Positive Health Online

Each of us endures any number of stressors in our daily lives. Whether going to school or work every day or finding ways to balance our need for personal attachment and professional advancement, it can be difficult to manage all of our priorities.

Considering all of the daily challenges that many people face, having a quiet and tranquil space they can retreat to as needed can be essential. This is where “healing space” can be so important.

Healing spaces are much more than just an aesthetically pleasing space in a home, however. They are purposefully designed to help individuals reset their emotional states, significantly reducing stress and facilitating physical and mental recovery.

What are Healing Spaces and How Do They Work?

A healing space is a neutral space in a home purposely designed to help an individual unwind after a stressful day and recalibrate their mental fortitude. These spaces can take various forms, including a small den or quiet corner of a home or office used for meditation and reflection.

These dedicated spaces assist individuals by placing them in an environment where they’re surrounded by positive sounds, lighting, or even smells designed to engage various senses to bring blood pressure and reduce anxiety levels.

A common use case for a healing space is in couples therapy offices or various clinical settings. These spaces are designed to create a calming atmosphere conducive to productive discussions and help neutralize negative or toxic emotions.

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How Psychology is Applied When Designing a Healing Space

While it may not seem that healing spaces require many thought processes in design, the reality is far from that. A variety of psychological principles come into play when designing a healing space, all designed to help support specific emotional responses.

To approach designing these spaces in an optimal layout, it’s important to understand how certain parts of our minds work when interacting with our environment. By using this approach, designers can strategically choose certain elements proven to improve relaxation and promote a better sense of well-being.

Some of the considerations when designing a healing space include:

• Colour Psychology – While choosing a colour palette may seem like it simply comes down to personal preference, the fact is that the colours we select can reveal a lot about our personality and emotional state. For example, light colours like green and blue are associated with tranquillity and calmness, while brighter colours like red and orange are often used to express more energy and enthusiasm;
• Biophilic Design – A biophilic design principle is often applied in settings where more natural elements are needed. Designing a space with plant and water features, as well as introducing more natural light, has been shown to significantly reduce stress and can also help improve cognitive functions;
• Sensory Stimulation – When designing a healing space, finding a way to engage multiple senses can be highly effective for stress reduction. For example, choosing to use natural fabrics and introducing the scent of lavender or chamomile into a space can help to create a much more calming atmosphere that’s great for helping to reduce anxiety. You can also incorporate soothing sounds of a water feature or light music to set the right tone and create a more tranquil environment.

Effective Strategies for Creating a Healing Space

There are several strategies you can apply when creating an effective healing space. Below are some things you should consider:

Find the Right Location

Location is of critical importance when creating a healing space that is able to create positive emotions and promote a sense of self-recovery. The location you choose should be a quiet place - either in a secluded area of a home or even a dedicated area outside.

The important thing to remember is that the location you choose should feel physically and emotionally safe and free from distractions.

Taking a Minimalist Approach to Organization

The saying “a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind” is true. To help free your mind from the stressors of your day, it can be beneficial to adopt a more minimalist approach when designing your healing space. Try to keep all of your counter and desk surfaces clear of clutter, storing items out of sight unless they have a specific purpose.

Bringing Nature Indoors

The sounds and sights of nature can be incredibly healing for many people. By looking for ways to incorporate more nature into your design aesthetics, you can bring these positive feelings indoors. You could look for opportunities to decorate a space with potted plants or flowers and incorporate more natural materials like wood or stone in the furniture or decorations you choose.

Choosing Suitable Lighting

The type of lighting you choose for your healing space can also play an important role in establishing the right mood and ambiance for your space. Try to avoid harsh artificial lighting that can cause headaches and disrupt your ability to relax. Instead, try to incorporate natural light in a space as much as possible.

If you’re limited in your ability to bring in natural light, consider using smart LED lighting that allows you to change the temperature of the lighting to mimic natural candlelight or sunsets.

Designing with Purpose

As you start designing your space, it’s important to ensure that every design choice you make has a purpose. You’ll want to avoid filling a space with unnecessary elements that can distract from its original intention.

Instead of adding too many distractions, think about what items could be used to make someone feel more relaxed or inspired. This could include various types of artwork and relaxing furniture.

Design your Perfect Healing Space

By incorporating the strategies discussed, you’ll be able to create a healing space that helps you recalibrate your emotional state, giving in the energy to continue living your life in fulfilling ways.