Enhancing Wellbeing with Restorative Spaces
The notion of designing restorative spaces within the home has become more and more significant for our clients as the demands and “digital connectiveness” of our lives seemingly intensifies.
We desire a sacred space to seek answers, practice self-care, or connect with something greater — and this looks differently for every client, be it a dedicated music or yoga room, a cosy reading nook within a library, a starlit terrace chase, or a garden studio to commune with nature.
We universally understand the grounding benefits of a walk through the forest, the gurgling of a mountain stream, the marvel of a morning bird song, or the crackling of an open fire. When we experience these moments, we tend to leave behind the hectic pace of our day-to-day routines. Bringing these influences into our homes can produce the same calming effects.
In our previous blog, we noted elements of Feng Shui design – wood, fire, earth and water. These elements can be used effectively to make our homes our sanctuary. By extension, this post will explore some of our favourite methods to restore calm, peace, and relaxation to your home, and your life.
INTRODUCING WATER ELEMENTS
Modern Lodge in Grace Estates, Naramata
We know and experience a sense of tranquillity when we are close to water, whether it’s the ocean, a lake, or a waterfall. Medical studies have confirmed a reduction in stress hormones such as cortisol and an increase in dopamine, the good hormone, as we spend more time near moving water. The same effect can be found while lying by a pool, staring into a fountain, pond or aquarium, which we integrate into client homes.
When we are around water, we tend to experience relief from stress and depression, along with improved clarity and focus.
GATHERING AROUND A FIRE
Indoor + Outdoor Fireplaces in Eagle Ridge, Calgary
The importance of fire throughout humanity is well-known, from providing heat for cooking and warmth to illuminating darker hours to facilitating social connection. The experience of a wood-burning fire is inherently relaxing; as our eyes and minds get lost in the flames and our ears focus on the sounds of the crackling embers, our worries tend to drift away.
A study conducted at the University of Alabama has shown that as humans experience the sights and sounds associated with a wood-burning fire, they will see a drop in their blood pressure, which leads to lower levels of anxiety and stress. The subjects in this study were also observed to be more likely to show positive social behaviours, like kindness and compassion.
Having a fireplace in our homes provides a space to relieve the stresses of a busy life, and allows room for positive social connection.
ABSORBING MUSIC + ACOUSTIC COMFORTS
Private garden music studio, Calgary
Be it the music of nature, or of humans, the power it holds over both our emotions and our bodies is substantial. Our experience will differ greatly when listening to songs with faster tempos versus slower tempos. Faster music can help you stay more alert and concentrated. A slower tempo in music can help induce a state of relaxation and reduce stress.
Listening to music that we love stimulates the production of dopamine, which makes us feel happy. It has also been shown that listening to music intentionally can lead to a drop in our overall perceived stress levels.
An interesting study was done in 2021 (Buxton, R.T. et al.) whereby researchers identified 36 publications that examined the health benefits of natural sounds (animal, wind, and water sounds). The meta-analysis of 18 of them showed evidence for improved health, decreased stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive performance.
Music is one of the easiest forms of stress relief due to ease of access, and the benefits can be achieved through different applications — listening, playing an instrument, or singing. Researchers have stated that “listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication” in some instances.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PLANTS
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely with nature — like incorporating natural lighting and ventilation, as well as natural landscape features into the home’s design.
A wander through a park or your plant-laden garden will drastically improve our state of mind and cognitive function. The sights and smells of flowering plants or the sensation of leaves and grass against our skin will calm and ground our nervous system. As we spend nearly 85% of our lives indoors, introducing plants inside can further our connection with the natural environment, a connection celebrated by humans since the dawn of time.
DEDICATED EXERCISE + MEDITATION SPACE
Daily movement is imperative to a healthy mind and body, this we know. Physical activity reduces anxiety and depression while increasing self-confidence. Even a small amount of exercise, such as a 30-minute walk, causes your body to release feel-good endorphins and improves your mood.
While exercise provides quick stress relief, it also replicates some of the effects that stress has on the body. As your body experiences an increased pulse, rapid breathing, and muscle tension through exercise, you are also allowing your body to learn how to manage these common stress symptoms.
Having a space in the home to practice exercise and meditation can help improve our overall mental health and happiness. Meditation affects the body by engaging your relaxation response, reducing some of the negative effects of stress.
WELCOME RESTORATIVE ENERGY INTO YOUR SPACE
Intentional spaces or design elements that promote relaxation and mindfulness are critical to optimizing your square footage and the general wellness of you and your family. We’d love to help you design more peace and tranquillity in your home, and life.