As we are already in our second month of 2021 and MCO is probably here to stay if the current Covid-19 numbers are anything to go by, we have all by now adapted to what we call the new norm. With Chinese New Year just round the corner and theres nothing much left to keep us all entertained, it would be most beneficial to invest all our time and energy into an early spring cleaning to usher in the Year of the Ox (and hopefully to have better luck turned around!). And there is no time like the present to clean our water pond / aquarium to ensure a smooth new year and the fishes happily swimming to welcome in good Feng Shui for the home!

Although having a water pond at home with fishes especially Kois symbolises wealth, positive energy and renewal for the household, maintaining and cleaning the pond water can be a huge struggle! Similar to how we need to live in a clean environment that makes us feel safe, loved, and comfortable, so do our aquatic friends who require clean and chemically-balanced water to survive and thrive. Now with MCO, having a maintenance person to come in to maintain the pond will be quite a hassle.

However, it is not to say that we are unable to achieve a good clean pond on our own! With these simple tips from our Koi fish and water pond experts, here are some of the easier ways on how you can maintain the living environment of your aquatic friends to ensure they thrive and have good Feng Shui to always flourish in the home.

Maintaining a clean environment for our water pond is important for our aquatic friends to thrive while good flow of yin and yang can flourish in our homes

Dont overpopulate

Firstly, the major rule is not to overpopulate the pond! When there are more fishes involved, theres naturally more waste that would also clog the filters. Mr Andy Gan, a Koi specialist from Atarashi Koi said that overpopulation of a pond can lead to various hazardous effects such as sickness within the pond or deterioration.

Avoid overpopulation of fishes as it can lead to various hazardouseffects for both the fishes and their water environment

It is natural to fall in love with the gracefulness of the fishes when they are swimming and we love to see more of the colourful motions; however, it is just as common to have an overpopulated water pond. It is very important to not overpopulate Kois, or any fishes for that matter, as it can lead to decreased dissolved oxygen and a lowered oxygen-carrying capacity, as well as toxic ammonia and nitrite levels to rise to dangerous and even lethal levels, said Mr. Andy.

If you have any prosperous aquatic animals such as goldfish or Kois in your home, keep to the essential Feng Shui principle of nine fishes in the pond: eight brightly coloured fishes and one black to neutralise negative energy. If we keep to this number, we not only ensure the balance of positive energy to come, but also maintain the happiness of the fishes in their space and environment.

Feed your aquatic friends a balanced diet

As to how we need a balanced diet, so do our aquatic friends - but they only need to be fed once a day! Fishes generally have a very small appetite and if we feed them more than what they are able to stomach, the uneaten food will eventually be left to decay in the aquarium or pond. Apart from its appetite, the type of food that we feed them matters just as much too! Mr Mah Chin Chye, a Koi expert from Yamakoshi Koi expressed that the food we serve to our aquatic friends will eventually show in their growth rate and the way they look, especially for Kois.

Feed your fishes with a suitable amount of high-quality foodfor healthier and thriving aquatic environment

The colour and growth of your Kois are subjected to the quality of the food. In order for Kois to grow beautifully and healthily, it is important to invest in high quality koi food that provides essential nutrients and vitamins, as well as a balanced source of protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Not only does the type of food can directly influence the Kois health and growth rate, it also affects the water quality as a whole, added Mr Mah.

Detailed research has to be done on the food that the specific breed of fish consumes, as some fishes may be carnivorous, omnivores, or herbivorous. For example, as Kois are omnivorous and they eat just about anything, good ingredients such as high-quality spirulina has to be included in the Kois diet for them to grow into the beautiful champions that they are meant to be!

Have the right-size pump

Fun fact, did you know that the air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen, while our aquatic friends breathe less than one-thousandth of 1% oxygen?

As every pump has its flow limitations, it is essential for us to choose the right size of pump to facilitate a proper circulation of water in the aquarium or pond through your filter in order to keep the water sufficiently clean for the fish to live and breathe comfortably. By not installing the right pump, this will prove very difficult for delicate fishes such as Kois to survive in the pond without proper circulation and aeration, as fishes like Koi require specific care and need near-to-perfect water quality to maintain and achieve a stunning and healthy Koi with minimal problems.

With a suitable pump installed, our water pond inhabitants can live and breathecomfortably and easily

That said, having the right-sized pump is not enough. To ensure good flow for the year, we ourselves need to make sure we enable good flow, and by that we mean to ensure that our pumps flow isnt restricted by debris in the skimmer and to be careful with the pressure of the pump (dont want our fishes to think they are in a whirlpool!). This brings us to our next point:

Clean debris before it decays!

The combination of decaying debris, fish waste and uneaten fish food can all lead to the ammonia levels to spike in the fishs living space. Although the skimmer would remove most of the debris, it is also better to use a pond or aquarium net to skim the leftover debris out before they have a chance to descend to the bottom where theyll decay. In a balanced natural ecosystem, Nitrogen Cycle is one of the processes that holds all these in check.

To put it in layman terms, Nitrogen is essential to all living cells, and the nitrogen cycle in a Koi pond is responsible for biological filtration to keep the water at safe levels to support aquatic life including fish and plants. By recreating the Nitrogen Cycle - be it in the aquarium or the water pond - using the proper filter, the water will remain clean and healthy at a certain standard enough for the fish to live in.

The Nitrogen Cycle maintains water levels at a safe level to support aquatic life including fish and plants.

Grow more pond plants

More than just a beautiful aesthetic to any pond, in order for the pond to be a successful habitat for the fishes, aquatic plants are needed to be introduced in order to maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem. There are many different types of plants that you can use in your pond: floating plants, deep-water emergent plants, or submerged plants -- all of which serve a large role in providing oxygen, food and shelter for our aquatic friends.

Introducing water plants into the water pond can maintaina balanced aquatic ecosystem

Pre-filtration and proper filtration are a must to regulate Nitrogen Cycle!

