We often underestimated how much our daily surroundings can influence our overall well-being, both physically and emotionally. The colors, shapes, textures, patterns of the objects you use daily, the interiors you live in, and even the clothing you choose to wear all have the potential to either enhance or hinder you. Therefore, it's important to curate these surroundings with mindfulness, recognizing that they are not just passive backdrops but active vehicles for shaping your thoughts, feelings, and actions, making them a crucial element of your wellness strategy.

1. How your living spaces affect how you feel, in body & mind

So how does it work? At design school, we learnt that good design is not design you can see but that you can FEEL. Every choice we make regarding the objects, interiors, and clothing that we surround ourselves with subconsciously impacts our mental and physical state by evoking specific emotions. Architects, interior designers, and product designers all understand this concept and use it as a tool to trigger particular feelings in us. Let's consider a few examples:

• Polka Dot Patterns: Playful and joyful, polka dots can inspire happiness and whimsy, infusing our lives with joy and positivity when incorporated into our daily experiences.

• Subtle Earthy Colors: Soft browns and muted greens create a sense of calm and grounding, fostering a connection with nature and activating our parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation.

• Shiny Textures: Reflective and shiny surfaces, like metallic finishes or high-gloss ceramics, introduce light and energy into our spaces, brightening our surroundings and lifting our spirits.

• Curvy, Flowy Shapes: To the eye and touch, curved shapes soften, comfort and soothe the body and mind.

This philosophy isn't limited to home decor but extends to the daily objects we choose to use and the clothing we wear regularly. In my life, no object or piece of clothing is selected randomly. If I'm feeling down, I'll intentionally opt for a bright, mood-boosting pink coat, and it's incredible how it not only changes my mood but also impacts those around me – like the lady at my office's front desk, who often comments on how my choice brightens her morning.

After a late Zoom call with China, when I need to wind down, I opt for a matt-textured, terracotta mug for my herbal tea, steering clear of the cold, high-gloss ceramic one that would add energy to my already wired state. I choose a pattern-free PJ set to calm my nervous system, reducing visual stimuli and giving my nervous system the space to slow down.

Thanks to these mindful design choices, our surroundings can be instrumental in promoting targeted feelings, and now we're realizing that they can even influence healthy behaviors…

2. How living spaces can trigger healthy behaviors

Drawing from insights in habit and environmental psychology, we understand that contextual cues have a remarkable impact on our automatic actions. Think about putting on your seatbelt as soon as you enter a car, brushing your teeth upon entering the bathroom each morning, or stepping onto the yoga mat when it's neatly laid out on the floor without requiring you to fetch it from the closet. These actions become second nature, effortlessly etched into your routine. Your brain thrives on such habits for efficiency, freeing up mental resources for other tasks. Your daily surroundings play a pivotal role in this process, shaping your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

By thoughtfully curating our living spaces, we can create an environment that nurtures healthy habits and renders our wellness goals more attainable. Rather than relying solely on discipline, we can harness the power of our surroundings to positively influence us, effectively guiding us closer to our objectives and making the wellness journey smoother and more enjoyable. Consider the following examples:

• Kitchen Design: Configure your kitchen layout to make healthy food choices the most accessible. Keep fresh fruits and vegetables within arm's reach, while placing less nutritious options in less convenient spots. This approach subtly encourages you to make healthier food choices without conscious effort.

• Exercise Space: Dedicate a dedicated area within your living space for exercise. By designating a workout space, you increase the likelihood of engaging in regular physical activity.

• Blue Light in Your Fridge: Switch your fridge light to a blue light bulb – it will curb your appetite and lead to eating less.

• Indoor Plants in Your Home Office: The presence of indoor plants in your home office can trigger stress and anxiety relief, contributing to your overall well-being.

In conclusion, our daily surroundings have a profound impact on our well-being, influencing both our physical and emotional states. From the colors, shapes, and textures of our environments to the choices we make in clothing and daily objects, every decision can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. These surroundings are not passive backdrops but active tools for enhancing our wellness strategy.  Join me in Yoom's weekly newsletter every Friday, where I'll show you how to curate your daily surroundings to support your wellness goals.