When you think of your “happy place,” what comes to mind? For some, it’s a sandy white beach with the calming waves in the background. For others, it may be a swinging hammock in a peaceful garden. Or maybe it’s curling up in your favorite comfy chair, with a book and a mug of warm tea. The commonality between many of our “happy places” is that they elicit feelings of calm, relaxation, and peace.
For someone in recovery, having a safe, relaxing space can make a difference in their mental health. A high-stress, chaotic home with people judging how you’re behaving can be detrimental to the individual, hindering their well-being and path to recovery. While it may be difficult to leave your family and friends at your current home, it may be the best temporary decision to reach your recovery goals.
Read on to learn more about the role of the environment in mental health and recovery spaces, including how to design your home for your needs and why a support system is a key factor in your recovery environment.
The Importance of Physical Calming Environments
Recovery is never an easy road. It’s a difficult path that is oftentimes filled with hurdles and unexpected plot twists. It can also be an incredibly isolating experience, especially if someone isn’t in a support group or seeking treatment via a substance abuse rehab program. Creating a physically calming, almost therapeutic environment can be beneficial in improving the ability to heal.
First, make sure you have access to natural light. Just like a plant needs sunlight to grow, people need sun for mood regulation, immune health, and energy. There’s a reason why more people feel happy on a sunny day as opposed to a dreary rainy day. If available, bring in other natural elements to your space. Even if you’re in a rehab center, you can bring in some potted plants or flowers to cheer up your room. Buying some fresh flowers every week can also conjure up feelings of happiness.
Second, think about decluttering your area. Clutter is synonymous with chaos, which can cause more stress and negatively impact your mood. If the idea of tidying up intimidates you, think about setting a timer for 10 or 30 minutes. Do as much as you can within that timeframe and then call it quits. Putting away some shoes by the door, wiping down the kitchen counters, and going through the junk mail can leave your place feeling more relaxing.
Next, fill your space with elements that bring you joy. Scent is a powerful emotion, so a nicely scented candle or some essential oils can enhance your mood. Lavender, rose, peppermint, and jasmine are all known for their calming effects. Find a playlist that you can use as background music. Having some soft jazz or calming nature sounds can instantly bring you back to your center.
When designing your space, don’t think that you need to have it perfect immediately. Recovery is a lengthy process, and you’ll identify your needs as you move along the path. Also, what works for you right now may not work for you in the future. Swap items from your place as you see fit, knowing that you’re in control of your space just as much as you’re in control of your healing journey.
Why a Supportive Community is Essential
Your surrounding community is just as, if not more, important than your physical space. Having a strong community can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Recovery involves rebuilding trust within yourself, and sometimes with others as well. For this reason, connecting with others who are on similar paths can foster empathy and create momentum in one’s own recovery.
Chatting with others about your past experiences and how you’re feeling daily can help create a sense of accountability. You don’t want to let down your friends, particularly if everyone is currently in the same boat as you. Being with others you depend on, you can create a strong support system, a safety net of sorts, to push through this path together. Through connection, you’ll also be sharing and exchanging helpful resources, including coping strategies and guidance.
If you’re struggling to find a connection, here are some ideas. You can seek out a group program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs are anonymous, which can be an advantage to those who are currently struggling with feelings of shame and embarrassment. Group therapy is another good option. If you’re currently working with a therapist one-on-one, opening up to others can be an added benefit to your journey. Online groups, such as Facebook groups, won’t provide all the same benefits as real-time connections, but they can fill some gaps.
Tips and Takeaways
Your idea of serenity is exactly what you need right now. Call to mind your “happy place” and integrate as many of these elements into your space.
A calming, supportive environment may mean leaving the bustling city you call home for a more relaxing, tranquil town. Or it may simply mean cleaning up your current spaces and bringing in some plants and peaceful music to feel more at ease. In terms of support, you may seek out a group therapy session that meets weekly, or you may be looking for more personalized connections that you’d find at a rehab center. Put yourself and your recovery first, and everything else will fall into place.
