know that the rooms that affect happiness the most are the living and family rooms, master bedroom, and kitchen, so if you are feeling stuck, make some Feng Shui changes in these areas. Even a few strategic Feng Shui improvement can make a room feel more comfortable, and that will make you feel happier. Simple changes include switching to full-spectrum lighting, choosing wall color to match the room's purpose, and placing the main seating in the "power position.” In addition, Feng Shui changes in your bedroom will help lower anxiety and encourage sleep, adjustments in your home office can help you work more efficiently, and rearranging your family room can increase family togetherness.

Here are a few more Feng Shui changes in your home that can help promote happiness --

Hide the TV. Researchers have found that the more TV you watch, the more you overestimate the affluence of other people, with the result that you become less happy. To help control how much you watch, conceal the screen in a cabinet or in any way that makes you less likely to turn it on.

Add shelves. Messy rooms can cause anxiety, but a minimalist setting isn't ideal either. Add shelves to display your favorite things, but make sure you keep them neat.

Sit in the power position. Locate the desk chair in your home office in the power position, which is diagonally across from the door with your back to a wall. Try to position your desk so you can see both out the door and out a window. If your office doesn’t have a view, hang artwork that shows natural scenes and landscapes.

Place your sofa in the right spot. The sofa or chair that you most often sit in should be positioned so you can see the door to the room. That's because when you face away from activity, your brain is more likely to produce cortisol and adrenaline, the stress and anxiety hormones.

Let the sun in. Sunlight boosts mood, so hang drapes far enough outside the window opening so your view is unobstructed during the day. For rooms without sunny exposures, hang artwork showing sunny locations.

Vary the light sources. When a room has uniform lighting, it's harder to connect with other people. Instead, choose a mix of task lighting, diffuse ceiling lighting, and hanging fixtures with dimmers. Replace overhead fluorescents in your kitchen with full-spectrum or warmer color bulbs to reduce fatigue.

Encourage sleep. Hang light blocking window treatments in your bedroom and keep a lavender plant or a lavender diffuser in the room to help you fall asleep easily and sleep better. Make sure you have soft comfortable sheets and replace any lumpy pillows.