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M A S S AC H U S E T T S
Happy Place
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PHOTO BY CODY BLACK VIA UNSPLASH
Green Besties: Research shows your houseplants can uplevel your mood.
and keeps us alert. If you’re suffering from seasonal affectivie disorder (SAD), consider adding a sun lamp to your space to get some vitamin D. Accent with aromas. The scents we smell link directly to the parts of the brain that control our memories and emotions. Rose and lavender help release stress and anxiety. Sandalwood can help calm racing thoughts. Lemon and clary sage may help with depression. Avoid scented candles that list “parfum” or “natural fragrances,” which can contain phthalates and other chemicals. Add a few drops of essential oils to a plain wax one instead. Let the music move This year, go all-in on self-care by creating an emotional escape room. you. Research has shown that music can alter our TEXT STEPHANIE WILSON moods and behaviors, even Some call it a sacred space, of your home to find the impact our physical health. ual. The space is all about some call it a zen den. Ver- right space—the closet Put another way, music you, so customize it to nacular aside, the idea is to floor, behind a chair or is what feelings sound your interests and tastes. create a dedicated spot in plant, that awkward corner Play with color and texture like, so choose music that sounds like the feelings your home where you can in the living room, anythrough artwork, throw you want your self-care go to think all the thoughts where with enough room rugs, meditation pillows, space to instill. and feel all the feels—and for you to tuck into with tapestries, and scarves. Go even greener. you need one. Setting a pillow to sit on. Select a Let there be light. Research in the Journal of apart an area for rituals spot that makes you feel Research has shown that or meditation invites you present, spiritually conlighting has a huge impact Physiological Anthropology to make mental, emotion- nected, and joyful. on our circadian rhythms, found that interacting al, and energetic space for Create your altar. Out- which affect our emotion- with houseplants can reduce stress by calming for them—and serves as fit your space with items al and physical health. the sympathetic nervous a visual reminder to do that have purpose and Cool blue lights intersystem. Also, adding some so. Here are some tips to meaning: photos, crystals, fere with the production plants to the space can help you carve out a space candles, flowers, statof melatonin, interfering where you can vibe. ues or mementos, books, with sleep, whereas warm, help purify the air of toxic substances, according to Find your spot. Follow journals, tarot and oracle soft yellow lights spur the a study in Environmental your intuition to the unex- cards, or whatever you production of cortisol, Health Perspectives. pected nooks and crannies need for your self-care rit- which helps wake us up
