How does our environment affect our mindset and wellbeing?

Why your mindset matters

There are many interior factors within the work and home environments that can contribute to a positive mindset. Your mindset plays a critical role in how you deal with life challenges. For example, if your environment is cluttered and unorganised, whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally you will feel cluttered. This negative mindset can have a knock on effect to your daily tasks and in some instances, can lead to a mental illness such as depression. In this blog we aim to expand on the psychological effects of interior decor and outline creative solutions to form a mindset for you that is happy and healthy.

The importance of natural light

Do you ever feel low in certain areas of your home? Maybe sometimes feel cramped and small? This could be because the presence of daylight within your home is insufficient. Like many mammals in the natural world, the human body responds to light. Too little and this can increase sadness and anxiety and in some cases be attributed to ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’. Some SAD symptoms include sleep problems, lethargy and depression. It is known to affect people in the UK and Ireland during the winter months when the days become shorter. A 2002 study concluded that the presence of daylight was one of the most important factors in increasing sales volume in the retail industry ‘bringing to light’ the impact it has on human performance.

With a few simple changes, improving the natural light output is an easy transformation:

• Replace heavy window dressings with light coloured, semi transparent blinds and try to keep them open as much as possible.
• Keep internal doors open to allow the light to bounce off walls and illuminate other rooms.
• Hang mirrors to reflect the natural light.
• Use brighter wall paint colours eg whites.

For really dark areas you could install skylights or windows but bear in mind that this can be a costly solution.

The psychology of colour

By understanding the concept of colour theory it allows us to create the intended mood or feeling for any given space. Colours communicate with our subconscious mind and generate feelings and emotions based on our experiences, age, race and culture. Whilst impacting on people in various ways, colour will always illicit a response and this is why it is so important to get it right. 

People tend to feel comfortable with colours that reflect their personalities. For example, a shy, quiet person may feel out of place or unsettled in a bright red environment and feel safer and more relaxed in an environment of soft blues or greens. Where as a bold, passionate person may feel at ease in a red or orange coloured room. 

No single choice will satisfy everyone but by implementing some of the ideas below you will have a basic colour palette to improve your mindset:

• Using the colour white can in-still feelings of youthfulness, faith and innocence as well as making small spaces appear larger, fresher and crisper. White is a neutral colour that you can add character to with framed pictures, furniture, lighting and textiles.
• Black is associated with feelings of mourning and depression when it is used in large quantities. However, it can add depth and timeless elegance when used in small amounts. Try using black for a statement piece within a room to add interest and stimulate your mind without overpowering the overall environment.
• Pale Greens are known for its symbolism towards health and nature. Green has a calming influence on the nervous system, expanding capillaries and reducing pressure. It is best used in intended soothing environments such as hospital waiting rooms and bedrooms.

The minimalist mindset

What is minimalism? “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of things we value most and the removal of everything that distracts us from it” as stated by Joshua Becker of becoming minimalist. With this in mind, minimalism can be interpreted in very different ways. The journey through this lifestyle change is just as important as the end goal. It will give a clear understanding of what you value most in your life.

There are many more ways to begin the journey towards the minimalist design mindset. However, starting with the basics will give you time to adjust to a new way of living:

• The ‘Less is more’ approach. Try to avoid attaching memories and experiences to objects. Once you remove possessions which no longer have a purpose your mind and body will feel lighter. The focus is more on what you gain from letting go.
• Add indoor plants to your environments. Plants help us stay connected to nature by generating oxygen and providing energy. This creates a healthier and cleaner environment around us and in conclusion produces a positive mindset.
• Embrace simplicity. Simple doesn’t have to mean basic or boring but rather combines the notion of form and function making the most out of double duty furniture. 
• Create visual balance. The visual weight of the room should be balanced. For example, the furniture should be in proportion, not too big or too small. The harmony of the room should compliment and coordinate with the furniture I.e arrange cushions, decorative items and artwork.

What design choices are you going to make to improve your mindset?

 

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