Begin the new year with a clean and organized workspace to increase productivity, reduce stress and boost efficiency.
Though “National Clean Off Your Desk Day” is over, which happens every second Monday of January, it is never too late to participate. In fact, cleaning off your desk should be done regularly to help you declutter mentally and physically.
Curator and girl boss Mika Caram and certified Reiki practitioner and intuitive and tarot reader Annelene Joy Arcero shared some best ways to clean off your desk anytime of the year for a healthier and happier workspace.
Save Things You Actually Need
Caram, more known as Mikheyla Fox on social media, always makes sure that her work space is nice and clean before and after work, and one of the things she does is save things she actually needs.
Fact: People get overwhelmed with office supplies and stuff like receipts, old documents—thinking they will be needing it in the future.
“I look through all of my receipts and discard anything that isn’t necessary. Get rid of all of the extras. The less stuff you have, the less cleaning you’ll have to do,” she suggested.
Caram who hosts multiple Airbnb properties and cafes has only two top desk staples: her water bottle (“More like an everyday essential to remind me to drink water and it’s perfect to keep on my desk so I don’t have to take time away when I’m in the middle of a task”) and her cute and handy calculator.
Smudge or Cleanse Your Desk
For Arcero, a clean and tidy work environment boosts productivity and morale, so does cleansing negative energies in your work area.
“If you believe in the power of energy, which I do, you know that negative energies can become trapped in spaces and in bodies. Sometimes, people can even leave residual negative vibrations. Smudging/cleansing with sage is an age-old way to get rid of these stagnant negative energies to allow for light and room for other positive energies to enter.”
Arcero personally uses palo santo, a sweet, bright and minty wood from South America; and abalone shells as a smudging bowl.
One may use the most common and popular herb for smudging, the white sage—associated with purity—or opt for sweet grass, cedar, lavender or feather.
“Spread the smoke all around yourself first, then over what it is you are cleansing. Next, walk about the area, person or object you are smudging, fanning the smoke. This clears negativity, cleanses, focuses and purifies that which is being smudged.”
How often should one cleanse or smudge his space?
“You can make a habit out of smudging or cleansing your desk a few times a year. I usually cleanse my space once a week, and during new moon and the full moon. Or you can smudge whenever you feel there is a buildup of negative energy, after an argument or an undesired visit, when you start feeling unwell or you feel there is a need for cleansing,” she recommended.
Bring in Some Greenery
If you’re looking for a timeless décor that will make your desk look alive at the same time, Caram suggested getting an indoor plant.
“When I’m styling a living space, one of the first things that comes to mind is to include a touch or exposure to nature, even if it’s indoors. Plants around my work space have helped me to feel less stressed and more at ease. I pick my plants wisely. I make it a point to select pretty yet low-maintenance plants.
Engaging with your plants is one way to keep them alive!” she shared.
And if you’re into crystals, these beautiful stones are also a great addition to your desk. Here are Arcero’s suggestions on what to get:
“For anyone working with or near technology, crystal shamans recommend the energy from shungite as a reminder to balance technology with nature. Get amethyst, to help you begin to get back to a place of calm and relaxation during unavoidable stressful situations. Clear quartz when distractions arise as these clear crystals remind you to clear your mind. The golden shimmer and abundant energy of pyrite crystal is associated with attracting money and wealth into your life.
When you are looking to strike gold, work with pyrite to help you focus on bringing opportunities to fruition.”
Her personal go-to crystal? The ultimate stone for protection: the black tourmaline. This may be used to support your energetic boundaries and prevent the energy of other people from entering your energy field. Think of it as an energetic bodyguard, keeping energy vampires and other negative influences at bay.