Are you thinking of rearing Koi fishes in your home but do not have a pond? Good news all, as rearing Kois is not limited to only in Koi ponds, you can still keep your aqua friends in a properly-built pool (yes, we mean the pool that you swim in)! Although both swimming pool and koi pond filtrations are very dissimilar as they are used in two very different environments for different purposes, eventually what both these two needs are pre-filtration and biological filters.

Installing a suitable pre-filter can assure maintenance of a smooth flow in the koi pond

The larger the pond, the more debris will be produced. Pre-filters are not only a cost-effective way to protect pond pumps and to prevent clogs, it also helps to prevent pond fish and other inhabitants such as our stunning aquatic plants being drawn into the pump. For additional safeguarding on the pumps, fish owners can build an extra mesh net to deter the particles from going into the plumbing system - otherwise, there are pumps available that are built-in with a strainer basket to take out large and stringy matters too!

Filtration, on the other hand, is also essential for fishes no matter which living space we put them in - whether it is an aquarium, pond or a specially-built pool. Especially for delicate fishes such as Kois, if home-owners or builders do not understand the technicalities involved in maintaining the pond, the consequences can be enormous and, at worst, resulting in fish deaths and / or infections.

Mr Koo Zao Cheong, Regional Business Development Manager of Waterco (leading one-stop solution provider for safe and healthy water environment company) said that after numerous times developing water ponds for their customers, proper research has to be done by home-owners before they embark on using just any products for their Koi pond.

A koi ponds main aim is to create and maintain a large volume of water which is well-oxygenated and filtered. Therefore, choosing the right filters such as biofilters are the most crucial for Koi ponds as it functions to remove bad Nitrogen compound, i.e. Ammonia and Nitrite, opined Mr Koo.

Biofilters provides suitable bed surface for beneficial bacteria to grow which provides assistance to the Nitrogen Cycle. If research is not done correctly and sand filters are being utilised instead, they will not be able to remove the build-up nutrients from faeces and uneaten fish food which can cause the Kois to be unhealthy or worse.

To put it in the simplest terms, for any types of (home-reared) fish(es) to be at their happiest and healthiest, they need to be living in clean and well-oxygenated water. Just like how a house requires proper plumbing and electricity to provide great comfort for its tenants to rest in, the same logic can be said for a water pond. More so, filtration devices also help us to efficiently maximise the water flow and filtration, while saving time and water which us Malaysians should start practicing too!

By following these few simple tips and getting the proper devices to work, there is no doubt that the water pond will flourish and the aquatic beings will thrive in a home pond. Now we can all attend to our spring-cleaning tasks with ease, bringing in all the good for a prosperous Chinese New Year by providing our beloved aqua friends the best, the healthiest, cleanest and safest living environment they deserve.

Read more here:
New Year, New Flow: How to keep good and clear water flowing in your pond - Malaysiakini

Note: Shelter Island Public Library Programs are online; visit silibrary.org to register.

Art/Rich Poetry Roundtable: Tuesday, 4 p.m., Library.

CoreSyn with Trent: Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 8 a.m. at Fiske Field basketball courts. In bad weather, at the Legion Hall.

English as a second language: Thursdays, 7 p.m. with Teri Piccozzi, Library.

Functional Fitness with Susan on Zoom: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. Email [emailprotected] to sign up and receive zoom link.

Intermediate French Conversation: Thursdays, 4 p.m., Library, Zoom.

Music Trivia & Light Movement: Mondays, 11-11:45 a.m., Senior Center via Zoom, [emailprotected]

Out of school fun zone for grades pre-K to 4: Shelter Island Youth Center, from 2:45-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, $10 per child, per day. 631-749-0309.

Seated Functional Fitness: Thursdays, 11-11:45 a.m., Zoom, Senior Center, [emailprotected]

Seated Zumba Gold: Wednesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. on Zoom, [emailprotected]

Silver Circle: Wednesdays, Senior Activity Center, Zoom, [emailprotected]

Social Circle Club, crafts, games: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Zoom, [emailprotected]

Sylvester Manor Farmstand: Open Saturdays in the winter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tai Chi with Denise Gillies: 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Library, Zoom.

Yoga with Dawn: Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., Sundays, 8 a.m. at the Legion Hall

Zumba with Susan on Zoom: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. Email [emailprotected] to sign up and receive zoom link.

For events on Zoom below, register at least 30 minutes in advance.

FRIDAY, FEB. 5

CELEBRATING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH FENG SHUI, 7 p.m. Laura Cerrano, a certified Feng Shui Expert, will talk about tools and techniques you can use to enhance your lifestyle and improve the energy in your space as you welcome the Chinese New Year of the Metal Ox. Register for Zoom at silibrary.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 6

TRIVIA WITH BOB DE STEFANO, 5 p.m. Quizmaster Bob De Stefano is back with a new set of thought-provoking and challenging questions. Zoom, register at silibrary.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

SHELTER ISLAND BOOK CLUB, 4:30 p.m. Team of Rivals Discussion, Part 2. Zoom.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS FOR KIDS: CACTUS HEART CARD, Ages: 2-5. Pick Up Between: Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, Feb. 13. Design your own cactus heart card, perfect for Valentines Day or just to say I love you.

DIY PAWS WITH CLAWS, Ages: 2-5. Pick Up Between: Tuesday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 20.

Feeling wild? Design your own paws to let out your inner animal and show off your claws. Great for imagination and understanding different textures.

SCHOOL AGE KIDS: FELT GROUNDHOG, Pick Up Between: Tuesday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 6.

Grab your kit and create your very own groundhog, complete with a burrow that it can pop in and out of. Do you think this groundhog will see its shadow?

CHINESE DRAGON: Pick Up Between: Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 13. Bring this Chinese dragon to life just in time for Chinese New Year on the 12th. Use the kit and instructions provided to breathe life into your very own dragon and do your own dragon dance.

FRIDAY, FEB. 12

MY COUNTRY TIS OF ? With Jules Feiffer and Reporter columnist Robert Lipsyte, 7 p.m. on Zoom. From the perspective of 65 years as an Oscar-winning screenwriter, Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist and social commentator, Jules Feiffer reflects on changes in the world today. Zoom, register at silibrary.org.

