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Shotgun Living Causes Depression and Anxiety
Hi Nancilee,
My one-bedroom apartment is VERY narrow and long and feels so closed in, and
I can't seem to make it feel right no matter what I do. I enter through the back of the house into a tiny kitchen. Straight ahead is a tiny
living room, and beyond that a tiny bedroom. The entire apartment is like one long hallway with a microscopic bath off to one side. All the windows are on the right side, which is north and faces the side of another
house. I believe correcting this problem will help me conquer anxiety and depression. Help please!
KW
Rochester, NY
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Dear KW
You are right; the layout of your apartment can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Whether we are aware of it or not, our first reaction to a space is, "Is it safe?" and a shotgun layout does nothing to
allow us to easily define the space's perimeters and therefore can increase feelings of anxiety. With little or no dappled light penetrating from the north windows your apartment is filled with bland lighting, emotionally
not unlike a desert. That coupled with a dimensionless, monotonous view
worsens the feelings of disconnectedness. Depression often incorporates a feeling of being cut off or not connected to the things that fill us with contentment.
By altering the above conditions you will feel less anxious and depressed living there.
1. Mount florescent lights or simple wall-mount cans in or above all windows. This will throw cones of light giving your living space the variety it needs.
2. Purchase red or burgundy colored transparent window tints. (You find these in an automotive window tinting shop) and mount between a few mullions in the living room window or if there are no mullions, pattern
them in the windows. This adds the fire element color to this central rather enclosed space and the fire element enlivens and energizes.
3. Loop a ribbon with a bell attached to the front door to enliven the space with sound when you enter. It feels less stark to enter a space with sound. You can emphasize this by purchasing a chiming clock for the
bedroom's furthest wall.
4. Mount a small fan in the living rooms on top of the entrance from the kitchen. Attach color ribbons to the grill protecting the blades. Have the fan on when
you get up in the morning and return from work in the
afternoon. Purchase a timer so that this is accomplished daily without your intervention.
5. Increase the wattage in as many light fixtures as possible, especially now since the amount of light decreases in the winter.
These small changes will add an energy and comfort level to this space that it presently lacks. You'll likely feel the anxiety and depression lift as these changes are put in place.
Best future,
Nancilee Wydra
Nancilee Wydra, Feng Shui Master and author of eight books
on feng shui, travels the country lecturing and
consulting for Fortune 500 companies and individuals.
She is the founder of the Feng Shui Institute of America
and has developed the first nationally certified
professional training program on feng shui in the
country.
To secure additional
information about her lecturing, consulting and teaching
contact her at: NancileeWy@aol.com
or visit www.Windwater.com
or 888-488-FSIA or --for FREE answers to feng shui
questions: www.EfengshuiUSA.com.
Nancilee Wydra’s
Books:
1. Feng Shui The Book of Cures
2. Designing Your Happiness
3. Feng Shui in the Garden
4. Feng Shui and How to Look Before You Love
5. Feng Shui Goes to the Office
6. Feng Shui for Children’s Spaces
7. 101 Ways Feng Shui Can Change Your Life
8. Feng Shui Principles for Building and Remodeling
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