Utilize January's introspective energy to assess your bedroom space in a new way. Feng Shui is a simple practice that enhances your environment according to principles of harmony and energy flow. Whether you're aware of it or not, your environment - and your relationship with it - are constantly affecting you, and even your sleep. Feng Shui is something that can be implemented with just a few basic techniques, or fully integrated into each space of your home to magnify the energy in each "life area".
So where to start?
1. Rid Clutter
This first step will feel easier if you consider donating or gifting these items to someone who could use them, rather than simply throwing them away. Examples of things to move out of the bedroom are: any artwork that doesn't bring you joy, a desk piled high with bills or paperwork, and any other objects that you associate with a negative time in your life. Try to keep furnishings on the light side and keep clutter as contained as possible - avoiding storing anything under the bed. This is your first stride towards good feng shui energy (called Chi) in your home. The goal of Feng Shui improvements is to keep Chi flowing gently throughout the environment rather than running straight through it.
2. Swap Out Decor
If you must have a mirror in your bedroom, drape a sheet or curtain over it at nighttime as our eyes are sensitive to movements. Bright lights keep us awake and can disrupt our sleep pattern. Try to use dim lights with a soothing color and use blinds or curtains to completely block out light. When choosing a headboard for your bed, chose wood as they provide additional strength and support while you sleep. Lastly, there is research behind the recommendation to remove plants from your bedroom as they release more carbon dioxide than oxygen at night. Carbon dioxide has the ability to affect the quality of your sleep so it is best to move plants to other parts of your home.
3. Move Electronics Out of the Room
For many, it's too tempting to stay up late with a smartphone or TV in the bedroom. Not only that, but many times emotional shows or movies can keep us from falling asleep. It's been proven that artificial light from electronics wrecks your sleep - instead, dedicate your bedroom simply for getting a good night's sleep. To ease into this new habit, you can swap out your device for a couple pages in a relaxing book.
4. Change Your Daily Habits
Close the window while you sleep to keep outside city noise and scents - like cigarette smoke - from disturbing you. Closing your bedroom door can provide you with a sense of security which can relax your survival instincts to help you sleep. Lastly, open your bedroom windows during the day at least for an hour to refresh the air quality in your room. We give off carbon dioxide as we sleep and releasing this will help the next night's sleep.
We spend a third of our lives in our bedroom sleeping and these tips will create a place for rest, contemplation and intimacy. Applying these Feng Shui principles to your bedroom will give you a space to not only let go of the stresses of the day but also get more quality sleep.