When you think of creating a healthy living environment, the first things that come to mind are probably maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, as well as managing your stress effectively. Another factor you should consider is how your environment impacts your overall wellness.
However, the atmosphere you create in your home and workplace can have a significant impact on how “well” you feel. This is why many people use the ancient practice of feng shui to foster harmony between their environment and the human experience. Your environment is an extension of who you are – both your inner self as well as the personality you show to the world. Here are four simple strategies that will help you begin to utilize your healthy environment better to improve your sense of well-being.
1. Clear out the clutter.
Clutter can range from the colossal chaos that you find in your garage, to the nicknacks that collect dust and encumber too many surfaces, to unread magazines, newspapers or mail.
Clutter does the same thing to your brain that constipation does to your colon. It stops you up, clogs your energy and muddles your thinking. In fact, in a recent study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute, researchers proved that physical clutter negatively affects your ability to focus and process information. Look around your living space. Where do you find “stuff” that could be recycled, given to a charity or to someone who could really use it? Start small if you need to, but DO carve out the time and start the process of relieving yourself of clutter.
2. Put a natural essential oil in your home.
Known in wellness circles as aromatherapy, fragrances are used to impact your mood, clarity of thought and stress levels. Several essential oils, including lavender, rose, frankincense and bergamot, have been shown to ease stress, depression and anxiety.
Both peppermint oil and rosemary oil have been used to improve mental clarity and alertness. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser or mixed with water or alcohol to be sprayed in the air. The key here is natural essential oils. These oils have been used for thousands of years and are frequently studied to observe various benefits or reactions. Avoid synthetic imitations and mystery floral scents as some fragrance companies use toxic chemicals to make their scents.
3. Stimulate your sense of beauty and wonder.
As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Take a moment now, close your eyes, and imagine a beautiful site. What comes to your mind? Is it a scene from nature? A piece of art that takes your breath away? A simple pristine garden or water feature? Or perhaps something plush and inviting?
Your environment should include something that stimulates your sense of beauty. If you’re not sure what does it for you, trust your instinct. It should evoke a desired response; happiness, peace, pleasure, tranquility. Depending on the mood you wish to set, you can select objects of beauty to match the energy and tone of the space you’re working with.
4. Take time to find the ‘right’ furniture and home accents.
Your environment should make you feel comfortable so you can relax in your living space. Comfort level is the difference between feeling at ease and enjoying life and living with an underlying tension that’s hard to put your finger on.
Moreover, be like Goldilocks and take the time to find the piece that’s just right for YOU. It could be a chair, a chaise, a sofa, a plush cushion, or a rug. When you find just the right thing, relish it. Embrace how good it feels to feel good, and use this feeling to help you find your way. Navigate through the clutter, enjoy the scenery, take in some loving scents, and get comfortable.
Each small step you take toward creating a restful, pleasant, happy environment is another step toward total well-being and health. Lastly, remember that your environment is an outer reflection of yourself – you’re both worth the investment.