TOWN MEETINGS

Contact Town Clerks Office at 631-749-1166 or [emailprotected] for Zoom invites.

Water Quality Advisory Board, Thursday, Feb. 4, 6 to 7 p.m.

Town Board Meeting, Friday, Feb. 5, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Community Land Preservation Fund Advisory Board, Monday, Feb. 8, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Conservation Advisory Council, Monday, Feb. 8, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Town Board Work Session, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1 to 3 p.m.

Planning Board, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7 to 8 p.m.

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Calendar of events of what's going on around Shelter Island - Shelter Island - Shelter Island Reporter

The year 2020 caught us off guard in different aspects of our lives, affecting our financial stability, careers, business, physical and mental healthwith the COVID-19 pandemic raging around the globe.Only a month separates us from a full year since the longest lockdown in the world was imposed back in March of last year. As we left all our sufferings and pain last year, we also welcome a new chapter in our lives the year of the Metal Ox.This means there are more things to look forward to this new year.Get to know about your horoscope, predictions, challenges, and what to do to avoid sufferings and negative vibes for the coming year with this Manila Standard Chinese New Year Special interview featuring Feng Shui Master Ang.Here are his tips:YEAR OF THE RAT. Master Ang shared that people born under the year of the rat suffered a lot in 2020, which was their supposedly lucky year. However, the good news for them is that they will be experiencing a better year compared to last year. However, he also advised that they should be more hardworking and persevering when it comes to the workplace. These will help them get back on track from all the losses and challenges from last year.YEAR OF THE OX. People under the Year of the Ox must be extra careful this year. It, however, doesnt mean that they will have a comfortable 2021, although working hard and sharing their blessings wont hurt.All people born in the Year of the Ox need to be more hardworking, patient, and most importantly, need to help those people in need. Because we believe [in Feng Shui practice] that if you extend some help to others, there will be good karma. So, more on charity, Master Ang explained.YEAR OF THE TIGER. Blessedthats what Master Ang described the people born in the Year of the Tiger. However, he also warned them to become more cautious about their health especially in our situation today. But when asked if this year will be their lucky year, the Feng Shui positively answered with a yes, but only if they will put extra effort into the things they do.YEAR OF THE RABBIT. People under this year will encounter problems in their lives that they have to endure. Master Ang, though, classified two types of people born in the Year of the Rabbitthe strong one and the weak. He advised that those who feel that they are the weak type of rabbit to be tougher this year, full of positivity and be more hardworking.YEAR OF THE DRAGON. The Dragon may be the strongest zodiac sign, but it also has its weaknesses. Master Ang revealed that people born under the Year of the Dragon should be more diligent and patient. He also warned that these people, may easily get mad so they should be more understanding.YEAR OF THE SNAKE. People born under the Year of the Snake should be wary of accidents especially when they are outside. However, they will be stronger and luckier this year. YEAR OF THE HORSE. Master Ang explained that this 2021, people born under the Year of the Horse may still endure sufferings and trials just like last year as it is not compatible with the Ox. What they should do is be more positive, hardworking, and tough to endure all the challenges. Greater blessings, however, await the Year of the Horse in the year 2022.YEAR OF THE GOAT. Just like the previous zodiac sign, the Goat is also considered as the Oxs mortal enemy. People born under this year will also suffer from trials and should be more mindful of the negative events that await them. They should also be more watchful in terms of their finances and control themselves from buying unnecessary things.YEAR OF THE MONKEY. When it comes to business and career, people born under the Year of the Monkey will be fortunate if they will exert effort and dedication to their craft, and wont easily give up. Moreover, they will also show aggressiveness this year. Being one of the lucky ones this year, Master Ang advised them to be more helpful to people who are less fortunate.YEAR OF THE ROOSTER. Just like the Tiger, the Rooster will also be blessed this year. But they have to be more hardworking, persevere and be dedicated to what they do so good blessings will come. But, as they work hard, they should also guard their health.YEAR OF THE DOG. The Year of the Dog is also not compatible with Ox this year. But if people will show diligence in their work, bad luck may be avoided. More than that, people born under this year should be also aware of their expenses. They need to do more effort and must not easily give up.YEAR OF THE PIG. The Pig will also experience good luck this year especially with money. What they should do is plan and budget their money wisely. The Year of the Ox will be a good year for them, but must learn how to properly use money.Master Ang also shared that since it will be the Year of the Metal Ox, lucky colors this year will be yellow, white, and grey. Yellow represents gold, white is silver while grey represents metal. Since Ox also gives the element of earth; brown, green, and blue are also considered lucky colors for the year 2021.He also warned that people must be careful of Feng Shui wannabes who sell lucky charms which are contrary to Feng Shui practices. People born under the years of Dog, Horse, Goat, and Dragon must not hang Ox ornaments on their doors as it may bring bad luck to you the whole year. You should also consider the zodiac signs of the people you live with at your house to avoid attracting negative energy.As we welcome a new year in our lives, the Year of the Metal Ox this Chinese New Year, remember that these are just guidelines and reminders.You are still the one who makes your destiny as you make your life choices. You are responsible for your decisions. Theres no lucky nor unlucky year if you persevere and if you always have your faith in God.Kung Hei Fat Choi!

COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publications right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section.

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Find out what your 2021 will be this Year of the Metal Ox - manilastandard.net

If you could catch a glimpseof your future, would you be curious or is ignorance bliss?

According to a recent Lianhe Wanbao report, local fengshui grand master Tan Khoon Yong looked into the birth dates of several of the hottest celebs in Singapore and the region to predict their fate and fortune in the upcoming year of the ox.

We'd be delighted if some of these come true. But as with many things, take it with a pinch of salt.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK_QyoglKNg/

His luck in 2021 will be extraordinary but JJ needs to marry a good wife to help manage his finances or it won't matter how much he earns. His luck willskyrocket after marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJfvh7kJsAL/

He had great luck in 2020, but Mark needs to be cautious in 2021. There may be some issues at home what will worry him. He should stay conservative this year and go all out in 2022.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ2lfyDB9kP/

Yi Fong is wonderful at performing but her resilience can waver. She may appear well this year but it is worth seeking help when health-related issues arise.

