How our Environment Affects our Mood
How our Environment Affects our Mood
Introduction
Designing a workspace is more than just choosing the right furniture and colours. It’s about creating an environment that promotes mental well-being. When you’re feeling stressed out or unhappy, your workspace can be a major contributor to that feeling. But when your workspace is designed with your mental health in mind, it can help you feel more productive and positive.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things you should consider when designing your workspace, such as colour, lighting, and layout. We’ll also share some tips for creating a positive work environment that will help you feel good mentally and emotionally.
How Our Environment Affects Our Mood
You might not it, but the environment you work in can have a big impact on your mood. Scientists have found that our brains are hardwired to respond to our surroundings, and that certain colours, smells, and sounds can trigger specific emotions.
So if you’re trying to create a workspace that promotes mental well-being, it’s important to think about how you can use your environment to your advantage. For example, studies have shown that the colour blue can help promote calmness and focus, while the colour green can help boost creativity and productivity.
The Importance of Lighting in the Workplace
Lighting is key when it comes to setting the mood in any space, and your workplace is no different. The type of lighting you have can influence your mood, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Natural light is always the best option, but if you don’t have access to that, then make sure you choose a lightbulb that closely resembles sunlight. This will help to improve your energy and mood throughout the day.
Avoid fluorescent lighting if possible, as this can cause headaches and eye strain. If you do have fluorescent lighting in your workplace, try to supplement it with some task lighting to help brighten things up.
How Mess and Clutter Causes Stress
When your office is cluttered and messy, it can be really tough to stay focused and avoid getting stressed out. Not only is it aesthetically unpleasing, but a messy workspace can also make it difficult to find things when you need them.
Good storage solutions are key to maintaining a tidy and organised office. A place for everything, and everything in its place! This will help you stay on top of your work, and avoid wasting time searching for things that are lost in the clutter.
The Role of Noise and Acoustic Solutions in Office Design
You might not have realised it, but the amount of noise in your workspace can have a big impact on your mental wellbeing. If you’re constantly bombarded with loud noises, it can be really tough to focus and stay calm.
That’s why it’s important to consider the acoustics of your workspace when you’re designing it. There are a few things you can do to reduce noise levels, like adding sound-absorbing materials or installing acoustic panels.
You should also think about the layout of your space and how noise will travel through it. For example, if you have an open-plan office, you might want to create designated quiet zones where people can go to escape the noise.
By taking steps to reduce noise levels in your workspace, you can create an environment that’s more conducive to mental wellbeing.
Intentional Spatial Planning
When it comes to the layout of your office space, there are a few things you can do to create a more mentally healthy environment.
First, try to choose a layout that promotes collaboration and connection. Having a space where people can come together and brainstorm will not only make your team more productive, but also help to foster a sense of community.
Second, make sure that there is plenty of natural light and fresh air. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can help to improve mood and mental well-being, so it’s important to create a workspace that takes advantage of this.
Finally, try to incorporate some elements of nature into your space. Adding plants or using nature-inspired design elements can help to create a more calming and peaceful environment.
Conclusion
Now that you know how your environment can impact your mood, it’s time to take action. If you’re not happy with your current workspace, get in touch with the Outline Design team today.
We have experience with a wide variety of different work environments. We work with a range of different budgets and our team of multidisciplinary designers are the team that will create a space that makes you feel good.
What are you waiting for? Get started on creating a workspace that promotes mental well-being today!
