Feng Shui Tips On How to Decompress from the 2016 Election

I think it's safe to say, no matter who you voted for the stress levels have been off the charts leading to the election and now we brace for the uncertainties of what's to follow.

1. It will be in your best interest to reduce how much mass media programing and social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc, you consume. It's a passive way to fuel extra stress, anxiety and even depression. Read this article from The Huffington Post to learn more. It's good to be informed, yet you need to also take a break and allow yourself to decompress from this on-slot of constant information. 

2. Clean your home and declutter. Through this action, besides 'reorganizing' your home, you also improve thought and emotional processing. One study published by the University of California showed that coming home to a messy house can interfere with the body's production of the de-stressing hormone, cortisol. Its vital that we decrease our stress levels. When we do, we improve our abilities to process information with less judgment, provide clearer communication among each other, enhance problem solving skills and so much more.

3. Let the outside in! This could becomes a daily habit of opening up your curtains and/or blinds to allow the sunlight into your home. In various scientific studies, this lifestyle practice has been said to increase the brain's release of serotonin, which enhances our mood. 

4. Take it to the next level and literally get outside to receive the benefits from negative ions. 

5. Be present with today and be thankful for all the blessing you have. Connect with your family, friends, loved one and go back to the basics. 

6. Laugh more! Please allow yourself to keep laughing. When looking for an image to pair with this post, the Chris Farley movie clip had me rolling!! So funny :) See the benefits of laughing studied by the Mayo Clinic.

Is it 'Good' Feng Shui to Keep Objects Under My Bed?

Question: I have a one bedroom apartment in Sherman Oaks, CA. I read in an a Feng Shui article that its not good to store items under the bed. Since space is limited, is there a Feng Shui cure that could still allow me to keep things under my bed and not negatively impact my energy? 

You always have options when implementing Feng Shui into your home and lifestyle.  You just need to be creative in how you perceive and utilize your space. While at the same time, understand the reasoning behind the Feng Shui suggestion of 'avoid keeping objects under your bed.'

To put things simple, energy rises, expands and contracts. This means, if you have a bunch of stored under the bed, it restricts energy movement (flow). Think physics. 

From a Feng Shui perspective, this could obstruct your sleeping pattern because the movement of energy cannot flow evenly around, up, over and through the energy fields of your bed and self. Taking this observation to another level, certain objects are said to carry specific energy charges that could either be beneficial or not. 

i.e.: shoes under the bed. Ideally, shoes are suggested to be stored closets if possible. Why? According to Feng Shui, shoes symbolize other people (could be co-worker's, spouse, children, friends, etc) potentially taking advantage of you.  

If you are one who keeps shoes under your bed and find that you sleep well, there is no extra worry or stress, and you do not notice other people taking advantage of you, then all is good. Again, every person's experience with Feng Shui will be unique to them. 

If you need to store items under the bed, do your best to become mindful and aware of who gave them to you, what emotional content you associate with them, symbolically ask yourself; what do they represent to you? etc.

Example of Other Acceptable Items that Could Be Stored Under The Bed:

• Extra Bedding
• Extra Clothing
• Extra Bath towels
• Small amount of books (be sure the titles and content inside the books are positive)
• If you need to keep shoes under your bed, please store the bare minimum, if possible 
• Slippers and flip flops could be the exception

Feel Free to explore these Feng Shui Tips and discover what is best for you