Mental Health Awareness Week
Small Changes to Help Reduce Anxiety
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year the organisers are focusing on Anxiety and what measures can be taken to help reduce Anxiety. Working within the property sector we see mental health considerations feature highly in design aspects, from ensuring there is plenty of access to green space and natural light to allowing a flexible living space so all the needs can be met.
Both housing and workplaces can impact mental health greatly. It has been proven that the quantity of natural light we are subjected to can affect our circadian rhythm whilst messy environments can stimulate cortisol which makes us feel more stressed. If you are starting a project from scratch, it can be easy to accommodate design changes to ensure your space will impact positively on your mental health. However, for those not in a position to design a dream home or office space, what changes can be made to help create a stress-free environment?
Our 1% Better Every Day mission focuses on how small changes can make a big difference and with that in mind today we wanted to recommend small changes you can make to your home or office space to help reduce anxiety without the need for an entire redevelopment.
Changes at Home and in the Office
- Declutter – A tidy space is a good place to start. Whilst sorting things out can feel daunting and potentially create stress in the short term, in the long run decluttering will reduce the release of cortisol and promote a calmer mind. Even better, decluttering shouldn’t cost a thing.
- Add some greenery – It has been proven that time in nature can have multiple health benefits, however, not all of us has access to gardens or balconies. Instead create your own ‘indoor jungle’ by introducing plants. Plants can also ‘purify’ the air by removing toxins. Plants such as Peace Lily, English Ivy and Spider plants are said to be the best air purifiers for the home.
- Revive Furniture – If your space looks tired it can bring you down. Whilst you don’t need to replace old furniture, sprucing things up a bit can make a dramatic difference. Buy a pot of chalk paint to easily repaint tired furniture and add a throw to an old sofa or bed.
- Add calming scents to your home. Lavender, for example, is particularly calming, pick up a diffuser, candle, or dried lavender to help yourself relax instantly.
- Separate your work and play – With many of us still working from home it can be easy to take your work anywhere within your space. Whilst working from your sofa or bed may be appealing, it doesn’t help segregate work from play. Create a designated workspace and stick to it. That way when work is over, and you move away from your work zone, you will instantly feel more relaxed. Likewise, try to encourage a relaxing space if you are in an office environment. Use a sofa or kitchen as a work free zone where you can relax, even for just a moment or two.
- Take a break. End the habit of eating at your desk. Yes, you may be busy, but taking a break will reduce anxiety and help refresh you, making you more productive in the afternoon.
- Repaint your space – Probably the biggest job on our list and perhaps not achievable for everyone, but if you are able to paint your space, introducing calming colours can make a big difference. Green encourages a nature like feel whilst sunshiny yellow, reds and oranges can boost your energy. If repainting isn’t an option why not add accents of colour instead, soft furnishings and paintings can have the same impact.
With all of us living hectic lives it is easy to deprioritise mental health, however, health, both mental and physical, should be priority number one. Make one or two changes today to begin seeing benefits. If you are struggling with severe anxiety do speak to a health professional to get the support you need. Later this year our 1% Better Every Day mission will focus on the United Nations Sustainability Goals and how construction can help. Within this topic we shall be taking a more in depth look at health and wellbeing.