6 Things That Bring Serenity to Any Room (Beyond Candles)
Zen gardens, natural light and gauzy fabrics aren't the only ways to create a home where you can truly unwind.
By Candace Braun Davison
A Bright Spot
Oh, to have gigantic windows and skylights. That may not be the reality for most of us, but with a few extra lamps—including an overhead light set to a dimmer switch—and boosting the lights so they're brightest at mid-day, when the sun is at its brightest, could help you feel better (and create a home that looks like this). An October 2013 study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that hospital patients who were exposed to low levels of light 24 hours a day were more fatigued and reported higher pain levels than those who stayed in rooms with lights that adjusted. With just 40 people surveyed, there's no guarantee that brighter days and darker evenings will improve your health, but it may be worth testing out for yourself.
Published 03/26/2014