Have you ever wondered why you feel so drained and tired at the end of the day, and sleep does little to remedy it? In the morning, are you hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock until the second before you have to get up? Does it seem like the efforts you have made to solve these problems are not working? Well, according to ancient Chinese beliefs, feng shui could be the answer.

Feng shui is defined as an ancient Chinese scientific practice based on selecting or configuring a site, structure or interior so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it.

What exactly does that mean?

Richard Shek, a humanities and religious studies professor, said feng shui is a way to help calm and balance one’s inner-energy, or Chi, by the arrangement of space.

“(Chi) is that which animates,” Shek said. “It is that which provides mobility.”

He said if your Chi is overly excited too often, then you tire out easily. That said, feng shui is a good tool to use in your bedroom because it promotes rest and relaxation. It teaches that the arrangement of furniture in your bedroom can negatively or positively affect your energy and health.

Shek said the key to a feng shui bedroom is fresh air from open windows or air purifiers, which promote good feng shui energy. Additionally, green plants are pleasant and relaxing, but fragrant or bright plants may not have a place in the bedroom. Candles without toxins offer the best lighting, but dimmer switches are a good alternative to candles.

Shek also said skin tones, ranging from white to brown, are the best way to relax your Chi. Too bright of colors can keep your energy too high for bedtime.

Nicci Graziano, 22, a psychology major, said she can understand the suggestions for neutral colors in a bedroom.

“Too bright of colors could definitely be a ‘whoa!’ in the morning,” Graziano said. “I like darker colors.”

Other guidelines for feng shui Shek said are important are pictures which display positive images of the life you wish to lead, as well as a good mattress, head board and high-quality sheets.

He warned against lining the head of your bed with the door and said mirrors shouldn’t be at the foot of the bed. Doing any of these allows your Chi to easily be startled, and that is something you want to avoid.

In addition to these points, Shek said it is important to stay flexible when decorating your room. The proper setup for each room depends on the person and the construction of the room.

“I don’t want (feng shui) to be so rigidly believed,” Shek said.

He said although it is advised to keep computers out of the bedroom, it may be unavoidable for students so they may compensate by adding a wind chime, Chinese flute or jade.

Staci Kharitonova, a junior psychology major, said that based on the information she has of feng shui, her room does not completely follow the guidelines.

“My room is funky,” Kharitonova said. But she said it works for her.

Shek’s advice to students interested in learning to feng shui their bedrooms, is to “learn some basic principles, but also ask yourself how you feel with the arrangement.”

He said it is important to have adequate space for energy to flow in your room, but it is most important for you to feel comfortable.

Tygenae Harris can be reached at [email protected]