Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office

From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and from apartments to mansions, people are trying to carve out spaces to call their own. Outside, the world may be a stressful place but inside these spaces, people strive to create positive environments where they can live and work happily and peacefully. It may seem like a fairy tale to some. However, for others, it is a way to survive many of the negative effects of stressful living.

In the book, Future Shock, Alvin Toffler prophesized that the speed at which technology would develop and be introduced would in the end overwhelm many people. He foretold a future where human's inability to keep up would cause stress and depression. Here we are over twenty years later and his words have come to pass. Even greeting card companies study the trends and in Karen Moore's book, You Can Write Creating Cards she cites these trends forecasted by lifestyle trend researchers that people would:

-make their homes more comfortable places in order to avoid the outside world.

-buy affordable little luxuries for themselves or for their homes.

-seek broader awareness of spiritual things.

-desire to be seen as unique and special.

-feel somewhat overwhelmed by responsibilities.

-like alternative medicines and holistic health.

-question belief systems of previous generations.

-be genuinely interested in caring for the environment.

So, how would one describe a positive place? Appealing? Attractive? Humans are complex beings, even if they cannot keep up with nanotechnology and super computers. For an environment to feel positive or attractive, it needs to be appealing to the senses, particularly - sight, sound, smell, or touch. The more senses that are stimulated simultaneously, the more appealing, attractive, and positive the situation is perceived. Any thing that detracts from that perception is usually judged as negative, instead.

Although some architects, space planners, interior designers, and Feng Shui consultants have been addressing the issue of creating positive environments over the past years, most of the general public is just beginning to investigate the possibilities. Ways to turn up the 'positivity' of a space, that appeal to one or more senses at time, might include:

-a fountain made of various materials.(sight-sound-touch)

-a contemporary, mixed media painting or sculpture.

(sight-touch-smell, if oil paints are used)

-chimes or bells.(sight, sound, touch)

-incense, potpourri, and aromatherapy.(smell, sight,touch)

-Instruments.(sight-touch-sound)

-Plants and flowers. (sight, touch, smell)

Situations perceived by the brain as positive gives people a sense of well-being and happiness. When in this state, sometimes called euphoria, the domino effect occurs.

-People become open to more positive stimuli.

-Concentration and performance improves.

-Self-confidence and self-assurance soars.

-Creativity blossoms.

-Handling stress becomes easier.

In today's environment, more and more people will be searching for ways to reduce stress. By creating positive environments, they will be able to do that no matter where they live or work. In doing so, how they live and work will be better, too.

Copyright 2005 Kathy Iwanowski. All Rights Reserved.

Kathy Iwanowski, a former cancer nurse and manager, creates art, speaks, and writes about creative living and work. Her articles, editorials, and reviews on art, business, creativity, and nursing subjects have been published in newsletters, ezines, and books in the United States.

To arrange for Kathy as a speaker for your next event or to find out more about her work, visit her website at http://www.kathyiwanowski.com

---

How to Properly Clean Hardwood Floors

Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its... Read More

Kitchen Island Design Ideas - The Look, Size, And Features

Kitchen island design ideas not only include choosing the right... Read More

A Look at Fruit Gift Baskets

The original, the granddaddy of all of today's items bought... Read More

Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets

Gourmet fruit baskets quickly emerged as a way to deliver... Read More

Couch Slipcovers - An Easy Way to Give Old Furniture a Stylish New Image!

Fitting new couch slipcovers is a great way to instantly... Read More

7 Tips to Care for Your Antique Furniture

During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your... Read More

What to Look for in Bathroom Vanity Tops

Bathroom vanity tops offer many options to the discerning customer.... Read More

A Brief History of Wedgwood China

The story of the line begins in 1730 with the... Read More

Decorating Roll Up Bamboo Shades

Plastic or real bamboo roll up shades can be decorated... Read More

7 Feng Shui Fundamentals for Childrens Bedrooms

Feng shui is a very popular and intriguing concept in... Read More

Decorate Your Home for Joy Using Design Psychology

What Is Design Psychology?Design Psychology exceeds "traditional" interior design practice... Read More

The Benefits of Bamboo Roman Shades

Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block... Read More

A Look at Edible Fruit Baskets

By their very nature, all fruit baskets, especially the original... Read More

Budget Decorating - What Is It?

Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what... Read More

Are Candles Safe?

I love candles! I have candles of all shapes, sizes... Read More

Finding a Color Scheme - Decorating with What you Have

If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and... Read More

Safely Decorating Your Kids Bedroom

? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More

The Benefits of Vertical Wood Blinds

Wood vertical blinds, a style of wood blinds falling vertically... Read More

Seven Ways to Emphasize a Decor Style

After searching decorating books, using trial and error decorating, and... Read More

Entryway Benches - Why Theyre a Must Have in Every Home

One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm... Read More

Teen Rooms on the Cheap!

How to decorate a teens bedroom is one of the... Read More

Bar and Wine Cabinets: Entertain in Style

Do you love to entertain in your home? Do you... Read More

The Advantages of Corner Kitchen Sinks

If your kitchen is U-shaped or L-shaped, a corner kitchen... Read More

5 Ways In Which You Can Make Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating

Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because... Read More

The Power of Candlelight

In this day and age, everything is about health and... Read More

Contemporary Bathroom Vanities

Minimal, linear, often metallic and futuristic, contemporary bathroom vanities come... Read More

A Review of Popular Wood Stove Manufacturers

There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make... Read More

Granite Countertop Colors

Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as... Read More

How to Install a Wood Stove

"There are a number of factors that must be taken... Read More

Home Interior Design Tips on Decorating your Space with Wall Art

How to Decorate your Space with Wall Pictures If a... Read More

How to Choose a Sofa for a Family with Kids

If you have children in your home, what sort of... Read More

A Look at Vending Massage Chairs

Vending massage chairs are coin-operated devices that can be found... Read More

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner Filter

The air filter in an air conditioning system keeps the... Read More