Anxiety and depression can creep in over time; there are various side effects, such as tension, lack of sleep, and various stress-related health issues.

1 in 5 people struggle with their mental health. I have recently completed a DPA Impact Report in which I researched the extent of the mental health concern. In summary, Find out more here: check out the DPA 2022 IMPACT REPORT for more details

Our living spaces can contribute to these conditions without us knowing, but they can also help to rectify and heal these feelings of anxiety, especially in conjunction with other therapies.

I wanted to take the opportunity to share some pointers about my own experience and what I have learned about how to help ourselves with our living environments as an essential foundation for greater well-being.

We usually overlook these areas, critical elements regarding our everyday spaces. I invite you to think about how to consider our primary five senses when considering our living space and how best to plan our living areas to accommodate greater well-being.

Eyes

Visuals are the most significant category I will explore in this article as mentioned in the DPA 2022 IMPACT REPORT there are studies on Neuroethestics that show the healing or damaging impact of visuals on the brain.

De-cluttering

For instance, clutter and undesirable visual elements can trigger the stress hormone cortisol; this is a very physical reaction within our bodies and has triggering side effects such as anxiety. Keeping is best Have you heard of the phrase “Tidy home, tidy mind”.

Here are some quick-fire points to help you keep your spaces de-cluttered and clear:

Try and do little bits each week, clear one area at a time, and remember there should always be a place for everything.
Where you can remove everything and slowly introduce elements and gauge if they work or overwhelm the space
Marie Kondo – ‘Spark joy’ – does your object/item fill you with happiness when you think about it, view it, wear it, use it? If it doesn’t, it’s probably time to let go.

Light

Another area to consider is lighting and the effect of light, daylight, ambient or atmospheric light and device light in your life and living space.

The lack of light Daylight is a main source of Vitamin D. We need regular outdoor exposure to daylight and nature intake for our well-being. The lack of light can contribute massively to the lack of well-being for an individual.

Light’s effect on sleep It’s important to be aware of natural light’s impact on serotonin levels and our circadian rhythms or sleep patterns.

Light temperature can significantly affect our mental well-being and capacity. The warmth or coldness of ambient light can impact of perception of our cosiness. The bluer light is it can feel stark and damage your eyes, as well as leave you to feel unsettled. This impact also is also relevant with prolonged device usage and can be managed better with a blue light filter.

Ambient Light

Our soothing ambient light choices can stimulate the effect of comforting light. Consider the following points:

Lamps and dimming of lights - Using dimmed lighting after 6pm before bedtime will help your brain slow down for a restful sleep. Consider the positioning of where your lamps for maximum relaxation for your mind.

Mirrors can add space and light but can also amplify clutter and stress an individual dealing with Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) depending on their placement, so it is essential to be mindful of this utility.

Colours

This section is a vast area of visual well-being understanding, and I brush over it here. Colour has a tremendous psychological impact on us. We respond to all the shades on a primal level; these can be healing, calming, stimulating, depressing and triggering with how you use them. I spend a lot of time in my creativity sessions discussing the use of colour and its impact on the observer.

Here’s some colour rules of thumb:

Lack of colour The simple way we may be tripped up in our use of colour is the lack of colour. All white, greys or blacks are known as being the most depressing colours.

Using lighter shades in larger spaces or darker hues in smaller areas Can compound the feeling of claustrophobia in a smaller space or a sense of feeling lost in a massive cold space. It’s also important to note that colours can also absorb and reflect light

Fashion fadness is not radness Rather than being pulled into short-lived or faddy colour trends, It is best to ask yourself, ‘What is best for me’. ‘Does this colour soothe or energise me or drain me?’ ‘Does the colour lift your mood and calm your mind’?

Another way to consider this process is through our level of energy and information management, such as level of Introversion and Extraversion. Extraverts tend to be drawn towards bold colours, and introverts muted more neutral tones.

Remember more saturation – is more energised and less relaxing

Colour psychology basics Understanding the impact of colour theory on each colour and its shaded saturation is essential. I will produce a video/blog post around this to help you.