Eleanor has many talents but she's weaker when it comes to administrative work. She needs a good manager to lead her. She'll encounter ups and downs this year and she must stayresilient.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK54bfuDcoG/

She should have met her other half by now. Wealth will start rolling in after getting married and having kids.She'll likely marry a wealthy man who's not in showbiz.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoJI8-JgAGM/

She's more inclined to make the first move than him,and it's better for them to marry in 2021.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK3AOaXh9vw/

His career will reach greater heights in 2021 but then falter thefollowing year. He's smart and hardworking, and he has many female benefactors around him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKtttrGshI-/

She should have met Mr Right in 2020 and it's up to her ifshe wants to get married in 2021. She has quite a few good suitors but she appears to be undecided. Jolin will help to boost her future husband's luck, and her fortune will improveafter marriage and kids.

kwokkarpeng@asiaone.com

Go here to read the rest:
Best for Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin to wed this year, Charmaine Sheh will marry a rich man, says local fengshui grand master - AsiaOne

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Solid of Sodium Methylate Market Information, Figures and Analytical Insights 2020 2025 KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper - KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper

Fengshui expert Wilfred Leu tells us how to improve our health and relationships in the Year of the Metal Ox and how to obtain more luck from the luckiest zodiac this yearWhen it comes to setting goals and wishes entering into the new year, improving our love and health tend to rank high among our priorities. We can all agree that last year also known as the Year of the Metal Rat was probably not the best for either.As we usher in the Year of the Metal Ox on Feb 12, we thought we would seek a little help in improving our prospects in both departments with fengshui, which literally means wind and water. Detractors may write off fengshui as superstitious mumbo-jumbo but the concept, also known as Chinese geomancy is derived from thousands of years of observations by the Chinese, who as an early agricultural society has to understand both the land and seasonal weather. Fengshui is thus practiced to allow people to live in alignment with their surroundings.We speak to fengshui practitioner Wilfred Leu, who uses the principles of established by the Chinese imperial palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties particularly in the following books, The Imperial Complete Books of the Four Repositories, The Complete Collection of the Imperial Encyclopedia and The Yongle Encyclopedia. The good news is those born in the Year of the Rooster are in for an excellent year. Fengshui practitioner Wilfred Leu is a best-selling author who consults for institutions in Singapore as well as international celebrities. Photo: Wilfred LeuOptions: What should people generally look out for in the Year of the Metal Ox in terms of health? Wilfred (WL): This year, people should look out for their health in the following areas, the urinary tract, kidneys, and sexual organs. This is due to the Number two star, which represents illness, being in the North this year. The North represents the Year of the Rat. Typically, the zodiac sign of the previous year is also known as the illness element. Together, the Rat and the number two star represents ill health twice over, which means people should be careful overall.The North also represents water, which means any health-related issues could arise from your sexual organs, kidney, or urinary tract. At the same time, this year continues to have a strong metal element. Metal cuts wood, which is why people also must be careful of hurting their limbs. For those who are physically active, you have to pay attention to safety.Metal, which carries over from the Year of the Rat, also represents both large intestines and respiratory organs. As such, we would continue to see Covid-19 lingering until the summer; I would then expect things to begin to get better sometime after the Dragon Boat or Dumpling Festival.The travel industry would only be in the position to recover in 2022, which is the Year of the Water Tiger. Both elements during that year represent both movement and travel.To combat this, put a calabash or gourd, and tie three Qing dynasty coins from the reign of the Emperor Kangxi (also known as Kangxi coins), with a yellow string together in the direction of the North. Why Kangxi? The Chinese word, Kang represents health, and Kangxi sounds similar to the words healthy and blissful. Kangxi also lived to 68, which is considered quite a ripe old age during his time. The calabash is used to absorb the sick elements from the north and the pronunciation of the calabash, hulu, also sounded like fortune and money, another reason whyit is considered auspicious. The number three also represents the wood element, which mitigates water. A yellow string is used as yellow is earth, which will strengthen the metal element, which is the coin. How does this help? If you find yourself feeling unwell, you will end up finding the right treatment and doctor.What about love? WL: Love isnt that hot either partly because of Covid-19 from last year. For instance, people who are in relationships from last year will face two possibilities due to the pandemic you either grow closer due to the amount of time spent during the lockdown, or you may find yourself drifting apart due to the distance. It could go two ways.That said, those who are born in the Year of the Ox may not have good luck in love this year because the animal clashes with the Grand Duke.There are ways to mitigate this if youre looking to enter into a relationship this year, or get closer to a significant other. What you can do is to put auspicious flowers such as peonies and peach blossoms in four (for example, four in the direction of the South, where the number one star that represents luck in relationship and social skills, is at).If you are single and have a particular type youd like to attract, you can put a picture of your ideal man or woman in the same direction, along with the flowers. Dont use roses though, as they come with thorns, and could represent a thorny relationship.For those who are not averse to putting a Chinese lucky mascot, you may also put a picture of a monkey on a horse at the South location of your living room, with the head of the horse pointing towards your main door. This could help to enhance your career opportunities. Even if you dont have a Chinese compass, you may use a regular compass to find the direction too.To prepare for the Lunar New Year, is there anything we can do to boost our luck? WL: If your luck is not very good in 2020, you may want to take the opportunity to clear your house of messiness and clean the house thoroughly, typically about a week before the Lunar New Year. I think this is more important now as more people work from home.If youre a big believer in fengshui,you can also put a picture of Zhong Kui, a Tang dynasty scholar-turned-Chinese deity that is believed to be the vanquisher of ghosts and demons, in the direction of the South or Southeast. That direction represents the Snake zodiac. This year, the star of the Five Ghosts will be in that general direction, hence a picture of the Chinese ghost catcher deity who catches evil spirits will help mitigate any bad luck that may flow that way. In the Qing Imperial palace, it is recorded that they would put up Zhong Kui during the lunar New Year Celebrations. Typical painting