Shaping Spaces That Support You
Fundamentals of Balanced Wellness: Part 5
Your surroundings matter. Learn how to create physical and digital spaces that regulate your nervous system and restore your energy.
Our environments influence our mood, energy, focus, and even our health. From your home and workspace to your digital surroundings, the spaces you spend time in can either support your wellness or work against it.
Today, I invite you to evaluate your environments and identify what feels nourishing and what feels depleting. Is your bedroom set up for restorative sleep? Is your workspace cluttered and stressful? Are your digital spaces filled with comparison triggers or energy drains?
Your environment should feel like a soft place to land, not another source of stress. And with a few intentional shifts, it can.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people who described their homes as "cluttered" experienced higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone (ScienceDirect). Creating supportive environments isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about regulating your nervous system.
Clutter, especially in the home, has been linked to increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and even poor sleep. When our surroundings are disorganized or overloaded with visual stimuli, our brains interpret it as unfinished work—activating the stress response. This is where organizing methods like the KonMari Method™ by Marie Kondo can be so powerful. Her approach encourages people to keep only those items that “spark joy,” creating living spaces that feel intentional and calming. You can learn more about her method at konmari.com.
Other simple changes like adding calming lighting, reducing noise pollution, or creating tech boundaries—can have a huge impact on your well-being. Even taking just 10 minutes to organize your desk can help you become more grounded and at ease.
What is your go-to method for creating spaces that invite calm?
In my next post, we’ll explore the power of mindfulness—how slowing down and tuning in can help you reconnect with yourself and move through life with more intention and clarity…. No meditation required. :)