Nature

Nature in your space helps to eliminate loneliness and gives a sense of purpose. Several studies have shown the importance of nature and greenery to help eliminate loneliness and heighten the sense of well-being. I think we all know how we felt during the lockdowns in the Pandemic. Here’s some more fodd to think about

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24933270-800-green-spaces-arent-just-for-nature-they-boost-our-mental-health-too/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969722046198

Greenery

Greenery, such as plants or depictions of nature, are proven healing qualities and significantly impact our mental and physical health https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-green-2795817.

How can we utilise this element in our living spaces?

Plants Incorporating real plants into your space; plants are fantastic and work on so many levels, such as producing additional oxygen and the calming and centring act of caring for a living thing.

The appearance of nature Can still have healing and well-being effects, so low-maintenance solutions such as artificial plants and artwork that show natural scenes or colour can

Art and Photography

There is a strong psychological impact on us created by artwork. Art lifts mood by releasing Dopamine, the sensation of falling in love; it can also reduce pain and suffering. https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/22-28-july-2019/chelsea-westminster-hospital-arts-research/

Art can also create a greater sense of identity, self-understanding, and expression.

Displaying artwork that you love so you can enjoy it daily

Creating artwork that you have created which incorporates your favourite colours and forms. You can always swing by a DPA Abstract Painting Session to have a go at making your own artwork with me

Photos images of family, loved ones, travel, and trips can evoke positive memories.

It doesn’t have to be expensive as long as you find the piece uplifting or meaningful a price tag doesn’t guarantee that

What is the difference between good and bad art? I will explore this in more detail in future blog posts/content. Essentially I would agree that it’s what you like. That’s all that matters. As mentioned before, if you find something uplifting and motivating, then it’s doing a good job

Touch

How we interact with our space is vital to effective living space utilisation, time-saving and, more important, for our comfort and sense of security. How can we consider this in our space?

Texture

Cold materials, metals and plastic can leave us feeling on edge; we can struggle to relax in these spaces.
Soothing natural materials help soothe our minds and bodies

Forms

Like cold materials, harsh lines can keep you feeling uneasy and on edge
The use of curves can soften the flow of a space

Placement

Ensuring the correct placement of items is also a quick-fire way to release the feelings of claustrophobia in a space. Feng Shui and general living rules hold wisdom to a flowing and freeing space.

Don’t place anything in front of the door, or that will limit access to a space.
Remember symmetry and the balance of items when setting out displays and the space layout.
Remove items if the space feels choked; give things room to breathe.

Be mindful of traffic flow in a space and avoid obstructing it.

Sounds

The right audio setup is also a great approach to greater well-being. Good quality speakers for our devices, the uplifting playlist to throw on when bathing or cooking up a storm.

I personally enjoy listening to podcasts and undertaking further research for all of my interests on my tablet that is connected to a good quality speaker, and again this doesn’t have to break the bank and is portable for me to move around the house.

Smell

The old factory sense can be overlooked when we think about our environment. I have personally found this area to be a great source of well-being and comfort in the days of getting well and finding my sense of self again.

Aromatherapy and uplifting smells for greater well-being and can help productivity. I use an oil burner with whatever fragrance of oil I am in the mood for that day, and I find I am drawn to certain scents as I go through different stages in my life.

Taste

This is quite a wildcard subject matter to throw into a sensory understanding exploration of our living spaces. Still, I will mention some essential points for our healing and our areas regarding taste. No, I am not talking about licking walls and windows but creating a space where you feel inspired to cook.

Food awareness and preparation go hand in hand to contribute to a healthy gut and body for healing and the creative act of cooking itself. Both activities are vital for healing and well-being... you also get a bonus sense element of smell with the delicious foods wafting around your space.

So there you have it… how do you take your senses into a deeper consideration of your well-being regarding your living space? Remember, you don’t need to break the bank to gain a greater sense of well-being in your life. You can use what you have and be resourceful. The act of planning and executing the organisation of this in your life can also be a great part of your personal healing process.

Which elements stuck out to you as most important or executable? I would love to know and chat about this with you further.

Remember you don’t have to figure this stuff out alone, At DPA we are more than happy to chat with you about your needs to see if we can help guide you or support you in a more tangible way. Future Well-Being Interior Projects are in the pipeline, watch this space!

We also offer Abstract Paintings Sessions and teach you about visual language and how that affects your sense of well-being. Catch a workshop with us soon!

How To Create Well-being in Your home