a feng shui perspective, a view or picture
also helps you take your focus off yourself
into the world, which is helpful when work
stress becomes overwhelming.
Reduce electromagnetic
radiation (EMR)
While we can’t make EMR go away, we can
be aware of the subject and minimise it,
Ashworth says.
In 2011, radio frequency wireless
radiation (one form of EMR) was
classified as a Class 2B carcinogen by
the International Agency for Research
on Cancer. RF EMR is emitted by mobile
phones and WiFi, including WiFi-connected
laptops, iPads and cordless phones.
Strategies to minimise EMR focus on
increasing the distance between you and
the source and reducing your time around
such devices. Some barrier strategies are
also available.
Use a wired land-line phone and
computer and keep WiFi equipment including
the wireless router as far from you as
possible. Avoid working with your device on
your body, use your mobile phone on speaker,
limit the length of calls and text rather than
phone. Turn off your WiFi at night. Shielded
boxes, cases and covers and filters for your
devices can also be purchased.Harness natural light
Another reason to constrict your use of
computers and phones is that they emit
blue-spectrum light. This growing issue has
been associated with insomnia, hormone
imbalances, eye damage and other health
problems. Along with reducing screen
time, minimise blue light by using an anti-
blue light screen filter. Swap your Kindle
reader and smart phone for old-fashioned
notebooks, workbooks and diaries.
Like the rest of the indoor environment,
the home office is a source of artificial
light and low in the natural full-spectrum
sunshine your body thrives best on. Vitamin
D deficiency affects 23 per cent of the
Australian population (according to ABS
data) and is linked to a range of health
issues from osteoporosis to depression.
If you’re able, place your home office inthe sunniest room of the home and take
regular breaks outdoors.
Minimise fluorescent lighting in favour
of the old-fashioned incandescents, which
emit lower levels of ultraviolet radiation and,
unlike CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps),
don’t contain mercury. It’s also important
to light your work space well to avoid eye
strain. “A good task light on your desk
can overcome a multitude of problems,”
Ashworth says.Work with colour
Harness the psychological powers of
colour to produce a mood that fosters
concentration, creativity and calmness.
Ashworth recommends more yang (the
more active, light component of energy in
Taoist philosophy) colours and energy in the
home office environment. “It should have
more fire — bright colours like orange and
red — to keep you activated. It’s not meant
to be relaxing.”
Red-and-yellow-coloured rooms
increased alertness, mental activity and
agitation more than those coloured blue,wellbeing.com.au | 45