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How To Feng Shui Your Computer & Boost Productivity

by Ayla El Assaad

You can also read this article in German, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Try out our 7 ways to apply the principles of Feng Shui to your computer and digital devices. It can really make a difference.

So, you’ve been working from home, socializing on Zoom, studying online, and attending virtual exercise classes. Everything we do nowadays involves a computer screen, so it makes sense that you’d want your devices to be at their best. This is where Feng Shui comes in.

But first...

What is Feng Shui?

Photo by Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

Photo by Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that examines how our lives are influenced by our interactions with our environment. It’s believed that the arrangement and flow of energy, known as qi, can have a profound impact on our well-being and success. By optimizing the placement of objects and structures in our surroundings, Feng Shui aims to create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere that promotes positive energy and enhances various aspects of our lives. If we allow Qi (pronounced “chi”), the vital life force or energy linking all living things, to flow in our lives, we achieve balance with the natural world around us.

The Principles of Feng Shui

Photo by Nandhu Kumar from Pexels

Photo by Nandhu Kumar from Pexels

The most important principles are the five elements and the Bagua map. They can help us design our homes or rearrange any space to enhance Qi flow. Of course, physical spaces are where the idea is most commonly used, but we can also apply them to other areas to achieve balance and enhance productivity, like our devices.

If this all sounds a little complicated, don't worry! Just follow these simple tips, and you’ll feel energized in no time!

How To Feng Shui Your Computer (& Other Devices)

Unsplash Nathan Riley

Unsplash:Nathan Riley

Commanding Position

 

First things first, where should you put your desk? In the commanding position. This simply means furthest from the door, but facing it diagonally. Now you are ready to face whatever comes into your life!

Green Is Always Good

 

Plants are an excellent addition to any space. They emit harmonious energy, and keeping one near your computer will combat any negative electromagnetic energy. They also release life-giving oxygen and mop up carbon dioxide, keeping the air around you fresh and clean. Plus, they’re pretty to look at.

Organize & Declutter

 

Now, let’s tackle the computer itself. Does your desktop look like a random collage of icons? You guessed it; not good. Clutter is a big no-no in Feng Shui.

Review each and every item. Only keep shortcuts and icons you use regularly. Create a home for everything else by organizing it intuitively in folders. As Marie Kondo says, “Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong.”

Take it a step further and use paperless office software like Smallpdf (it works across web, desktop, and mobile, which means you'll have PDF tools wherever, whenever!). Using paperless office software won't just help you declutter; it will also save you money, time, space. Ultimately, it also contributes to saving the planet.

Use our 5 Steps To a Paperless Home Office guide to help you get started.

Backgrounds & Screensavers

 

Choose images that inspire you and make you feel good. Pictures of your loved ones or nature are a good idea. Most experts suggest water-related images to boost prosperity; water symbolizes wealth in Feng Shui! Ka-ching!

Let the Qi Flow

 

Qi needs to flow through your computer like it does through your home. Switch on your computer daily to ensure Qi doesn’t get trapped—you need to keep it fresh.

Stay Healthy

 

If your computer isn’t functioning optimally, you can’t function optimally. Run your antivirus software often to maintain your computer’s health. Regularly scanning your computer with antivirus software helps identify and remove any potential threats that could impact its performance. This proactive approach ensures that your computer stays in good health, allowing you to work efficiently and without interruptions.

Always Start Fresh

 

Starting your workday with a browser open to a million tabs will only remind you of everything you couldn’t finish the day before. Try to close all your tabs and shut down your computer at the end of your workday—this will help you clear your mind. It’s easy to think you may need those tabs tomorrow, but really think about it. Most likely, you don’t need that tab ever again. And even if you do, you can open it up more quickly than if you had to search for it among all those other open tabs. Don't forget to tidy up your desk.

Now you’re ready to feel the Qi and hack your productivity! Good luck!

Check out Smallpdf's handy suite of PDF tools to streamline your digital devices.

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Ayla El Assaad
UX Writer @Smallpdf