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

---

Finding Cheap Hardwood Floors

A wide range of hardwood floorings are available in the... Read More

Decorating a Childs Room - 8 Simple Strategies to Make You Both Happy!

When it comes to decorating a child's room, your approach... Read More

How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood... Read More

The Function of Wine Storage Racks

Storing wines is crucial to keeping wines flavor and letting... Read More

Which Air Purifier is Best For You?

Perhaps the best air purifiers are those from the IQAir... Read More

The Stress-Free Way to Add Color to Your Walls

Looking for the most impact from a small decorating budget?... Read More

7 Feng Shui Fundamentals for Childrens Bedrooms

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

Great Tips for Choosing Furniture

You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean... Read More

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

So you've decided to hire an Interior Designer-good move! Now... Read More

Outdoor Cedar Patio Furniture Goes Indoors!

It would be obvious to assume that the sudden boom... Read More

A Guide to Bathroom Vanities

The basic bathroom vanity includes a mirror or medicine cabinet... Read More

A Look at Fruit Gift Baskets

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

An Inspirational Poster Can Really Help!

An inspirational poster can really inspire us!Its benefits to us... Read More

Caring for Your Wood Furniture

There is nothing like wood furniture to add elegance and... Read More

Decorating a Kids Room

The most important thing to consider when decorating a child's... Read More

Tips on Budget Decorating

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in... Read More

Safely Decorating Your Kids Bedroom

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

Bar and Wine Cabinets: Entertain in Style

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

The Benefits of Wood Cook Stoves

Wood cook stoves have been used for hundreds of years.... Read More

Home Care for the Monsoon

Given that the monsoon season lasts for a few months... Read More

Purchasing Framed Art For Your Home or Office - a Novel Way to Decorate

Framed art is an ideal compliment to any room of... Read More

Choosing Candles & Scents Part 1 - Candles for July

Deciding on just a few candles is rarely easy. With... Read More

Home Decorating & The Smaller Place

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

Decorate Your Home with Shabby Chic

Are you ready to redecorate but have a limited budget?... Read More

Persian Rugs - Care and Cleaning

You've just invested in a beautiful Persian rug. Even though... Read More

The Benefits of Owning Wood Mini Blinds

Wood mini blinds are one variety of wood blinds for... Read More

Beautiful Lighting Tips 101 - A Crash Course in Lighting Design

Many people cannot immediately identify why they may like or... Read More

The Functions and Benefits Water Softener Salt

Hard water causes an array of problems in home and... Read More

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner Filter

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

Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs

Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent... Read More

Creating A Cozy Spot

Having a warm & cozy spot to snuggle up is... Read More

The Advantages of Wooden Wine Racks

Wood wine racks provide the best storage system for a... Read More

Contemporary Floor Lamps - Add Functional Modern Lighting!

If you are thinking about updating the look of a... Read More