In the post-Pandemic world, where we are all spending more time inside, your home can be more than a roof over your head-can be the secret weapon for better health.
Just ask the interior stylist Diana Mui, the New York City founder of the Love House Foundation, who is on a mission to turn the homes of patients with healing cancer that facilitate the mental and emotional strain of treatment.
“We all know that things can happen, but you feel indestructible until it happens,” said Mui, who recently went into forgiveness after a five-year battle with breast cancer, told the post. “I think the emotional number is really what requires a lot of healing.”
For Mui, turning her home into a Haven Wellness was one of her most powerful tools for managing her mental health during her battle with cancer: “I learned how important it was to create a space that It was not just beautiful, but it really talked about the personality of who I am. “
The best part? You do not have to face a life -threatening illness to take advantage of a living space that feeds your well -being. Mui shared some simple tips with posting how to turn your home into a healthier, happier environment.
Light it
“When I get into space, the first thing I do is look at their windows,” Mui said, adding that she always tries to bring as much natural light as possible.
Research suggests that the natural light of the day is more than just a humor strengthening – it is a health power plant. It regulates sleep, increases energy, increases vitamin D production, and can even give your immune system a very necessary incentive.
In one study, people with more natural light inside not only slept better, but also felt more energy throughout the day. In another, participants exposed to high levels of sunlight during the day had a 20% lower risk of depression, with similar improvements in conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and even bipolar and psychosis disorder.
In a city like New York, where many residents look at brick walls or apartments of their neighbors instead of heaven, getting that natural light is not always easy. If you are not blessed with a ton of sunlight, Mui suggests using strategically set lamps and sconces to make up for it – but make sure you are paying attention to temperature.
“In the living room, I usually rely on the brighter and delightful tones because they are more energetic,” she explained. “In the bedrooms, I tend to use warm, softer lighting because they are soothing.”
The power of color
Color is more than just a choice of design, it is a powerful tool that changes the mood.
Warm colors like red, orange and yellow can turn on everything from excitement and warmth to aggression and irritability. Meanwhile, delightful tones like blue and green have a soothing effect on the mind, but can also lead to feelings of sadness or indifference.
Color can even cause physiological changes in the body. Take red for example – it has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure, likely because it is often associated with risk or warning signs.
For those fighting diseases, or someone prone to stress or anxiety, Mui suggests keeping your palette of light and airy colors.
“There is no strict rule,” she said. “I really pay attention to the architecture of the space and listen to my customers and allow them to guide me.”
Healing décor
Believe it or not, the right décor can have a profound impact on how you feel – especially if you deal with disease.
“Pictures of people you love on the wall are definitely a universal healing factor,” Mui said. “It adds a sense of personality and reminds you of the faces that bring you joy. You want to survive for them too. “
But it’s not just about what you see – it’s about what you feel. Mui suggests circling yourself with textiles that feel comforting and soothing to the skin. Think of cozy blankets, pillows for tanking and soft carpets, which create an atmosphere of comfort and safety.
The mess, on the other hand, is without movement. Been is associated with raised levels of cortisol, body stress hormone and can lead to feelings of anxiety or even guilt. To keep stress in the breast, Mui recommends choosing hidden storage furniture – like closets or shelves – to hide chaos when things get a little messy.
When it comes to arranging furniture, Mui aims at an open and fluent urban plan when possible. It is an approach that matches the ancient practice of Feng Shui, which emphasizes the balance of energy and providing a positive, harmonious flow throughout the space.
For an immediate increase in mood, consider bringing some greenery to your home. Research suggests that indoor plants like lavender can reduce stress and anxiety with their soothing aroma, while peace lilies purify air and improve sleep by releasing oxygen during the day.
After all, Mui said the most important thing when designing your space, especially if you are navigating the disease, is focusing on what makes you feel good.
“When you are passing it, you have to think about what makes you really happy and just adhere to it, not the trends,” she said.
Mui recently brought her design expertise to Mount Sinai in New York City, where the love house foundation helped create a new pop-up space for cancer patients and their families. Discovered on February 4, in honor of World Cancer Day, the exhibition features beautifully created trees, where visitors can unite messages of love and support for those who fight the disease.
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Image Source : nypost.com