of this person is usually seen with a bat or bats, which represents good fortune. Zhong Kui also represents wealth and intelligence, which means putting a picture of him is likely to bring in luck in that department. Who are the luckiest in the Year of the Metal Ox? WL: That would be those born in the Year of the Rooster. If youre born between Sept 6 to Oct 5, which is the month of the Rooster, you will also enjoy plenty of blessings and luck this year. Roosters seeking love should don more flowery clothes, or brighter colours to attract more luck in love this year. If youre not used to flowery clothes or brighter colours, you should essentially be neat in your clothing, and include a bit of red in your outfit.You may boost your luck further by carrying an amulet or picture of a horse, or hang around those who are born in the year or month of the Horse (which is in June). Why? For the Rooster, the Horse is in their peach blossom sector. This applies to relationships in general. So, if youre seeking more popularity this year, stick around those whore born in the year or month of the Horse. The noble people (people who can help you in times of need) this year, are those born in the year or month of the Tiger and the Horse.What about the unluckiest zodiac then? WL: That would be those born in the Year of the Goat, or in July, which is the month of the Goat. This is because the Goat, according to the principles of the zodiac, clashes with the Ox. Those born under the sign of the Goat will experience a lot of changes this year. Not all may be negative, as it really depends on your chart, but changes are certain. There will be big changes in terms of family affairs as well.How can they mitigate this?WL: They can carry a symbol or picture of a rooster, horse or tiger, who are the luckier animals this year. Alternatively, you can also go to places that represent these animals. For instance, the Tiger represents forests and trees, or nature reserves in Singapore. The Horse is represented by open area or vast lands, while both the Tiger and Horse represent documents, books and white-collar jobs, according to the ancient texts.What are the lucky colours and directions in 2021?WL: This year in general, white is a good colour, because that is the colour of the Rooster. This could mean white clothes, accessories, even white food. The West is also a lucky spot because it represents the Rooster.To make the most out of it, you can consider keeping fish, or putting a lamp or lantern in the area to activate the number eight star, which represents good luck. You may also put a picture, amulet, or figurine of a deer you have kept since Christmas in that location. Thus, you may want to use your creativity to put a nice arrangement of deer, water and for some, also a crane in this location. They could be lucky mascots or paintings or pictures.All the good elements are in the sign of the Rooster, so anything related to the zodiac will bring you luck. Should you want to take it a step further, put a picture or ornament of the rooster at home where you can see it the minute you open your front door. Alternatively, carry an image of the rooster with you, including one on the windscreen of the car if you drive, to avoid accidents.To prevent stale luck, you can consider putting a picture of an Ox on your front door. Its important that you put it facing out, as the Ox is the Grand Duke this year. Avoid much movement in the Southeast sector too. This means dont have any renovations or knock walls without consulting an expert on the right date to do so. You could also hang four Qing dynasty coins from the reign of the Emperor Qianlong (or Qianlong coins) tied with a black or blue string in that general direction. The coins, which represent money and status, help mitigate any back luck, especially if there is a door or window in that sector, where you can see a menacing building or object from there. Otherwise, simply keep that sector quiet and have less activities in that area.What about people who prefer not to carry anything extra with them?WL: Now that were entering the Lunar New Year, there are opportunities for you to obtain new notes. What you can do, is to put new notes, with serial numbers containing auspicious numbers such as one, six and eight in a red packet, for luck. Boost it further by putting in a good amount such as $168 or $1,688 in the red packet.Look closely at the number on the note, and you'll find auspicious symbols, according to Leu. Photo: ShutterstockIn fact, Singapores dollar notes contain symbols that are considered lucky in Chinese culture or fengshui. Look closer with a magnifying glass and you will find bats, which represent luck on the $2 note; old Chinese coins on the $10 note; peaches on the $50 note; peonies on the $100 note and deer (which represents wealth and prosperity) on the $1,000 note. If youre not a fan of putting symbols around the house, simply put the red packet in the centre of the house, as well as in the directions of the West and South.SEE:It was a doggone yearAny tips for spring cleaning?WL: It is important to clean out your house before the new year sets in. Chinese culture is about symbols and it is believed that this could be because you have a poor living or working environment, which would be a reflection and extension of your life. In ancient times, people believed that if your luck isnt good during the previous year, cleaning out everything represents a fresh start, a reprogramming, if you will. Hence, we will notice we will clean out everything not working, messy and unworthy before the lunar new year, and then one gets downloaded with all the auspiciousness symbols of decorations, words, sounds and even food from the first day of the lunar new year to the fifteenth day!Do that properly, and keep up with that, and you should have a fairly decent year. You should also look out for and clean dark areas such as the spots under your bed. Id suggest using aromatherapy to reach areas where light usually cannot reach. If you can, use the ones that require you to burn candles with essential oils as fire is a cleansing element but you have to be careful not to start a fire in the house. Clear out any items under your bed too, for better sleep. In particular, dont put anything thats considered metallic under your bed such as electric iron, pots and pans, and even luggage.Sidebar: How to use fengshui to understand the year ahead betterYap: Fate and destiny co-exists to produce the outcomes of our lives. Photo: Albert Chua/The Edge SingaporeAccording to another fengshui consultant Joey Yap people should use fengshui, Chinese astrology and Chinese metaphysics as a tool for them to better understand the opportunities or fate that may come about during the year.At the 2021 Feng Shui & Astrology Virtual Seminar held last month, the best-selling author says these opportunities refer to fate and are factors that are beyond your control. This includes the place of your birth and the era you were born into.The seminar, which was held online, was viewed by over 24,000 people from 38 countries.Yap also says destiny is what we know as preparation. He also stresses that every individual is equipped with free-will, courage and the ability to make their own choices in life.Fate and destiny co-exists to produce the outcomes of our lives, he says.Yap is the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics, the worlds biggest institution for subjects that include fengshui, bazi (destiny study) and qi men dun jia (destiny analysis). The school boasts thousands of learners from more than 40 countries. Yaps group of companies, which includes the Joey Yap Consulting Group, employs more than 150 people in Malaysia and Singapore. He has also given lectures at companies like Citibank, Microsoft and Intel.

