Written by: Jola Pypno-Crapanzano, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In recent years our lives without the shadow of doubt got busier, more hectic than ever and they leave us overwhelmed and overstimulated. Do you find yourself more and more craving the comfort of quiet spaces and calm environments? No wonder…when we are fatigued and stressed, or struggling with mental health problems, our brains process environmental stimuli differently. By simply changing our environment, creating a comfortable space, and minimizing clutter we can positively impact our mood, thoughts, and behaviors at home, in the classroom, or at the office.
To set the tone for my reflections I want you to imagine a painting competition in which the participants were asked to create a picture titled “Peace”. Many painters submitted their work and after careful examination, the jury chose two finalists. One artist painted a perfect calm lake, with gorgeous mountains slopes behind, sunny skies, a reflection of birds and flowers in the water – pure tranquility. The second artist painted a very different picture: rocky mountain range, dark skies and very stormy weather, rapids with the water loudly tumbling down, and right underneath the waterfall there was a small bush. In this bush, the mother bird made a nest and she was caring for her babies safely hiding under her wings.
Which one of the two pictures do you think has won?
Which one would you choose?
When do you think about tranquility what comes to mind?
What do you imagine when you think about peaceful, calm, and relaxing spaces?
Peace and tranquility can be perceived and experienced very differently. Whether it’s a green meadow, a deserted wild beach, a beautiful lake, or a river lazily flowing on a warm sunny day, tranquility is mainly found in natural outdoor environments. But peace and tranquility can also be created in our indoor surroundings, living spaces, schools, and offices in a relatively simple way which helps make people feel calmer and less stressed.
Scientific studies show a direct correlation between certain environments and levels of relaxation, stress reduction, and even longevity and pain relief. Here are seven simple tips on how to boost the tranquility of an area and create a calm space:
The first step is to reduce man-made noise and introduce as many natural soothing sounds as possible. Different sounds can promote different moods. Having “natural” sounds can help to make a place feel more tranquil. This could be done by installing a water feature or a pond which will not only promote relaxation, but it will also encourage waterfowl and other birds to visit. It could also be done indoors by playing soothing background sounds of nature such as the sound of waves gently crashing on the beach, the sound of a waterfall, tropical rain shower, or relaxing music.
The second idea to boost the tranquility of an area is to increase the number of natural features by planting trees, shrubs, flower beds outdoors and placing live plants and flowers which creates a green oasis indoors.
The third way to create a calm and tranquil space is by using the right colors, for best results try choosing a color palette that works for you. For example, cool colors can be both soothing and energizing, and colors found in nature can be very grounding and peaceful.
Another idea is related to smells. Consider what smells are good to you, fill the space with aromas by using scented candles, aromatherapy or cooking smells of your favorite comfort foods.
Yet another way to bring outdoorsy tranquility indoors is by using certain textures. You can recreate positive memories by surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good: wrap yourself in a comfortable blanket, put seashells on the bathroom counter, fill the bowl with pinecones or smooth stones from outside.
Similarly the objects can also impact significantly the space you are in. Fill your space with things that lift your mood: photos of family and friends or favorite places, wildflowers, inspirational quotes, keepsakes, souvenirs from your trips, memorabilia, etc.
And finally decluttering any space will help the positive energy flow and create calmness and tranquility. It goes both for physical and virtual spaces, too much “stuff” can feel overwhelming. So, get rid of, donate, or sell things you don’t need and don’t use, clear your mailbox by unsubscribing from junk email, get organized.
Ever since I was a child, I loved to create small tranquil spaces in my house, I mimicked natural springs by putting colorful rocks I collected on various trips and placed them together with wild flowers in the dish filled with water. Later living on my own in an apartment I had a small tabletop fountain that looked like a waterfall, I always had lots of natural plants: small palms, cactuses, yuccas, etc. Now living in a house that is surrounded by a garden, I built a koi pond and waterfall, which became a refuge for local birds like blue jays, robins, and cardinals. I planted the butterfly-attracting plants and now I have a private oasis right in my back yard. Inside my house, ther is also balance and harmony, I use my favorite colors, I burn scented candles, incents, use essential oils, listen to soothing relaxing music, I am surrounded by soft textures of blankets, pillows, and rugs. My home is my sanctuary where I can rest and rejuvenate.
There are countless other ways to increase the quality of your life by creating more peace and tranquility. So next time when you feel stressed out, try to find a tranquil space or even better make one of your own – that way you can get your little bit of calm anytime you want. It doesn’t matter what environment you are in , you can always create a makeshift tranquil and peaceful space that is as unique as you.
Jola Pypno-Crapanzano, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jola Pypno-Crapanzano is a Certified High-Performance Coach™️, NLP and TLT®️ Practitioner, founder and CEO of Coaching Journey with Jola, two times International Bestselling Author of “One” - Your wellness guide to body, mind, and soul and “Stay home” – When you can’t go outside, what happens inside?
She carries Masters Degree in Scientific-Technical Information from Silesian University in Poland. She has over 30 years of combined experience working with thousands of unique individuals and groups of people serving them in many different capacities. First, as a tour guide traveling worldwide (almost 70 countries visited so far) and translating into 4 languages, then working in the entertainment and hospitality industry as part of operational management in a large publicly traded company in NYC. Finally, coaching people initially as fitness, wellness, and lifestyle coach and most recently more holistically as Certified High-Performance Coach™️, NLP and Time Line Therapy®️ Practitioner. She also helps her clients with positive intelligence, specializing in strengthening their Mental Fitness and supporting them through various strategic interventions.
Her mission is to help one million people live their lives to the fullest, reach heightened and sustained levels of clarity, energy, courage, productivity, and influence and show them that it is possible to live lives of their dreams, on their terms, without regrets, be fully engaged, joyful and confident and build an incredible lasting legacy.
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