Why do our surroundings have such a big effect on our mood?

Neuroaesthetics - what does it mean?

While studying to become a counsellor, I've recently come across a fascinating area of research called neuroaesthetics.

This emerging field explores how our brains react to art and beauty, which has profound implications for our everyday lives.

Imagine gazing at a beautiful painting, listening to your favourite song, or watching a mesmerising dance performance.

Neuroaesthetics delves into what happens in our brains during these moments of aesthetic appreciation.

Dopamine decoration 

As an illustrator, I find this particularly intriguing because I spend my days creating artwork for people to wear or display in their homes.

My aim is to help people "dopamine decorate"—filling their spaces with things that make them feel good.

Personally, I'm a big fan of surrounding myself with colourful, uplifting items and positive quotes.

I've noticed that having clean and tidy surroundings makes a significant difference in my mood, even though my ADHD brain often resists the effort it takes to keep things orderly.

Think like a caveman

What really piqued my interest is a current theory explaining why our surroundings have such a strong impact on our mood.

To understand this, we need to take a trip back to our caveman days.

Back then, survival was the main focus—hunting for food, protecting ourselves from predators, and just trying to stay alive.

But even in those challenging times, our ancestors found joy in creating cave paintings, singing, making music, and dancing.

The theory suggests that when we surround ourselves with art or take time to enjoy simple things like fresh flowers on a bedside table, it sends a signal to our primitive brain that we are safe.

It means we've met our basic survival needs—finding food, avoiding danger—and now have the luxury to make our surroundings more pleasant.

Uplifting spaces

This insight has been a game-changer for me.

While my ADHD brain tends to thrive in chaos, I've always known deep down that I feel better when things are neat and organised.

Now that I understand the science behind it, I'm more motivated to make an effort.

Small actions, like putting up brightly coloured artwork or spending just 10 minutes tidying up, can significantly boost our mood.

I often get caught up in the busyness of life, and tidying up doesn't always feel like a priority.

But with this newfound understanding of neuroaesthetics, I know that these small efforts are beneficial for my brain and overall well-being.

So, I'm committed to prioritizing those little tidying sessions and making my space as uplifting as possible.

What about you? Do you notice your surroundings affecting your mood? Let me know, Bestie!