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Boost your health and love this Lunar New Year - The Edge Singapore

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Two Island athletes honored by school and community: Lewis and Quigley-Dunning will have jerseys retiredShelter Island Reporter obituaries: Bloom, Hoye, McCluneWeather report re-schedules Goat Hill Christmas lightingLibrary Tree of Lights service cancelled, virtual event on tapSuffolk County reports over 1,100 new cases of COVID-19; governor says residents should focus on vaccineRichard's Almanac: Taking care and making plansHoliday Events Postponed: Weather prompts changeBellone: At more than 5%, Suffolks COVID-19 positivity rate is at alarming levelUpdate Change of schedule: Prepare your home with Feng ShuiStudents, parents adjust to virtual learningShelter Island Reporter editorial: Help the Island to thriveBreaking News from the North PoleMore Islanders take the plunge for a purposeReport filed over Recycling Center confrontation: Town Attorney says employees correct on political signsShelter Island Police Department blotterAlls normal at Shelter Island School: After one day closing, building reopensShelter Island sees COVID cases spikingCooking and crafting with the Library: December activities for familiesSuffolk Closeup:New developments in renewable energyShelter Island Reporter Letters to the Editor Nov. 26-Dec.1Thiele blisters PSEG, calls for accountability: Power company promises improvementsIsland Profile: Hirotsugu Aoki, an artist afootShelter Island School to reopen Tuesday: Decision follows cleaning and consultationsPolice: Truck strikes pedestrian, serious injuries reportedGimme Shelter: Winning and ...Despite pandemic, volunteers pitch in to provide Thanksgiving meals for 70 seniorsSchool closure reflects rise in COVID cases hereSchool closed Monday, staff member tests positive for COVID-19Fish on: Heading out for snakeheadsEast End documentary festival kicks off; 10 days of films offered onlineNo drought on Shelter Island; but Town Board wants to be preparedLove the leftoversPandemic can't stop Islanders from plunging for a purposeShelter Island eateries shifting into gear, and food shops offering many optionsLibrary has full slate for all ages: Activities to brighten 12th month

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Ready your home for the holidays with Feng Shui - Shelter Island Reporter - Shelter Island Reporter

If theres one thing everyone in the world has in common, its sleep. At some point during each 24-hour period, we shut our eyes, quiet our minds, and recharge our bodies. While scientists are still researching the ins and outs of how sleep works, we know this core function brings about a slew of benefits for our mental and physical health.

Research shows that sleep impacts stress hormones and growth, bolsters the immune system, helps regulate our breathing and blood pressure, and improves our cardiovascular health. A long-term lack of sleep may mean missing out on these benefits, and can put you at greater risk for serious medical conditions ranging from stroke to seizuresnot to mention shortening your life expectancy.

Beyond the health benefits and the essential nature of sleep for all humans, catching some zs can look very different from person to person and culture to culture. At bedtime, American millennials might tuck themselves into a set of bamboo sheets atop a memory-foam mattress they ordered online. Their Japanese counterparts, however, may roll out a traditional tatami matand pile it up with a shikibuton (a kind of thin cotton mattress) and kakefuton (duvet stuffed with silk fibers)before resting their heads on a buckwheat hull pillow.

To learn more about sleep habits from around the world, Sunday Citizen took a look at scientific research on how sleep duration, quality, and other factors vary by country. We also read reports from news outlets including Fodors, The New York Times, NPR, Healthline, Thrillist, Refinery29, and the BBC, searching out all the ways people get their 40 winks.

Keep reading to discover 30 sleep habits from around the world, from midday siestas and napping at the office to elevating beds with bricks and drifting off in a hammock.

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30 sleep habits from around the world | Health, Med, Fitness - Statesville Record & Landmark

Community Content| Wicked Local

The Jenks Center continues to remain closed to promote public safety resulting from the coronavirus outbreak. Check our website for updates. Staff are operating with minimal coverage to support older adults in Winchester. Please call 781-721-7136 if you need assistance.

Upcoming events

Virtual: FINANCIAL FRAUDS-TARGETING SENIORS IN RETIREMENT: 1 p.m. Dec. 7. Join Michael Livingood, special agent from the Boston FBI, for an overview of financial fraud schemes targeting senior Americans. Special Agent Livingood has investigated a wide range of criminal conduct, including crimes against children, drugs, money laundering, economic/white collar crime, business email compromise, and frauds targeting seniors. The presentation will include how to avoid becoming a victim of various scams, and what to do if you are or have been a victim. Register at http://www.jenkscenter.org to get the zoom link.

Virtual: EXPLORING YOUR SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Is your current home designed to benefit you as you age? Explore housing options that may better accommodate our needs 5 or 10 years from now to ensure a safe and smooth transition into our later years. Do I need Assisted Living, or will Independent Living be more appropriate? What should I expect from an Assisted Living Community? Is there a difference between a Nursing Home and Assisted Living? How much does it cost and what happens if I run out of money? What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and more. Register at http://www.jenkscenter.org to get the zoom link.

Virtual: FASCINATING TRUTHS ABOUT CREATIVITY AND THE OLDER BRAIN: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8. We welcome back speaker Jeanette Leardi for this two-part presentation, titled Stars Invisible by Day: Fascinating Truths About Creativity and the Older Brain Do you believe you can still be creative as you get older? What is creativity all about, anyway? Is it a skill that remains the same for every generation, or does its nature change with age? Will you eventually lose your creative powers, or can you increase them with the passing of time? And if so, how? Join Jeanette for this engaging two-part presentation based on the latest neuroscientific research to learn fascinating truths about the forms and styles of creativity as well as what happens in your brain during the processes of inspiration and invention. Discover surprising productive advantages of the older adult brain and ways to maintain/increase your powers of imagination. Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist, writer, editor and community educator, has a masters degree in English from Rutgers University and graduate certificate in gerontology from University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Register at our website, http://jenkscenter.org, to obtain the Zoom link. Sponsored by a grant from the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation.

