It might surprise you to know that your work environment might be too active; there might be too much excitement and activity that is actually inhibiting your ability to produce.

To understand how changing your men’s necktie can help you be more productive in your work environment it is necessary to understand some of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui.

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese system blending principles from philosophy, aesthetics, and art to help individuals achieve balance and harmony in their lives. Harmony and balance are achieved by manipulating the flow of Chi, the life force within us and around us. Religious people might think of this as “Spirit.” This Chi is both male and female, yin and yang. Yin, the female, is associated with restful energy; yang, the male, is more active energy wise.

So, if your work environment is active with yang energy, adding a men’s necktie with yin properties can help balance the flow. So what are these properties and how do you recognize them in your necktie?

Colors of a Yin Tie

There are two things you need to think about when selecting a yin tie—color and shape. First, let’s consider color. When selecting a yin men’s necktie choose ties with blues, greens, creams, and beige colors.

Although beige is not the most exciting color, begin your calming tie selection process by looking for creams and beiges. These two colors live to balance the yin and yang energy. So you can’t go wrong if your tie has a cream or beige background. Then look for ties that add blues and greens to the beige or cream background. Blues and greens are promote inner calmness and are considered great stress reducers. So in the language of Feng Shui, in choosing a beige or cream background you create a harmonious field allowing the greens and blues to work their magic.

Shapes of a Yin Tie

Second, let’s consider shapes. The ideal shapes on the men’s necktie to calm the Chi in your workspace are irregular, curved, and wavy. This is where it gets tricky. When shopping for designer mens neckties with a cream or beige background, striped ties are the obvious choice. In the harmonic world of Feng Shui, only select ties with horizontal stripes. These appear as horizontal rectangles that are also desirable. This shape symbolizes comfort and security, traditionally yin.

Your best bet as far as shape is concerned, however, is to consider one of the classic necktie patterns—paisley. Although paisley is not irregular, it certainly is curved. And don’t forget about the vast array of novelty mens ties. Since blue and green colors are very popular in ties, look at novelty ties in those colors first. And, since many novelty ties by definition are dominated by irregular shapes, you might be pleasantly surprised. If nothing else, you will be talking to more people at work which might in itself serve to calm the energy in your work environment.

Although one small necktie might not be able to hold back the flood of yang energy in your office, it might at lease provide a small respite. And, learning to select a yin tie may encourage you to make other changes in your environment.

Author note: If your workplace is too peaceful, consider suggestions for introducing energy in my other article titled “Using Feng Shui and Men’s Ties to Energize Your Work Environment”.