In the aftermath of an injury, victims experience both physical and mental pain. Sometimes, they may even deal with PTSD, which results from a traumatic experience. And suffering an accident or getting a life-threatening diagnosis is traumatic. But when you put your trust in medical experts, and they fail you, it feels like your entire world has collapsed. Unfortunately, doctors make errors that often have lifelong consequences for victims, like ongoing pain and a lower quality of life. If you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, know that you don’t have to struggle alone. It’s essential to seek emotional and legal support as these things can help you adjust to this new life. Experts from Compensation Calculator UK state that you are entitled to claim compensation not only for the physical and emotional pain you suffered but also for the financial damages. Don’t hesitate to contact a legal expert to seek advice and determine how much compensation you can get.
You may struggle a lot after suffering an injury and find it challenging to accept what happened. But that’s completely normal, so take all the time you need to grieve your previous life. In other words, feel all your feelings, and seek support from a mental health professional. Once you start focusing on your recovery, you may also consider making changes to your home. ‘But what does this have to do with recovery?’ you may wonder. Believe it or not, we have evidence that links home design with well-being. Your thoughts and emotions respond to your environment, from the air you breathe to the quality of light and the colour and dimension of your living space. So, how can you create a home that promotes healing? Keep reading to find out.
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Consider lighting
Lighting is imperative in a home’s design, as it considerably influences your mood and health. For example, fluorescent lights lead to eye strain and headaches and can even increase the risk of accidents. On the other hand, warm natural light is a great recovery aid for those who suffered an accident or are dealing with a serious condition. That’s because it improves your mood and increases your Vitamin D levels. It’s best to organise the space so you can adapt the light according to your needs. Window coverings can help with that as they can be adjusted to decrease or increase the level of the light that gets in.
Bring nature in
Nature is the best healer. Humans have this urge to connect with other forms of life, and studies have shown that hospital patients feel better if they have a view of a natural scene. This can also be applied in the home in different ways, like incorporating glass that provides a view of greenery or adding natural materials to the home’s design. Paintings, decorations, and plants are also great elements that create a sense of connection to nature. Being close to water also has healing effects for both your mental and physical health. But since not everyone can live by the ocean, including a water feature outdoors can do the trick.
Incorporate calm areas
If there are two words that best describe modern society, those are overstimulation and overwork. Unfortunately, the two have a major impact on people’s well-being. And the only place where you get to control these aspects is your home. Thus, it’s essential to incorporate calm areas in the living space, which promote healthy interactions with friends and family members. It doesn’t have to be a minimalist room – a hobby room or a balcony for gardening are also great design choices that aid recovery and boost well-being. Instead of designing around the TV, focus on the people, and create spaces that promote the value of spending time together.
Choose adequate furniture
Furniture is also critical when designing a home that supports the needs of someone recovering from an accident or illness. Obviously, functionality is an important element, but you must also consider the furniture’s texture, material and colours. Since it’s vital to create a calming effect, warm-looking wood is the best option – you want to avoid metal furniture that would result in an antiseptic atmosphere. Also, opt for soft and colourful bedding instead of white. Consider incorporating bedside chairs in the home’s design, too, as they can benefit those dealing with injuries or illnesses that don’t enable them to leave the bed. Medicinal equipment storage should also be a priority when caring for a convalescent person in your life. It’s best not to display them, as that could give a feeling of a hospital setting. Instead, store them in a closet or a wooden cabinet.
Interior design impacts both your physical and mental health
As mentioned before, suffering an accident, illness, or injury is a traumatic experience that triggers stress and can lead to serious conditions like PTSD. Therefore, it is vital to address your needs and create a home design that promotes healing. According to science, design techniques can considerably reduce depression and anxiety, providing emotional stability. The link between emotions and interior design has existed for a thousand years, but only recently has it gained significant attention. After several studies, researchers have found that interior design elements can evoke negative or positive emotional responses in people.
Space within a home is one of the most important elements to consider; for instance, uncluttered open homes promote better moods. Fortunately, this sense of openness can be created in nearly all spaces if you choose the right furniture, lighting, and overall design. Incorporating flowers and plants in the home also improves the mood, as houseplants increase the air quality in the living space, acting like natural air filters. Colour choice is also vital, as shades have different psychological effects on people. For instance, green is a calming colour associated with nature and harmony, while blue communicates serenity and can ward off depression.
A home should be a safe space that makes you feel good, which is especially important for someone in recovery. Therefore, consider making changes in your home to support your healing process.
