Setting up your study space for back to school
Photo by George Milton from Pexels
Around this time of year, many of us are starting to feel that back to school energy! Whether you’re heading back to school or not, you may notice that with the fall approaching you’re feeling inspired to sit down at your desk and focus a bit more on work or personal projects. Maybe you even feel inspired to learn a new skill or take a course that you’re interested in!
Whatever you are working on, here are a few tips for setting up your study space for the back to school season:
Create a designated space.
It’s common to see rooms and spaces that serve many functions. Especially with so many of us working and attending classes from home over the past year and a half, we’ve seen many people set up work spaces or study zones in their bedrooms, living rooms, and dining tables. This is ok, but it’s best to create as much of a separate study space as possible. This makes it easier to focus when you’re working, as well as easier to wind down and relax after a long day of work or classes.
If you do have the luxury of an extra room to use as a home office, we would encourage you to make the most of it! Otherwise, do what you can to make your study space feel separate from the other parts of your home. If you can, set up a permanent desk somewhere that will be your study space whenever you are working from home. You may want to also set up a room divider, curtain, or bookcase to further define the space.
If you don’t have room for a separate desk and you have to work from your kitchen table, make sure to put away your study materials when you are done for the day. It can be helpful to have a designated bin or shelf to put these things when you are not using them, so that you can easily transition from work or school to downtime.
Declutter and organize.
While feng shui is not the same as decluttering, removing clutter can sometimes be helpful when it comes to improving the flow of energy in your home. If your study space is full of objects that you are no longer using, or things that distract you from your work, it’s a good idea to let them go. Autumn is also a perfect time to organize and clean your study space, so that you can focus on what’s most important to you right now. Remove anything that isn’t connected to your current studies or projects, and then organize the things you do need in a way that makes sense to you.
Set up your desk and chair.
Ideally, your desk should be set up in a way that allows for the most supportive flow of qi (life force energy) while you are working. First, place your desk in the commanding position if you can. This means that you are able to see the door from your desk, without being directly in line with the door. Being in command at your desk means that you are aware of any opportunities or obstacles that may be heading your way, and it also puts you in a position that minimizes stress and unease. If this isn’t possible in your space, you can add a mirror that allows you to see a reflection of the door from your desk.
You’ll also want to be mindful of your view when you are sitting at your desk. Instead of looking at a blank wall, try to arrange your space so that you are looking at something that uplifts and inspires you, like a piece of artwork that you love. It’s also best not to have a window directly in front of you; this can be distracting and can shift your energy away from your work.
Choose your chair.
It’s also important to have a chair in your study space that can hold and support you. Choose something with a high back for more support and stability, and make sure it is comfortable. If you are looking for a new desk chair, you may want to choose a chair in a specific color to invite certain types of energy into your studies - here are a few ideas to get you started:
Red: Inspiration and passion
Brown or yellow: Support and grounding
Green or blue: New beginnings and vitality
Black: Wisdom and intuition
White: Precision and organization
We hope this helps you create a study space that nourishes and supports you. If you are feeling inspired to work with this season’s energy by learning something new, we encourage you to check out our feng shui certification program beginning in September!