Life is full of stress today, and we are constantly bombarded with distractions at work or home. The onslaught of information we take in and digital stimuli can make us feel very anxious or stressed.
Creating a healing space in your own home is important for mental relaxation. This is where the art of interior design meets psychology.
What Exactly is a Healing Space?
A healing space refers to a special area devoted to supporting mental wellness and personal growth. This is your refuge from the daily grind and a place for introspection.
These spaces range from a tiny, personal nook in your home to a more extensive, professional therapeutic setting. Their primary purpose is to establish an ambiance of calmness and comfort.
It’s a space where the noise of external stressors is lowered, allowing room for quiet, personal reflection, emotional exploration, and ultimately, self-healing.
The Role of Psychology in Designing Healing Spaces
Creating a healing space hinges on a deep understanding of both psychology and design concepts. An ideal healing space combines certain aesthetic qualities with psychological elements. This means designing spaces that inspire positive emotions, offer a feeling of safety, and encourage relaxation.
Psychology is instrumental in this process and helps to guide the selection of colors, lighting, and acoustics, each playing a role in influencing your emotional state. While individuals may have different reactions to the same space, certain foundational design principles, like the inclusion of natural elements and achieving the right balance, are important.
Advice for Setting Up Your Healing Space
Establishing a healing space within your residence can greatly aid in increasing relaxation, alleviating stress, and nurturing a sense of serenity. To support you in this effort, here are several practical recommendations:
Choosing The Perfect Location
The first phase in designing your healing space is to select a suitable location. This might be an entire room or just a tranquil spot within your home. The priority is to find a location where you feel relaxed and undisturbed. Consider the influence of natural lighting, the amount of noise, and how private the space is when making your selection.
Organizing and Decluttering
A cluttered environment can create mental clutter. Start optimizing your healing space by decluttering and organizing the chosen area. Remove unnecessary items, and keep only those that serve a purpose or bring you joy. A minimalist approach often works best, promoting a sense of calm and order.
Incorporating Nature
Nature can be a major contributing factor to our sense of tranquility. In your healing space, try to incorporate as much of nature as you can. These may include houseplants, an indoor water feature or simply a window providing an outdoor view.
Prioritize Suitable Lighting
The lighting in a room greatly influences its atmosphere. In a healing space, gentle and warm lighting is typically the most effective. Consider options like candles, adjustable lamps, or string lights to create a soothing ambiance. If your space receives natural sunlight, take full advantage of it during the day.
Decorate With Intention
Every element in your healing space should have a special role, be it functional or symbolic. Consider decorating mindfully, selecting pieces that bring about calmness and joy. These may include anything from personal memories, inspirational quotes, or works of art that speak to you.
Considering Acoustics and Soothing Sounds
Sound can significantly impact our emotional state. Consider the acoustics of your healing space. You could incorporate soothing sounds such as gentle music, nature sounds, or a small water feature. Alternatively, you might prefer silence, in which case sound-proofing measures may be necessary.
Create a Healing Space That’s Made For You
While there are countless approaches to designing a healing space, it’s important that it fits with your individual likes and needs. Contemplate what brings you happiness and a sense of calm, and make these a part of your space. By following your gut and using your creativity, you can develop a healing space that is distinctively yours.
Author Information
Author Name:
Dr. Hannah Yang
Author Bio:
Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion, Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and clients.
