Incorporating Mental Wellness In Building Design
When we think of amenities that promote wellness, we usually think of gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools. However, physical wellness is only part of the picture of overall wellness, and the body is only as strong as the mind. Before the pandemic, mental wellness was already becoming an essential need in our busy and stressed out world, but the emergence of COVID-19 has since brought the importance of mental wellness even more to the forefront.
At URBN Playground, we realize the importance of programming for mental wellness, in addition to physical wellness. Here are our tips on how to run amenity programs that address mental wellness needs, both at home and at work.
Having quiet spaces to breathe, think, and reflect
Mindfulness and meditation have gained widespread popularity in coping with the pandemic. In real estate, this has led to a greater shift toward quiet spaces for meditation and mindfulness practice. This also includes a greater focus on landscaping that allows residents to walk, get some fresh air, and enjoy time in nature and silence. Research has shown that just walking in nature contributes to mood regulation and physical and psychological well-being.
Developing common interests
Another crucial element to mental wellness is building and maintaining quality social interactions. Research has shown that people who have social support from family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer. Conversely, a lack of interactions is likely to lead to more stress. A report in The Journal of Health and Social Behavior found “consistent and compelling evidence linking a low quantity or quality of social ties with a host of conditions”.
When thinking about amenity programming, it’s worth thinking about how to convene people with like-minded interests. Reading clubs, cooking classes, kombucha brewing, and floral arrangement classes all provide opportunities to develop friendships based on common interests.
Providing opportunities to contribute
Volunteering and contributing to society has also been shown to improve mental wellness. A study published by the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who volunteered reported being more satisfied with their lives and rated better overall health. This was true even when controlling for prior levels of existing happiness and satisfaction.
Connecting residents and tenants with opportunities to volunteer, participate in, or give towards causes via building apps and bulletin boards can engender wellbeing, by providing a sense of purpose and wellbeing that comes from generosity. This could include donation or adoption drives for charities, or encouraging sustainability practices such as reusing, reducing, and recycling within properties.
Dedicated programs at the workplace
Work is where we spend most of our time, and the office similarly offers opportunities to promote mental wellness. While stimulation is great to promote creativity at work, rest and recovery is equally as important.
Today, employee perks have extended beyond foosball tables and gym memberships to include meditation app subscriptions, reflection rooms and quiet spaces, and yoga and meditation classes.
Additionally, education and awareness programs also play a role to combat the stigma of seeking mental wellness resources at work. Hosting talks on mental health and wellness issues, as well as providing resources and access to trained counselors is another way to support mental health in the workplace.
In summary
The notion of wellness was previously associated with amenities and programs that cater to physical wellness. But the changing times and the recent pandemic has highlighted that mental wellness plays a crucial role in our overall well being.
The good news is that properties can meet this need by tweaking amenities and programs to cater to this, and creating spaces that facilitate greater mental wellness.