Mental Health and Your Home: My Experience with BLLIS
Creating a harmonious living and working environment is more crucial to our mental health than we often realize. Spaces influence our mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Recently, I worked with Lyndsay Lowman, founder of BLLIS (www.bllis.com), whose expertise in biophilic design brought life and calm to my home and private practice space.
Why Environment Matters
Our surroundings have a profound impact on our mental health. Clutter and poor design can lead to stress and anxiety, while well-organized, aesthetically pleasing spaces can promote calm and happiness. Incorporating elements of nature, a principle of biophilic design, can significantly enhance our connection to the environment, boosting our mental and emotional well-being (Dijkstra et al., 2008). Being in our spaces also involves a holistic approach and a connection to all of our senses.
Research has shown that environments rich in natural elements—such as plants, natural light, and organic materials—can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function (Hung & Chang, 2021). According to a literature review published in the Journal of People, Plants and the Environment, exposure to natural environments can significantly improve emotional and psychological well-being (Hung & Chang, 2021).
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is an innovative approach incorporating natural elements into our living and working spaces to foster a connection to nature (Hung & Chang, 2021). This design philosophy includes using natural light, plants, water features, natural materials, and views of nature. The goal is to create environments that are aesthetically pleasing and promote physical and mental well-being. By integrating these natural elements, biophilic design helps reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall health and productivity.
The Process
Lyndsay's consultation process was both thorough and informative. Over the course of three consultations, she guided me through transforming my space. I started by sending her images, measurements, and a layout of my space. During our first interactive virtual session, Lyndsay patiently explored my space with me. The session was incredibly educational, and I felt inspired to declutter and reimagine my space. In the next two sessions, Lyndsay shared design perspectives and made tailored recommendations for changes I could make. These suggestions were practical and cost-effective, involving small tweaks that had a big impact. Finally, we reconnected after I implemented many of the recommended changes, and I shared what I had done and experienced within the space. Together, we refined the changes, ensuring every element worked harmoniously to create the desired atmosphere.
The Transformation
Starting with the main floor of my home, Lyndsay guided me to declutter, rearrange furniture, add more plants, and incorporate personal touches. The impact on my well-being was immediate and profound. I felt more at peace, energized, and connected to my surroundings. This positive change in my home environment prompted me to extend her consultation to my private practice space.
Lyndsay's biophilic design applications and keen sense of facilitating flow transformed my practice space into a sanctuary of calm and comfort. The feedback from clients has been incredibly positive—they love the inviting and serene atmosphere. Though therapy can involve strong emotions and emotional release, clients have mentioned that my space feels like a sanctuary to do this important healing, which is exactly what I sought to create. I have more and more clients seeking to come to my in-person space rather than see me online—even travelling far distances! I view this as a testament to the healing that my space provides in addition to psychotherapy.
Seeing the benefits in my home and practice space, I've decided to move on to my child's room next, aiming to bring in elements that promote my child's mental well-being.
A Note of Appreciation
It’s important for me to note that I'm not receiving compensation for promoting BLLIS, but the positive changes I've experienced are worth sharing. Lyndsay's virtual consulting services allow her to help clients from all over the world. If you want to transform your space and enhance your well-being through your environment, you can find more information about BLLIS at www.bllis.com.
References:
Dijkstra, K., Pieterse, M., & Pruyn, A. (2008). Stress-reducing effects of indoor plants in the built healthcare environment: The mediating role of perceived attractiveness. Preventive Medicine, 47(3), 279–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.01.013
Hung, S.-H., & Chang, C.-Y. (2021). Health benefits of evidence-based biophilic-designed environments: A review. Journal of People, Plants, and Environment, 24(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.11628/ksppe.2021.24.1.1