Most of us think of personal health in terms of a weigh scale, how we eat, how much exercise we get, how much stress we encounter, and how much quality sleep we’re able to achieve. But, another key element that I believe gets overlooked too often is our personal space at home. What exactly do I mean by this? Well, several things. We’re all unique in our personal style as it relates to the choices we’ve made in the type of home we live in, the size of our home, the location and what our home provides us as it relates to the other important and critical things in our life. With home health design we’re speaking specifically of those elements found within and outside of our dwelling that impact our personal health in ways that perhaps we’ve not thought of before. Believe it or not, the impact can be very real and can significantly enhance or hinder progress in other areas of a healthier-living ideal. Healthy design can entail many areas, from the arrangement of furnishings for better comfort and ease, to the removal of toxins and moisture, the concepts of simplification and organization, adding special places for exercise, rest & relaxation, the placement of plants, flowers and herbs; the unique use of color, light and sound and the creation of a stimulating and aesthetic outdoor environment all work together to enhance your personal health ideal. Design changes in and of themselves can offer alot of fun and reward as the possibilities become endless and the creative opportunities leverage one another.
My personal interest in home health design stems from a lifelong passion with design in all forms, specifically, architectural, interior, landscape and the relationship these elements have with personal health and well-being. Integrating these various concepts with my own personal space and where I've called home, I've become more acutely aware of how design style and certain elements play into my own personal happiness, stress-reduction, sense of calm and ease and even the impact on personal biometric values. In my travels to southeast Asia I've paid particular attention to the concept of integrating structure with the natural landscape, using natural elements to blend the interior and exterior living spaces. Much can be said for the way these individuals integrate living things with the proper light, elements of water, wood, color, and modern style. It's a style I'm drawn to for its incredibly calming and tranquil effects and highly 'natural' aesthetic appeal.
In professor Diane Harris-Cline's theory of the Greek Aesthetic and its relationship to the concept of 'Flow' (Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes 'Flow' in his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, as the state or feeling of total immersion) she explains how the Greeks, who were very aware of color and sound, triggered 'flow' experiences from these two elements which, in turn, enhanced their levels of creativity to the point of producing works of art still held in high esteem today. It ultimately contributed to an environment where individuals were allowed to excel in many areas of human achievement. This fully supports the notion that those who've created environments that cater to creative tendencies (and yes, believe it or not, we all have an inner creative being) tend to have better or improved overall health. Even for those who suffer with minor health problems; longer, healthier lives are attained through environments that encourage self-expression and creativity.
Home Health Design is an area of health that will continue to get more attention as individuals are made more aware of the long-term health benefits and especially as baby boomers search for ways to enhance longevity at home and away from traditional assisted living facilities and retirement homes.
Stay tuned for further discussion around 'Home Health Aesthetic and Design' and please feel free to drop some thoughts or insights.
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