Feng Shui expert, Ann Bingley Gallops, has shared her insight with us before.  Today she’s back with a specific focus on how to reduce stress in the bedroom.

Did you know that 43% of American adults suffer adverse health effects from stress? Or that two-thirds of all visits to doctors’ offices are due to stress-related symptoms?

If you or your clients suffer from stress, one of the things you may be missing out on is deep, healthy sleep. Feng Shui offers a few simple solutions for creating a bedroom atmosphere that’s relaxing, soothing and serene, where you can reduce your stress and regain your health.

Take these steps to a better night’s sleep – and reduce the stress in your life.

1. Clear the clutter.

A cluttered bedroom = confused, nervous energy surrounding you as you sleep.  Sort through everything in the room, removing everything that’s not strictly sleep-related – that includes books, electronic equipment, the treadmill… you get the idea. If your bedroom absolutely must serve a secondary function – as a home office, for instance – find a way to screen it off from view when you sleep.

2. High ceilings?

Cathedral ceilings have become a fact of life in many modern American bedrooms, but they are a Feng Shui no-no in the bedroom, where feeling coddled and safe is priority #1.  Overly high ceilings call for a solution that brings things back to a more human scale: a canopy bed, curtains that create a cozy nest, even darker paint on the ceiling to bring it “back down to earth.”

3. Remove mirrors.

Even though they are so very common in bedrooms, mirrors may be increasing your stress by stirring up the atmosphere as you sleep.  Their hard, cold energy – reflecting every little bit of light in the room — is the opposite of cozy, warm feeling you want to create. I’ve had so many success stories with clients who have removed the mirrors from their bedrooms – try it and see for yourself.

4. Place your bed to put yourself “in command.”

With Feng Shui’s Command Position you reduce your stress by putting yourself in control of your room, even as you sleep.Place your bed so you can easily see the door to your room as you lie in bed.  The ideal spot is out of the direct line of the door, so “Chi energy” can meander around the room a bit before flowing around you as you sleep.

5. A headboard for your bed.

A headboard for your bed = a mountain at your back.  This classic Feng Shui principle keeps you feeling even safer and more secure as you sleep. It’s best to avoid metal or barred headboards: solid wooden headboards are best for a warm sense of sanctuary and protection.

6. Keep the lights down low.

Bright or overhead lights make your room feel like it’s daytime.  Avoid “full-spectrum” lighting in your bedroom, and put as many lights as you can on dimmers to create a dark and welcoming environment that’s conducive to sleep.

Feng Shui is a wonderful stress-reduction strategy.   I hope you’ll put as many of these tips into practice as you can to live a more relaxed and happy life.

About The Author

Ann Bingley Gallops and Open Spaces Feng Shui offer a modern, practical approach to the ancient art of Feng Shui, enhancing your life with balance and good health. Ann has been practicing Feng Shui since 1996, and received her Practitioner’s Certificate from the Western School of Feng Shui.

Her background includes an MBA from Columbia University as well as Red Ribbon Professional accreditation from the International Feng Shui Guild, the highest Feng Shui qualification available in the U.S.  Ann’s services include consultations for homes and offices, plus space-clearing & blessing ceremonies and long-distance “virtual” consultations.

Connect With Ann: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | E-Mail | 646.382.3878