Decorate For Well-being
Does this matter? If so, why?
I’ve spent years studying the mind body connection but even further, how that connection can occur easier when the home is in alignment with who we are and what we stand for.
And when the home is peaceful. When your life feels good. Not perfect, just good.
With young children or a crumbling marriage, aging parents you may need to care for, or your own health battles, this peace may be harder for some to acquire. Yet it’s not impossible to find pleasure in your home so that it can serve you and promote well-being and joy.
Decorating for well-being may sound silly. I mean, don’t we decorate to make things pretty? Or to make stuff work better? Decorating for well-being matters because our physical environment significantly impacts our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. I’ll cover this more extensively below.
Mood and Emotional Well-being
Our surroundings can greatly influence our mood and emotional state. A thoughtfully decorated space that reflects our personal preferences and evokes positive emotions can uplift our spirits, promote relaxation, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Colors, lighting, textures, and natural elements in our decor can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being. You only need to buy a book or google “Color Psychology” to learn the impact color has on the mind and that it’s quite significant. Look at the colors in the photo above - what do they make you feel? For me, energized and healthy. Imagine living around colors that give you the desired results in your mood?
Stress Reduction
A space that reflects you can create a sense of calm and tranquility, providing an escape from the demands and pressures of daily life. When you come home and night and turn the key, you open your door to either a space that feels good or one that doesn’t. You want it to be your haven, your nest. By incorporating elements like comfortable furniture, soothing colors or at least colors that sooth YOU, and natural elements, you can create an environment that promotes relaxation and stress reduction.
Productivity and Focus
Focus seems to be a huge topic more than ever before. Most people really struggle with focus for neurological reasons outside of their control (without some help), while most others have focus issues due to making poor choices each day - they may be glued to their smartphones and devices, saying “yes” more than they should, or not balancing diet and exercise. We all do these things, so I’m not judging! But, productivity and focus can be improved, even for those with something like ADHD, if the environment is organized and designed to positively effect our ability to concentrate, be productive, and stay focused. Cluttered and disorganized spaces can be distracting and hinder our productivity. A well-designed and organized space can enhance our concentration, creativity, and efficiency.
Physical Comfort
I learned during Corona and 2,5 years of lockdowns here in Germany that most of my furniture is NOT comfortable even though it was expensive and from some leading Danish brands. Good design doesn’t mean anything if your physical comfort is compromised.
Ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and good ventilation are essential for creating a comfortable and healthy home. What is more important, an “Instagram” sofa or something that you really want to snuggle up on with your kids and watch a film?
Also, adding in some indoor plants can improve air quality and create a more pleasant and rejuvenating atmosphere, too. Plus, the natural element brings the outside in which can be very calming to our nervous system.
Personal Expression and Identity
Our home is an extension of our identity and personal expression. I know, it sounds like the opening of a decor book. But it’s true. Decorating our space in a way that aligns with our values, interests, and aesthetic preferences can foster a sense of belonging and enhance our overall well-being because we are allowing ourselves to open up and show who we are. It allows us to create an environment that reflects who we are and supports our emotional and psychological needs even if that’s a rainbow unicorn Squishmallow on our bed (it can go in the closet when guests visit - ha ha), or a stack of self-help books by the bed with our favorite candle, the home isn’t a museum - it’s a nest, a nurturing, beautiful place of refuge and love.
Social Connections and Relationships
What happens when you like your home? You automatically want to share it with others! A home that you like can also facilitate social connections and positive relationships. A welcoming and inviting atmosphere can encourage social interactions, bonding, and a sense of community. Your gatherings can leave memories that get almost stamped into your home for years to come. I always remember every birthday party for my son, the day I brought him home from the hospital and gave him a little home tour through each room, the great meals I’ve served. When our spaces are comfortable and visually appealing, we are more likely to invite others in and foster meaningful connections.
Mindfulness and Self-Care
Decorating for well-being involves a mindful and intentional approach to creating a space that supports self-care. It encourages us to prioritize our own well-being and design our environment in a way that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. By incorporating elements like cozy corners, meditation areas, or inspiring artwork, we create reminders to take care of ourselves and nurture our mental and emotional health. I have a yoga corner in my bedroom, so I actually do it more now because it reminds me of what matters each day since it’s the first corner I see when I wake up and the last one that I see before bed.
Decorating for well-being is important because it can positively impact our mood, reduce stress, enhance productivity, improve physical comfort, support personal expression, foster social connections, and encourage self-care. I mean, what’s not to love about focusing on well-being when you take on your next home project? By intentionally creating a space that nurtures our well-being, we can experience a more balanced, harmonious, and fulfilling life and don’t we all want more of that?
Love,
Holly
It is amazing to see that living includes so many different aspects. I always try to take a few of them into account on my travels, whether professional or vacation. Taking things with me like my yoga mat, candles, a scent that makes me feel at home
This resonates so much with me--after I really spend time to make a space all that it can be, I find myself using and enjoying it so much more. Most recently I planted some flowers in our small backyard and the addition of a little color already has me spending more time out there! It’s just so cheerful and lovely.
I recently also shared on my own substack a similar sentiment--the best thing for me about owning a home is creating a space that we can fill with memories together with our loved ones. Thank you for sharing this!