A Healing Environment

Light

Light can be harmful, or healing. Research shows that lighting which is too dark or too bright induces a low mood while mood improves with lighting which is "just right."

As shown in studies in hospitals, natural light can be healing and restorative. Mood swings are greater when there is no natural light.

When considering artificial lights, consider type, source and color. Select the light sources and types of light that you find most healing.

Music

Consider what music makes you feel relaxed and calm. Music is easily available these days, including as a download from the internet.

If there is no music that you think of as healing, consider classical music such as music by the classical composers such as Bach, Chopin or Mozart. Also consider New Age music which can provide a soft, calming presence.

Internet search engines will provide an array of healing music if you search on words such as "healing music."

Nature

Seeing and being in nature is soothing and restorative and brings about positive feelings. While a walk in nature is calming, a study shows that even looking at nature can reduce stress levels and increase immune levels. Nature can be a view out a window, living indoor plants, or even photos or artwork of nature.

A great deal of information about what plants grow in what indoor environment (and care tips) is available on line. A quick search on "house plants guide" brings up a number of comprehensive web sites. Please share your experience about these sites so we can pass the information along to other people in your situation. (Please e mail: Survivorship A to Z)

Gardening can also help relieve stress (while providing exercise). A waterfall is easy to install, and generates a soothing sound. Even a small green house permits year round gardening.

Noise

Noise, or the lack thereof, affects all of us differently. Noise can increase stress, disrupt sleep and impact human behavior in a negative way. The lack of noise (silence) can be healing to some people and the exact opposite to others.

Stressful noises can be masked by peaceful sounds such as water in a waterfall, bubbling water, wind chimes, music, or artificially produced white noise. (In addition to specialty stores with white noise gadgets such as Hammacher Schlemmer, (www.Hammacher.com ), you can get white noise free on your computer from such sites as www.simplynoise.com .)

Objects

Symbols (such as photographs) and mementos that have meaning and significance to you (such as souvenirs from a relaxing trip or a needlepoint made by someone you love) can bring up past feelings of care and comfort.

Smoking

Make your entire home a smoke free zone. If that is not possible because of the people you live with, at least make your healing space smoke free. (Also make your bedroom and the other rooms you frequent smoke free).   NOTE: If you smoke, quit. To learn how, click here.  Keep in mind that second hand smoke is just as damaging as smoking.

Thresholds

Consider an entrance or threshold to your home which creates a distinct difference between the outside and your home or the door to your healing room/space. For instance, a heavy door, a dark passage, a bridge or garden gate. As you pass into the space, there will be at least a subliminal awareness of passing into your healing environment.

Water

Water can be soothing. For instance, a view of water, or a softy cascading fountain.

NOTE: Think about activities you enjoy engaging in that you find healing, and adapt space to encourage the activity. For instance, if you love to read, be sure there is a comfortable chair and good light. If you create art, that there is space to work - and perhaps leave your tools and supplies out overnight.

Minimize Effort

Use common sense to make it easier to live in the space. For example:

• Decorate simply so you don't have to dust a lot. Furniture should be easy to clean.
  
• Use long life light bulbs in difficult-to-reach areas such as ceiling fixtures. (Not incidentally, you'll also be helping heal the planet)