3 Ways to Quickly Change Your Outlook

Now that fall is settling in, I've been feeling stuck in a creative rut. I began thinking about it and I realized that while we all accept the idea of spring cleaning in order to get a fresh attitude, we don't have anything similar for the fall. It's a shame really, because after the casualness of the summer, getting back to the grind can be difficult.

I did some research and found a great article about using Feng Shui to change your work and home environments in order to get a fresh new outlook. At first, I'll admit that I was skeptical. After all, I don't know what my furniture placement says about me and to be honest, I'm not sure that I want to know. Still, I was desperate for some inspiration and decided that it was worth a try.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that, for the most part, it really helped. According to the Tao of Dana, there are 3 things you can do to change your space and change your outlook:

"Change the side of the bed you sleep on." I tried this for three nights and it was actually fun. The idea is that by changing where you sleep, you can change your energy. If you sleep with a partner, try swapping spots for a few nights. In a relationship, the person who is sleeping closest to the entrance is the one taking the majority of the energy and responsibility. Changing it up can change the dynamic, give you more energy and break you out of a rut.

Take a new route to work or to the store. So much of our daily tasks are done almost on auto-pilot. It takes a great deal of focus to be present long enough to actually pay attention during our daily repetitive tasks. Think about it - do you remember much about your drive to work? Probably not. We can get into routines that become habits and prevent us from actually seeing things with fresh eyes. To break out of this, take a new route to work or buy groceries at a new store or a new location. It's a simple change that can help you be more present and more inspired.

Take advantage of your view. When you're working, it really helps to have a great view. I guess this is why having an office with a window is such a huge job perk. If you are lucky enough to have a window where you work, change your workspace around so that you can see the view while you work. If you work in a small office or cubicle that doesn't have a view, try hanging a landscape portrait in your office. Even if it's not the real deal, it can help you feel more positive and more energetic.

It's amazing how making little changes can create huge differences in your life. As we are leaving the summer behind and getting back to work, add some energy and enthusiasm into your workspace.

Have you tried any of these tips? What were your experiences? Please share your thoughts in the comments.