How Your Space Can Affect Your Mental Health

Did you know that your living and working spaces can actually affect your mental health and your ability to rest or be productive?

If you’ve ever walked into a dark and cluttered room and felt a bit of anxiety creep up then you know it’s the truth.

Numerous studies (especially since the pandemic) have revealed a significant correlation between a space and a person’s mood and mental health. For example, significant time spent in a dark space can result in lethargy, laziness, and in some cases, even lead to feelings of sadness. On the contrary, lighter & brighter rooms can often produce feelings of peace and creativity.

If you’ve noticed that your home or office has become a source of stress, the way the room is set up may have a lot to do with it. So here are 3 impactful ways that you can transform your atmosphere and lift your spirit.

1. Get Organized. 

If you’ve ever spent half the day trying to find something that you’ve misplaced in your house, then you know how frustrating it can be to not know where things are. Having a designated space for all of the things in your home not only reduces clutter but also eliminates the frustrations that come with having to look for everything all the time. Think about how much time and energy you could be saving just by knowing where things are. This is a simple thing that can really go a long way. 

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2. Get The Right Lights.

Lighting is everything! Whether you are trying to create atmospheres of elegance, tranquility, productivity, or energy, lighting plays a huge role. The wrong lighting for the occasion will absolutely affect your mood, energy levels, and general well-being (especially if you live in the northeast where it starts to get dark around 5 pm during the winter months). Many studies have shown that warm and natural light can make small rooms feel bigger and produce a calm yet productive mind. On the other hand, darker, dim-lit rooms can generate feelings of tiredness and indifference. 


3. Get A Fresh Coat of Paint. 

When it's not possible to knock down walls and completely renovate your space, a fresh coat of paint is your best next bet. It’s a fairly inexpensive way to make an old room feel brand new. Not only that, it’s a great way to align your space with your goals. There have been numerous studies conducted over the last few decades that show how different colors can positively and negatively affect your mood and productivity levels. Choosing a soft, light color palette for your office, for example, can help promote higher levels of productivity versus a darker color palette that promotes sleep (which might be better suited for a bedroom). 

Now that you have a better understanding of the effects of your environment, take a moment to make sure your spaces are aligned with your personal and professional goals. Get organized. Get the right lights. Get a fresh coat of paint. 

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