How Does Your Personal Environment Impact Your Wellbeing?
Your home and work environment can:
- Influence your mood. For example, research studies reveal that rooms with bright light, both natural and artificial, can improve depression and anxiety.
- Impact your behavior and motivation to act. For example, a messy hall with shoes, bags, and other stuff may invite you to drop what you are carrying right there, whereas a clean entry and adequate storage will encourage you to take the time to put the item away.
- Facilitate or discourage interactions in your family and with guests. For example, an inviting space with comfortable chairs can encourage people to sit and chat.
- Create or reduce stress, which impacts not only your emotional, but also physical health, including your longevity!
Mind-body research about healing environments
The field of mind-body studies includes research on the relationship between our surroundings and our health. Studies show that a healthy and pleasing environment (like plants in your office, or a treasured photograph on the wall) can do more than simply improve your mood--it can actually affect your immune system and physical health.
Esther Sternberg talks about healing places
Medical researcher Dr. Esther Sternberg is internationally recognized for her research of the mind-body interaction in illness and healing. Her book Healing Places explores the connection between our personal environment and our wellbeing.
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Huelat, Barbara (2007). Healing Environments: What's the Proof? Alexandria and Arlington, VA: Medezyn and Peecapress.
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Sternberg, E. M. (2009). Healing spaces. Harvard University Press.
Stigsdotter, U., Grahn, P. (2004). A Garden at Your Doorstep May Reduce Stress – Private Gardens as Restorative Environments in the City. Department of Landscape Planning, Alnarp Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SLU.
