Based on research, the amount of time we spend indoors in the United States is approximately 90%. As indicated by the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this number has remained largely consistent for decades. When indoors, we're susceptible to various factors that can impact our wellbeing and health ranging from overstimulation to pollutants. With this in mind, intentionally considered and created environments are essential to strengthening experiences of emotional health and physical wellness. Spaces that foster decreased stress, focus, productivity, and rest are optimal to truly supporting our longevity and care.
While we receive routine social messaging highlighting wellness practices like healthy eating and exercise, there is much less emphasis on the role of our physical environments at home and work. Our spaces have the potential to trigger stress and sickness or to aid our physical and emotional health. Consider the benefits of prioritizing natural and sustainable elements, soothing tones and textures, also organizational systems to promote order and calm in our lives. These tools support alignment with both a relaxed body and a regulated nervous system, ultimately improving our mood, motivation, health, rest. These changes also represent gains in our ability to be present for ourselves, as well as the people and things that matter to us.
Have you ever noticed the impact of walking into a room where there’s too much happening at once? Too many well intentioned pieces of art or figurines on every surface? Too many harsh fluorescent lights and sensory overload everywhere? Rooms with poor furniture placement that don't seem to consider the people who use them, or even the needs we all have for personal space? It can feel exhausting when there’s no place to land, no spaces for our eyes, minds, and bodies to rest. Similarly, have you ever slept in a room that clearly become a catch all space- cluttered with no defined zones or storage, where you trip on the items spilling out onto the floor as you try to get some shut eye? For me, and perhaps you too, those environments only created a desire to leave.
How then is our wellbeing enhanced by intentionally designed spaces supporting care and rest? I love working with clients to identify their values and their functional needs. Clarity about what works best can support the thoughtful placement of storage systems, or a corner chair facing the window allowing you some quiet moments for reflection and to witness nature even when inside. Clarity about the connection of environment to wellbeing also highlights the use of varied wellness products, i.e. breathable sheets, a pillow specific to your needs as a stomach, side,
or back sleeper to support better rest at night. At the office, the focus on wellness helps me to recognize the benefit of an ergonomic chair that supports you during the hours spent helping your clients.
When 90% of our time is spent indoors, we can't overstate the importance of our physical environments in supporting our emotional environment and overall wellness. Calm, inspiring, and functional spaces help us live better. Creating calm spaces that care for you is also the mission of services provided by Mindful Home Interiors. I'd love to talk with you about your vision for your space at home or work, and how wellness decorating can support you. Schedule a virtual call to learn more.
Be Well,
Latoya
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