1. Use
Indoor Plants to Boost Your Mood and Improve Air Quality (Biophilia)
Having
lots of greenery in a home is an obvious and easy stimulant to our overall
wellbeing and health. They have tons of wellness benefits, from improving the
air quality (by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen) to regulating
humidity. They also provide a natural mood-boosting lift and according to
some studies can even reduce stress levels, increase memory retention and
concentration, and filter out VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and some
pollutants.
2. Pay Attention to Humidity Levels (Interiority)
For the
most part of the year, an air humidifier is one of the most important items in
a home. I cannot emphasize its health and wellness benefits enough. It
adds moisture back to the air, prevents skin from being dry or dehydrated,
reduces the risk of infections and the transmission of viruses and bacteria,
and is also great for sinus health.
3. Designate a Relaxation Spot (Holistic)
Your
relaxation space does not have to be a whole room (though if you have the
space, go for it). It can be the corner of the couch or a small nook. It can be
in your bedroom, in your bathroom with a bath tub and some pampering tools, or
outside the garden. But it must be a happy place, one where you go for
meditation and winding down.
4. Comfort
is Key (Ergonomics)
Selecting a
good mattress is a serious matter, the quality of our sleep can depend on it. The bedding is another important thing to take some time on – especially the
pillows. I very much prefer natural fabrics like cotton or linen for the
bedroom. Chairs, and especially office chairs should be chosen with the
same care – after all, we spend many hours in them all day and no one wishes
for a constant backache. The best options are probably ergonomic
chairs.
5. Clutter-Free
(Konmari)
The
biggest impact is, in fact, the little things. Clutter – shoes piled up at the
entrance, wardrobes stuffed with clothes we haven’t worn in years, the dining
table without much space for actually having a meal. I can’t emphasize enough
how these things have an impact on our mood, our relationships and even on our
sleep.
6. Use
the Power of Scents (Aromatherapy)
Various
scents can impact the brain in very specific and unique ways. Some of them are
invigorating, others are soothing and calming. Some of them can actually bring
back memories and truly alter our mood. It’s such a simple wellness trick that
still has enormous benefits on our mood and well-being.
7. Manipulate
Light Sources (Circadian Rhythm)
Something
as simple as natural light can provide a tremendous health and wellness boost.
There are numerous studies that emphasize that it improves productivity, alertness,
mood, and overall psychological health.
8. Pay
Attention to Colors (Color Theory)
How we choose the colors for our home is largely a matter of
personal taste and creativity. But it can also greatly influence our mood and
wellbeing. The power of colors is well-documented and can be factored into the
interior design. The different colors that are used in interior
design can really affect the environment and can either overstimulate or
under stimulate your space.
Lionel Sanchez is the principal interior designer of Sanchez Design Studio Inc. (SDSI). He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture (M.Arch) from the University of San Carlos (USC), and is an Assistant Professor of the same university. He is a contributor of "Lantawan", USC's Architecture, Fine Arts and Design magazine. Sanchez is also the Philippines' first Vegan Certified Interior Designer by VeganDesign.org, and holds a Certificate in Architectural Imagination from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Having finished his Doctorate degree in Interior Design (PhD) at the Atlantic International University, Sanchez is enthusiastic about sharing his passion for interior design with with his first book entitled NOT JUST DECORATING.