How to Cultivate an Inspirational Space
If you’re like me, your physical space, or environment, plays a huge role in your productivity and inspiration. I think most people are heavily influenced by their environment, but we do not always take the time to get curious about our space and how we can set it up for our mental health and success.
I’m definitely no interior designer, but I am always asking myself questions like these as I grow, evolve and am constantly learning more about myself:
What makes me feel really good?
What do I actually love?
When do I feel like my best, Highest Self?
Knowing the answers to those questions can help you cultivate an environment that brings out your most productive, efficient, creative, aligned Self.
Anyways, here’s some elements for you to consider in creating an inspirational space (in relationship to those questions above!). I recognize everyone has different situations and set-ups, so play with the ones you can control and let the others go until you have an opportunity to focus on them.
1) Noise levels.
I have never been the person that does well studying at the library. I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that I grew up in a loud household with an Italian, New York family. We thrive on sound.
I read recently that neurodivergent ADHD brains (hello, it’s me) find more success in environments with some baseline level of stimulation. I have found this to be true for myself. At home, I can put on a background music station, or I can leave the house and work at a coffee shop or restaurant.
Do you like to work in quiet? Or, like me, do you work better in lively spots where your brain is externally stimulated?
2) Light.
We are human beings who have bodies that physiologically respond to levels of light. I am a huge believer in being in a setting with some natural light. I remember the grad school days of being in an office with no windows. Frankly, it was horrible! I know that we don’t always have the privilege of choosing our office, but there are alternative light sources now.
You can also think about the overhead artificial lighting. If your lights are blue in tone, this may not work best for you. Maybe there is a really funky, amazing lamp you can find to add some ambience or maybe you can change the lightbulbs to warmer tones. Hell, get a mini desk disco ball if that floats your boat! I’m just saying that lighting plays a huge role in how your body functions, and it is worth doing what you can here.
3) Novelty.
There are days when I really need to be in a new environment to find inspiration. There are other days when I need to be in a familiar space and just bust out the work. You decide how the element of novelty works for you.
4) Curating the surrounding decor.
Everything in my home and office has been hand selected to be (and stay) there. It has taken me time over the years to curate my own style, but I can say that everything has a place and a spot that makes me feel amazing.
I am constantly putzing and moving things and donating to Goodwill, but I think it deserves to be said. Curate your office – whether that is at home or in corporate America. Everything in there should spark joy.
Clutter does NOT mix with creativity. Get rid of that shit and help keep your mind open and free.
5) Smell.
Smell is one of the fastest ways to influence your brain and mood. I like to use natural essential oils to create intuitive, inspired thoughtfulness while I work. I can put some on the pulse of my wrists, behind my ears or diffuse some for clean, fresh air that puts me in a great mental state!
For you, it might be a room spray, a perfume or simply opening the window.
6) Color.
What’s your favorite color? What makes you feel really good? Can you get a few pieces that reflect that? Can you paint something on the walls? Can you hang a beautiful picture?
The psychology of color is very real, that’s why graphic designers study how to create certain emotions with this element. Choose wisely for your space and how you desire to feel.
7) Food and Beverage.
Ever eat lunch and then instantly feel like you just ate Thanksgiving turkey and need a nap? It might be because you have been eating something that your body dislikes or disagrees with. Or it could be that you just ate a little heavier than your body wanted at this hour of the day and you need to go for a quick 20-minute walk after lunch to counteract that sleepy feeling!
The same goes for drinks. For instance, I absolutely love my morning coffee. I have a concoction with electrolytes and half & half that makes me smile and starts my day on the right foot. And coffee sits really well with my body.
If you are someone who does not do well with caffeine or experiences severe energy crashes because you are powering yourself on sugary beverages, then you need to start with listening to your body. You can curate a beautiful space, but if your body is not in tip top shape, you will not feel inspired.
Remember, you were created by the Ultimate Creator to uniquely create.
No one’s creativity looks the same. Yours might look like perfect Excel spreadsheets and equations or an innovative research project design.
Whatever it is, know that you are worthy of a space that inspires your innate creative abilities.
I hope this helped you and gave you some elements to get curious about in the journey of learning more about YOU! Give yourself grace and compassion. We’re all always on a path of expansion and improvement.
I love you so much. Thank you for being here.
Xoxo,
Em
