A Look at the WELL Building Standard™ — More Than Just Well-Being.
So many of us spend so much time focusing on physical well-being—we work out, eat right, and get enough sleep. But what about our mental health? Our spiritual well-being? And what about the other side of wellness: our environment?
We believe that wellness is a holistic concept that includes all three areas. In order to be truly healthy in every way, we need to make changes to take care of ourselves mentally and spiritually as well as physically. We need to build an environment around us—in our homes, offices, and communities—that helps us achieve this. This is what we mean by "wellness design."
It's all about being in a position of power!
Wellness design means surrounding yourself with the elements, features, and conditions that will place you in a position of power – focusing on people's health, and well-being.
The WELL Building Standard™ was created to focus on the people and their well-being. It addresses all the environmental factors that will impact balance and harmony in a dwelling and its surroundings resulting in both physical and mental illnesses. The Standard covers ten basic concepts that are Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sounds, Materials, Mind, and Community. The International WELL Building Institute originally started addressing the workplace, healthcare, and hospitality sectors but the good news is that they are currently formulating the Standard for Residential single home – habitat.
The 10 WELL Concepts
Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sounds, Materials, Mind, and Community.
The WELL Building Standard™
Impacting balance and harmony in a dwelling and its surroundings resulting in both physical and mental illnesses.
A Series of Posts Elaborating on the WELL Concepts
The Air and Water Concepts By Michael Don Ham – Published!
AIR: Research shows that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. Since the air we breathe has a significant impact on our health and well-being, it is essential that we prioritize improving indoor air quality.
WATER: As we are all aware, consuming water has numerous health advantages. Adding water filters to your existing faucets is an excellent approach to enhancing water quality, promoting healthy habits, and reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for plastic water bottles.
Resource on the AIR Concept:
The Light Concept By Johanne Morin - Coming Soon!
Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, and has been linked to improved mental health. Lack of sunlight exposure, on the other hand, has been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs in the winter months.
Good Read:
The Nourishment Concept – Coming Soon!
The saying "You are what you eat" emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Making an effort to consume good food and avoiding certain harmful substances like sugars and partially hydrogenated oils can have significant benefits. Here's an elaboration on why it's beneficial to prioritize nutritious food and avoid sugars and partially hydrogenated oils:
Good Reads:
Healthy Eating Plate by Harvard – School of Public Health
Nutrition For Healing: A Non-Judgemental Nutritional Guide For Health by Global Wellness Institute.
The Movement Concept – Coming Soon!
Physical activity offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Take time – every day – to exercise, easy said than done. Your goal should be to exercise for 150 minutes a week with 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Good Read:
Benefits of Physical Activity by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Thermal Comfort Concept – Coming Soon!
Designing and managing indoor environments to achieve thermal comfort is essential for occupant well-being and productivity. It involves considering factors such as proper temperature control, humidity regulation, air movement, and the ability to adjust clothing or environmental conditions to meet individual preferences.
The Sounds Concept – Coming Soon!
Acoustic or noise pollution is a significant environmental concern that can have adverse effects on human health. Studies have shown that individuals exposed to traffic noise, especially from road traffic and aircraft, are at higher risk for various health conditions, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and hypertension.
Good Read:
Senses of place: architectural design for the multisensory mind by Cognitive Research Journal
Materials Concept – Coming Soon!
The challenge we often face when building a new home is having access to the most current trends and technologies. By consciously choosing materials that are free of toxins, chemicals, and other harmful substances, individuals can contribute to healthier living environments, protect natural resources, and promote sustainable practices
Mind and Community – Coming Soon!
Minimizing life's daily stressors through mindfulness breaks can have a profound positive impact on our well-being. Taking time each day to breathe, rest, and relax can help reduce stress levels, improve mental clarity, and promote overall balance.
Good Reads:
5 tips to manage stress by Mayo Clinic
Top ways to reduce daily stress by Harvard Health Publishing
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