Inside: BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 9. The Jenks nurse will provide blood pressure checks with an appointment. To comply with state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, masks are required, and 10 feet social distancing must be maintained if waiting. The nurse will disinfect between patrons and use disposable arm sleeves for blood pressures to ensure everyones safety. Register at https://jenkscenter.org and a Jenks staff person will respond with your appointment time.

Outside: FESTIVAL OF LIFE DRIVE-BY: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 9. The Festival of Life celebration started decades ago as a partnership with the Winchester Cooperative Bank, the Winchester High School and the McCall Middle School students chorus. Working creatively while maintaining public health restrictions, we are recreating our annual Festival of Life for 2020. While we cannot host a luncheon at the Center, we will offer a drive-by tote filled with lots of fun and festive treats (many of which you will remember from past years) handed out at the Jenks parking lot. We have also scheduled our Winchester High School chorus students to sing while you drive by. For those of you who are homebound and cannot come to the Jenks, we will offer a drive-by service. Call the Jenks to schedule a visit if you are homebound. Generously sponsored by the Winchester Cooperative Bank.

Virtual: FENG SHUI YOUR SPACE: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. In partnership with The Chinese Culture Connection, join Mei Hung as she introduces us to Feng Shui, discussing the history of this ancient Chinese practice, the concept of Qi/chi (energy), and the effect it may have on our wellbeing. Ms. Hung will offer general guidelines on what to watch for when buying a home, what design to avoid, and what is considered good Feng Shui for a room. This session will equip you to recognize whether your living space has a good Feng Shui and what to change to generate more positive energy, enhancing your wellbeing. Mei Hung, a native of Taiwan, is the Executive of the Chinese Culture Connection and has served on the Advisory Council, Mystic Valley Elder Services. Register to obtain the Zoom link at http://www.jenkscenter.org. Sponsored by a generous grant from the Cummings Foundation.

Virtual: Library On-Line-Warning: Low Storage Space! 1 p.m. Dec. 10. Has one of your devices (laptop, phone, or tablet) ever told you that you are running out of storage space? Learn how to view your storage space on your device and what are your options for getting more space (or clearing up the space you have). Join Theresa Maturevich, Assistant Director, from the Winchester Public Library to learn more at this informational session. Register at our website http://www.jenkscenter.org to obtain the Zoom link.

Virtual: COMPOSERS CORNER FEATURES JOSEPH BLANCHARD: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Ever wonder how composers approach writing music? Join interviewer Andrew Celentano for an interesting discussion with Joseph Blanchard, a self-taught pianist and composer. Joe, inspired by the melodies and harmonies of the Romantic 19th century classical composers, composes organically - unaware of the formal nomenclature of notes, keys, chords and theory - and yet, his music is compelling and often magical. You can find him performing in local venues including the BSO Cafe in Symphony Hall. Andrew Celentano, himself a local pianist and composer, interviews talented musicians in the Boston area that compose and perform their own pieces. Register to obtain the Zoom link at http://www.jenkscenter.org. Sponsored by a generous grant from the Cummings Foundation.

Exercise classes

This month we continue to offer weekly exercise classes. Register for your class session, pay for the month and receive the link that will be used for every class in the session. There are no drop-ins. When registering, please type in your email address correctly or you will not receive the confirmation email and link. Check for accuracy! Please call the Jenks with any questions at 781-721-7136.

Virtual: FABBS EXERCISE CLASS: 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting Dec. 2. Focus on flexibility, agility, better balance and strength. Join this fun, gentle exercise class that uses chairs as needed and incorporates integrated movements and exercises drawn from bodybuilding, yoga, Taijiquan, ballet stretch and strength training. Instructor: Hilary Celentano. Registration required; 10 classes in this session. Cost: $50. Register on our website for the Zoom link.

Virtual: TAI CHI CLASS: 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Dec. 1. Our Tai Chi outside classes will be virtual when the weather prevents holding the class outdoors. Tai Chi promotes balance, flexibility and cardiovascular strength, while reducing pain, stress and anxiety through a combination of movement, meditation, and relaxation. Instructor: Hilary Celentano. Registration required; 7 classes in this session. Cost: $35. Register on our website for the Zoom link.

Virtual: AEROBICS CLASS: 3:15 p.m. Tuesdays starting Dec. 1. Join this class to focus on aerobic routines and other exercises for muscle conditioning, strength training, balance and stretching. Enjoy upbeat music with exercises that are challenging yet safe and easily modified for all fitness levels. Instructor: Judy Whitney. Registration required; 4 classes in this session. Cost: $20. Register on our website for the Zoom link.

Virtual: MUSCLE CLASS: 3:30 p.m. Thursdays starting Dec. 3. Join this class to focus on muscle conditioning, strength training, balance, and stretching, all while seated, standing, or on mats (optional). Enjoy upbeat music with exercises that are challenging yet safe, and easily modified for all fitness levels. Bring your weights and resistance bands. Instructor: Gail LaRocca. Registration required; 3 classes in this session. Cost: $15. Register on our website for the Zoom link.

Virtual: DANCE FEVER CLASS: 3 p.m. Fridays starting Dec. 4. Join this class for a low-impact aerobic workout timed to oldies but goodies and current day tunes. Instructor: Gail LaRocca. Registration required; 4 classes in this session. Cost: $20. Register on our website for the Zoom link.

Weekly happenings

Outside: CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH: 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays. Experienced speakers engage in conversation discussing society, politics, culture, movies. All are welcome. Call the Jenks Center to learn more.

Virtual: DROP-IN TECH HELP FROM THE LIBRARY: 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Join Theresa Maturevich, assistant director, from the Winchester Public Library to get help with your computers, devices, apps and more. Bring your questions; shell provide the answers. No Registration required; Join her via Zoom. Meeting ID: 895 0886 7107. Passcode: help.

Virtual: POETRY: 1p.m. first and third Wednesdays. Recommend, recite, share poems. Discuss poets and the many forms of this artistic and emotional literature. Register and obtain the Zoom link on our website.

Virtual: DROP-IN COFFEE HOUR: 10 a.m. Thursdays. Join our weekly Zoom Coffee Hour to see your friends, meet new people and enjoy some conversation. Bring your favorite beverage and drop in. Talk about whats on your mind or ask some questions. Zoom link available on our website: http://jenkscenter.org. Hope to see you there!

