Since the 1980’s, commercial designers have been implementing elements into spaces that heal. So, how can we create these healing spaces in our homes, prevent illness and heal? Due to the rise of neuroscience and several pioneering studies, we know much more now than we ever have about how our environment affects our well being. What’s been discovered is that nature has the answers to improve the quality of our homes. Healing is as simple as bringing the outside in through our windows, choosing all natural materials, creating the spaciousness of the outside and looking towards nature for healing colors. Individually these elements can appear insignificant, when several of these healing elements are implemented they can collectively have a big impact on general wellbeing.

Four inexpensive, additions you can make to your home today to benefit from the findings of these studies.

1

Healing View

Simply opening all curtains and shades exposing your healing views. Spending time with nature, by watching a sunset, or even just spending a few minutes to stare out the window, provides us with the opportunity to rest, reflect, and restore ourselves. Make sure to position your chair when working from home to receive all the benefits that nature has to offer. I’m always so surprised as I drive through neighborhoods by how many people choose to keep their windows buttoned up tight, not allowing natural views in and also all the bright natural daylight to lift our spirits especially during the winter months. 

The first and now famous study was done between 1972-1981 in a hospital in Pennsylvania conducted by Rodger S. Ulrich Ph.D, EDAC, Professor, Department of Architecture and Center for Healthcare Architecture, Chambers University of Technology in Sweden. 

The study proved that a patient room with a window view of trees vs a brown brick wall, had a greater positive outcome in the patient's recovery.

The patients with a window view of trees had:

• shorter postoperative stays

• fewer negative evaluative comments from nurses

• took few moderate and strong analgesic doses

• slightly low scores for minor post surgical complications

2

Healing Artwork

Artwork with images of nature can duplicate healing views. Studies have proven that art can have a positive impact on our mood, by decreasing stress, anxiety, depression, slowing cognitive decline and reducing pain. Simply looking at photos of gorgeous scenery can trigger your body to boost your immune system. Images can be as simple as an enlarged photo of a sunset or an inexpensive canvas depicting an expansive landscape or as simple as a copied image of a shoreline. Position this art so that you can receive the healing benefits, whether it is mounted on a wall adjacent to where you work or at the end of a hallway to enjoy as you pass by or small framed image on a shelf.

“The medical profession has come a long way in recognizing the healing benefits of art. My hope is that someday the arts will be considered as significant in everyone’s lives as breathing fresh air, eating clean foods, and performing physical exercise.” ~ Renée Phillips

3

Healing Plants

House plants literally bring nature indoors, they are especially essential if you are not surrounded by natural views. Studies show that human beings are healthier and less stressed when they are in close proximity to houseplants. Living with plants does not require any special knowledge, equipment and not much time at all. Keep these plants natural, unmanicured and wild as they would naturally grow. A few of my favorites that will survive in low light conditions and only require watering once a week are Peace Lily, Pothos and Snake Plants. 

 “Exposure to indoor plants has positive effects on mental health. When we're in the presence of indoor plants, the activity of our sympathetic nervous system, which is that fight-or-flight portion of our nervous system, decreases,” says Dr. Janelle Louis, ND, referencing this from The Journal of Physiological Anthropology.

4

Healing Wood

It’s hard to imagine that wood has the ability to lower stress, but it’s true. Exposure to wood products create similar health benefits to those created by spending time in nature. Think about the warm and comforting feelings provoked by picking up a wooden bowl, solid, durable, its rich textured grain and how it gets better with age. When designing a space, I make sure that there is a good balance of wood to contrast with fabric, stone and metal. Whether it is in an exposed furniture leg, an accessory or removing area rugs to expose a wood floor.

Exposure to wood is correlated with a drop in cortisol, the primary hormone linked to negative impacts of stress. Studies show that lower levels of blood pressure and heart rate in an environment where wood is present, compared with one where it is absent.

The Japan Wood Research Society 2006

Rethink toxic manmade plastic serving bowls, plastic tableware, plastic cutting boards, vinyl floors, melamine furniture or any other wood substitute for wood. These are all opportunities to incorporate healing wood into your home.