There’s more to the Year of the Earth Pig than those pink, cuddly, stuffed animals prettifying the malls this Chinese New Year. In fact, as a business owner, you’ll find that you may have some similarities with the known characteristics of the pig: hardworking, focused, and with a great sense of responsibility. They’re also blessed with good fortune in life!

The start of the Chinese New Year—also dubbed as an excellent year for business—is a good time to practice feng shui, an ancient practice for creating balance and vibrant energy in a space. Feng shui literally means “wind water,” which are two of earth’s flowing elements.

Interior decorator Grace Moslares of Magara Designs likens it to simple decorating. “For example, when you don’t feel energized, you can place a live plant on all ‘dead’ corners of your home, and the ‘chi’ or energy would start to flourish,” says Grace. According to her, feng shui also teaches the concept of discipline through uncluttered spaces, which is also good practice for businesses.

In your place of work, whether it’s your office or store, plan the layout ansd use design elements in such a way that the space attracts prosperity during the Year of the Pig. Here are some tips.

Create the ambience for success. The Year of the Earth Pig is said to bring great success to every business and to hardworking individuals. Grace advises, “Choose natural tones and textures with warm colors for your space. Combine neutral browns with warm yellows to attract prosperity, or use natural materials like baskets with plants, and greenery combined with gray tones.”

Use the lucky numbers and color. The lucky numbers for the Year of the Earth Pig are four, six, and eight. When hanging posters, frames, or artwork in your space, group them in any of these numbers. Red remains the lucky color of the year for 2019, but orange, pink, and white are also believed to bring good fortune this year.

Let natural light in. “Have as much natural light and air in your place of business in order to let the flow of energy move freely,” Grace says. Take advantage of windows by pulling up the blinds, and remove any furniture that blocks the light from outside.

Clear all clutter. This is the most important rule, Grace notes. Make sure that each and every area of your office or store is organized by using better filing and storage systems. It wouldn’t hurt to follow this superstition, too: don’t use the broom to sweep dirt, as this is believed to drive away good luck.

Use the five elements: wood, fire, water, earth, metal. These are said to be the foundation of feng shui that create balance and harmony in your workspace or store. “For example, if you want more prosperity, place wood or water features by the southeast area of your space. If you want to be healthier, you can place plants by the east area of your space,” Grace adds. Remember that the placement of furniture should still be according to your needs and function.

As you infuse more energy into your place of business, you and your employees are bound to feel just as energized to perform better and achieve your goals this Chinese New Year. What could be a better way to attract business success and good fortune than that?

For more business tips this Chinese New Year, log on to Globe myBusiness Academy.