How can Design boost your self-care & love♡

The power of design has greatly benefited my mental health throughout my career as a designer (and an emerging design researcher). These four tips were effective for me, and I hope they are helpful to you.

One The colour of the clothes I choose

One simple yet effective strategy is the colour of the clothes I choose daily. As a way to boost my mood and create a feeling of positivity, I favour bright and vibrant colours which helps set the tone for the rest of the day and gives me a good head start.

Two Nature elements in the workspace

Another strategy I have found valuable is incorporating nature elements into my work environment. Whether it's through photographs or actual plants (such as a peace lily, snake plant, or ZZ plant just to name a few), we all know nature calms our minds. I find that having lush greens and/or organic shapes (photos) in my workspace alleviates stress and anxiety, providing a tranquil environment and elevating my sense of wellbeing, as many of us spend much of our time at work.

We all know nature calms our minds.

Three A neat desk environment

Based on interior Feng Shui, maintaining a neat desk environment can significantly reduce stress levels. When I keep my desk organised and in designated areas (e.g. using storage compartments), I can create an atmosphere of order and reduce my mental strain. I find that this also improves my focus greatly!

Four Aromatherapy

In addition to the aforementioned strategies, I have also incorporated aromatherapy into my work routine. Usually, I apply a room spray infused with essential oils (I recommend bergamot for uplifting and energising your mood). I found the short, pleasant scent to be instantly uplifting and provided me with a quick lift especially after my lunch break and sitting at my desk for extended periods. While you can also use a diffuser which can be pricey at times, interestingly, having a constant scent in the air might have the opposite effect!

As you have read, these simple aspects of my daily life are easy to implement, resulting in a Salutogenic (healthy) environment that supports my mental health, whether it's the colours I wear, nature elements, or how I organise my workspace. I encourage you to explore ways you might find effective and that fit into your lifestyle where you can also cultivate an environment that helps and sustains your mental health ᵦ(ò_ó)ᵦ