Clear desk, clear mind: clearing clutter

DECLUTTERING WORK SPACES.

• keep your desk as clear as possible. Keeping only what you are working with on it helps you to concentrate on the task in hand.
• File papers away once you have finished working with them. Don't let them pile up on the floor.
• When papers arrive on your desk, decide straightaway what to do with them: act on them now; file them for future use; or throw them away.
• Keep your waste bin by your desk and open your post over it. Anything you don't need can go straight into the bin.
• Make time to go through your filed documents and papers regularly. Throw away any that are out of date or no longer needed.

FOCUS YOUR MIND

• keep a candle burning on your desk to focus the mind.
• a few drops of bergamot or pine oil are energizing and uplifting. Rosemary oil helps concentration - but don't use it if you are pregnant or suffer from epilepsy.

BOOST YOUR CAREER

• Place your desk so you sit with your back to a solid wall with a good view of the door and the window.
• A desk lamp on one side helps focus attention - in the top left hand corner to improve finances.
• Fresh cut flowers stimulate mental activity and cleanse the atmosphere.
• Put your telephone on the right to make the people you call more helpful. If you are left-handed, keep your address book on your right to gain similar effect.
• Keep essential reference books on your left-hand side - the knowledge area.
• If your work is creative, have a rounded desk. If your work involves figures or is very precise a rectangular desk is better but ideally still with rounded corners.
• Try to use a rectangular briefcase of handbag to make you more inclined to complete projects.
• Your computer should be centred at the back of your desk. This area governs fame and recognition. Behind it, put something on the wall to remind you what you want to achieve - a photograph, newspaper cutting, or a collage of work goals.
• Place something on the left hand side to remind you of the spiritual aspect of your life. A small statue, a framed picture, or a beautiful stone.
• Don't overload your desk with pictures of family - you will be distracted. But a couple of photos can sit in the middle and top right-hand corner.