Virtual: LORINS ROUNDTABLE OF CURRENT EVENTS: 11 a.m. Thursdays. Join Lorins discussion on our news today: worldwide pandemic, struggles over civil rights, presidential election, and more. Lorin Maloney will facilitate a dialogue on a new topic each week. Learn some history, hear some facts and share your thoughts. Additional ideas welcome! Registration required at our website to get the Zoom link.

Virtual: CONVERSATIONAL GERMAN: 2 p.m. Thursdays. Whether fluent or beginning, join conversational German to practice speaking, expand your vocabulary and have fun. All are welcome. Leader: Peter Rosenberger. Register on our website to get the Zoom link.

Virtual: WILSON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FORUM: 10:45-11:45 a.m. second and fourth Fridays. Join this enthusiastic discussion about science and technology topics ranging from climate change, to solar power, and cyber security. Our meetings include spontaneous topics as well as planned presentations offered by participants in advance. Call the Jenks Center if interested in learning more.

ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP: Since you cannot drop in at the Jenks Center for help with your tech devices during this pandemic, our tech help team has designed a new way to serve you remotely. Send an email to techhelp@jenkscenter.org, explain what device you have (computer, tablet, phone, Apple, PC, Android), identify the problem and provide your phone number. A team member will contact you to discuss how they can help. If you cannot send an email, call the Jenks Center 781-721-7136, ask for the Tech Group, and leave your name and phone number.

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Happening at the Jenks Center - Wicked Local

Innovative and effective lighting helps to make a home comfortable and functional

Your physical environment plays a major role in your mood and mental well-being. Having a space that reduces anxiety is especially important as we continue to work from home as we approach the end of a turbulent 2020.Now, more than ever, architects and designers are called on to design spaces that allow people to thrive.

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Here are seven suggestions from members of the design community for a home that keeps you healthy and makes you happy.

Softer neutrals with hints of color bring calm into an environment. Woods, stone, natural fibers enliven the senses, saysSuzanne Tick, Creative Director atLuum Textiles. Tactility plays an important role as well - we all want softness - but a feeling of safety and cleanability, not sterility, is also important. Natural fibers like wool offer softness, while using renewable resources that can be sanitized as needed.

Daun St. Amand AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Vice President atCallisonRTKL, adds, For 2021, color trends will reflect on wellbeing, sustainability and human connection. Natural hues such as green, blue, brown and white offer compassion, comfort and optimisma welcome addition to interior spaces during times of uncertainty and unrest.

Jared Bradley, AIA NCARB, President and Founder ofThe Bradley Projects,agrees.

Utilize authentic colors and textures through material choices. Selecting materials and keeping them in their pure state, like concrete being concrete color or wood species remaining in their natural color state, can provide familiarity and comfort with the item as well as prevent confusion visually.

We also minimize material and color palettes within spaces in order to not overwhelm the senses and allow all of the other personal, movable elements in a space to be curated and arranged in a manner to further enhance balance and comfort.

One of the most comforting qualities about a home is the lighting, saysSteve Delfino, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Product Development atTeknion.

The ability to balance natural light, room lighting, and ambient lighting to reflect the mood or activity is essential for comfort.You can do this by layering on or shading natural light, accenting a space with room lighting, or adding ambient lighting and task lighting where needed. Our homes continue to become predominantly work settings and we need to quickly adjust between focused work, collaborative zoom calls, and periods of relaxation, reprieve and rejuvenation. Lighting provides energy, and as a building block of life, it signals mood and expectations when we enter a room.

Jared Bradley adds, Introduce natural light not only wherever possible, but in spatially interesting ways. We believe that allowing natural light to be controlled and brought deep into spaces allows a sense of freedom and creates a lightness to the structure. Natural light changes dramatically all day in color, temperature and intensities. By minimizing visual clutter and allowing the architectural expression to be clear, we can then control how we bring in natural light to create a more organic condition of light quality that humans respond to in ways we were intended to.

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Create moments of transparency from the inside to outside, drawing nature in, Bradley says. Allowing continuous views through a space to the outdoors provides continuity and a connectivity to the earth and serves as a peaceful reminder that beauty surrounds us.

"Air quality and sources of natural light will also likely be a top priority, as we continue to see the positive impacts of biophilia on human wellbeing, saysJairo Vives, Lead Architect atPininfarina of America. It is moments like the global pandemic that force us to solve challenges and find solutions, quickly."

Daun St. Amand says,What tenants want is starting to change: as opposed to that pool and sauna, tenants now want an extra level of isolation, such as a private elevator and higher security measures, as an extra layer of safety to reduce anxiety at home. Now, luxury is going to be defined as safety and security, and designers are working to implement those into luxury residences. Top requests now include germ resistant countertops and flooring, greater technology and energy efficiency, more storage for food and water, touch-free appliances and water, smart toilets, and better equipped kitchen for necessary, higher-volume cooking.

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A certain percentage of the population will continue to work from home in the wake up the pandemic, creating a need for more spacious and comfortable apartments that accommodate home office needs, St. Amand says. Designers will have to develop innovative ways to maximize space in smaller unitsfor example, bringing in light, air, and viewsas well as implementing new storage solutions to make sure this new work environment can continue to thrive.

Gala Magri, founder and principal atGalaMagriDesign, says,

I always recommend starting with reducing clutter! Clutter represents holding on to emotional baggage, which can weigh you down and prevent you from moving forward. A cluttered home doesnt reflect who you want to be or the future you want. Quick, regular purges create both physical and psychic space to welcome something new into your space and your life.

Putting furniture in the power position is an easy way to bring feng shui into your space, Magri says. Most importantly, you want your bed or desk to be facing the front door so you are not vulnerable to someone coming up behind you. Additionally, people must be aware of the mouth of chi, or entryway, where energy enters the home. Make sure this entryway is clear, so that energy isnt blocked from coming in.

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7 Ways To Reduce Anxiety In The Home Through Design - Forbes