Christmas decorations are good for health: lights and colors affect well-being

Architects specializing in “neuroarchitecture” offer advice on how to create healthy Christmas environments for adults, children and even pets

The end of the year is coming and it is normal for people to feel lighter, more patient and hopeful for the days ahead. But did you know that many of these optimistic feelings can be conveyed through Christmas decorations?

The architects Gabi Sartori and Priscilla Bencke, founders of NEUROARQ® Academywhich explain how the atmosphere of Christmas can influence people’s behavior that occupy these spaces.

Both are specialists in neuroarchitecture – discipline that uses different areas related to human behavior to create pleasant environments that meet specific objectives, such as promoting relaxation, concentration, well-being, belonging, concentration, among others -, born from the junction of neurosciences, a field scientist who studies the nervous system, with architecture.

A survey conducted by the psychology department of the University of Utah in the United States has explained how Christmas decorations influence human behavior. According to the study, people who use these artifacts on their doors during the holidays tend to be more social than those who don’t.

“The festive decoration communicates to people that the entrance of a new phase is approaching as in a cycle, which represents the end of another year. On several occasions, the Christmas decoration awakens this feeling that the year is ending, especially in people who are on automatic pace,” explains Gabi.

According to the architect, the decorations, lights, perfumes and Christmas music they carry important information and can have different meanings from person to person, as each person has different memories and feelings related to this time of year.

Check out some expert tips on how to create healthier New Year’s party decorations!

Decoration: Is there anything that should be avoided?

No. New Year’s Eve celebrations are a time when pretty much anything goes, as people let their more playful side run wild.

Therefore, there is no right or wrong decoration, or something that should be avoided. The ideal, according to experts, is to consider the goals, context and people who will enjoy those spaces. This exercise is important for preparing a more decisive decoration.

However, it is always important to consider that decoration can have different meanings for each individual. In this case, the customization it should be made according to the needs of each person, so that there is the expected positive impact of the Christmas decoration.

Lighting: What is the impact of Christmas lights on people’s lives?

According to Priscilla, the impact of lighting on our body occurs differently at each stage of life, especially considering the sensitivity of the human body based on age.

“A baby can be much more sensitive to light, as his senses are still developing. The elderly, who have already lost much of their sensitive capacity, absorb light in the opposite way.”

One important thing to consider about bright Christmas decorations is the be careful with the power of the lights according to the public profile.

It is necessary to consider light pollution which, due to excesses, can cause harm to both humans and animals. One example is nocturnal animals, such as cats, which can have their cycles affected by extremely bright areas and paths.

Can lights also harm humans? Which places in the house should or shouldn’t receive this special lighting?

In residential lighting, lights can be used in different spaces, which also depends on the profile of the residents. To sectorize your Christmas decorations, it may be interesting for them to be installed in the same room as the Christmas tree. This is suggested to create a special atmosphere while avoiding light pollution, which can be caused by too much light.

The human body has a biological programming, so it is indicated that the lights be turned off before bedtimeso as not to interfere with the production of melatonin – a hormone naturally produced by the body, whose main function is to regulate the circadian cycle, stimulating sleep at the end of the day.

Finally, the experts explain the importance of aromas, a very relevant environment variable. Olfactory memory works like this: the brain stores various memories, which, activated by an external stimulus, trigger a neurological reaction in the memory, associating that smell with important facts of our life.

Many people connect to this time of year based on characteristic smells, such as the scent of panettone and typical foods or seasonal fruit. Think about creating positive memories and feelings through the sense of smell, it is possible to invest in items such as scented herbs or scented candlesFor instance.

Ambient music can also be an important trigger for memories, especially in children, who will always remember carols or sounds made at this time of year as they grow up.

In this sense, two important precautions to take are with the volume; avoiding noise pollution, and the number of repetitions, so that the sound does not become cloying, creating a negative memory.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.