5 Tips to Lessen Stress in a VERY New/Old Way

There’s lots of information available on what stress can do to undermine your health, wellbeing and productivity. The fact is most of us are either sitting in the midst of or looking at some of the answers to alleviate some of those stresses. De-stressing at the office helps a lot toward de-stressing your life.
Depending on your viewpoint of what constitutes an optimum working environment – everything in its place and a place for everything or “where is it?” – There are still other aspects that function with you or against you in the getting work done and feeling good about it.
We are talking about the physical spaces. If you are in a beautifully designed space with an inviting reception area, meeting spaces and offices out of a commercial furnishings brochure you are probably in one of the better physical environments. And yet there are still elements, even in this arrangement that can undermine you and your work.

Awareness Tips:

  1. No Clutter – unopened boxes, storage boxes, file folder stacks, unused or broken office equipment (chairs, computers, printers/faxes/scanners, unused extra furniture)

Why? Even if you know what is in those boxes, stacks, etc. they will create a cluttered mind just as they clutter the spaces in the room – in good business practices, it is important to have “space” to think and create – when the minds-eye sees “stuff”, it becomes preoccupied with the stuff. Remove them. Store where they belong (not in your workspace). Notice the sense of freedom when done.

  1. Good Lighting – means using less overhead (fluorescent) and more incandescent/spot lighting in the form of recessed canned/top-hat ceiling lights, floor and table/desk lamps.

Why? Overhead lighting, including “good” full spectrum fluorescent bulbs is still over-whelming and creates conditions within the brain which TIRE you. Anything over your head is “hanging over your head” literally and diminishes your sense of well-being. Also, desk and floor lamps put light where you want it to define working and talking spaces as well as enhancing wall art and lighting up the dark corners where the contrast is what I call energy stealing. Turn off the ceiling lights, bring in some lamps and relax into your work.

  1. Décor/Art – believe it or not, the items you choose define you and display your talents, accomplishments and interests that also support you. There may be office culture “do’s and don’ts” but there is still leverage to create the space you find comfortable and comforting.

Why? We all know art supports a highly functioning community and gives more value back so why would this not work in our own micro world?

It personalizes and owns the space – a very powerful supporting element. And it brings in texture and color to add dimension to the space. Bring it on! Photos in great black frames, well framed art and prints – even appropriate posters – you will love it and so will those who visit or conference with you. You are defined by those choices.

  1. Wall Color and Texture – Color is Good. Depending on the type of business: professional, commercial or retail and everything in between, there are perfectly wonderful colors in hues from vibrants to subtles. Defining the space, the importance of the work you do and the people you work with and for, sets you and the work you do apart from another – A great de-stressor. Area rugs and many wall coverings function too for texture.

Why? Color has meaning, vibration and power to shift thinking and emotions. If you wish to energize you and the space, choose warm colors like yellows/golds/reds and to calm, choose blues/greens/grays. Within all of these colors range shades from deep to pale…you see you CAN use color. Texture is another way of adding flow. Try it.

  1. Placement/Space Arrangement – Never put too much in your space no matter how much you think you may need it. Always put your chair behind the desk facing the door and best at an angle rather than directly facing the door. Always have what you need (work spaces, credenzas) as close as possible to where you are. If you have room for seeing a guest and the space, a small seating area where you can talk is always best than from across your desk (unless you want the power of the desk between you).

Why? If you cannot navigate your space easily without twisting and turning, you are depriving yourself freedom – in this case it also means you think cramped and very possibly not creatively – from which all good work and ideas come. Space = Freedom = Creativity = Less Stress

Think on this concept that your space in a reflection of you. It can mirror who you want the world to see; it can enable you to think and act more creatively (and creative here does not mean “an artist” – it means time to consider and think through); and it empowers you and what you do by the energy you put into it. Remember: De-stressing at the office helps a lot toward de-stressing your life.

Bonnie Primm, Certified Life Coach, Marketer and Feng Shui Consultant works with commercial and residential spaces. Beyond Feng Shui – Connecting the Dots in marketing, coaching and consulting. www.bonnieprimmconsulting.com, bonnieprimm@bonnieprimmconsulting.com, bonnieprimm@yahoo.com (757)652-7993