The best biohack...

Make your environment as pretty as you!

I'll never forget the moment I walked into my friend Sarah's apartment for the first time. Everything about it felt intentional—the way morning light filtered through sheer curtains onto her collection of thriving plants, how her books were arranged not just for storage but for visual appeal, the soft throw pillows that somehow made her secondhand couch look like it belonged in a magazine. But what struck me most wasn't just how beautiful it looked; it was how I felt in that space. Calmer. More creative. Like I could breathe a little deeper.

That day sparked something in me. I started paying attention to how different environments made me feel. The sterile office where I could barely concentrate versus the cozy coffee shop where ideas flowed freely. My cluttered bedroom that left me feeling anxious versus the clean hotel room that helped me sleep peacefully. The neglected corner of my apartment that I avoided versus the spot by the window where I'd unconsciously gravitated to read.

It became clear that my surroundings weren't just backdrop—they were actively shaping my mood, energy, and performance in ways I'd never fully appreciated. I realized I'd been investing so much time and energy into optimizing my body through exercise, nutrition, and sleep (the typical biohacks we hear about), while completely ignoring one of the most powerful tools available to me: my environment.

That's when I discovered what I now consider one of the most underrated biohacks of all time: making your environment as beautiful and intentional as you are. It sounds almost too simple, maybe even superficial, but the science behind environmental beauty and its impact on human psychology is fascinating and robust. Today, I want to share why this "soft" biohack might be one of the most powerful changes you can make for your wellbeing and productivity.

The Science Behind Environmental Beauty

The relationship between our surroundings and our psychological state isn't just intuitive—it's backed by decades of research across multiple fields including environmental psychology, neuroaesthetics, and biophilic design. The beauty of our environment affects our mental state, and this concept has been intuitively known by humanity for quite some time [1].

When we talk about environmental beauty affecting our wellbeing, we're not just talking about subjective preferences. There are measurable physiological and psychological responses that occur when we're exposed to aesthetically pleasing environments. Our brains are wired to respond positively to certain environmental cues—patterns found in nature, balanced compositions, natural light, and organized spaces—in ways that directly impact our stress levels, cognitive function, and emotional state.

The emerging field of neuroaesthetics uses brain imaging technology to study how we process beauty. When we encounter something we find beautiful, whether it's a piece of art, a well-designed space, or a natural landscape, specific neural networks activate that are associated with reward processing and positive emotions. This isn't just about feeling good in the moment; these positive responses have cascading effects on our ability to think clearly, solve problems creatively, and maintain emotional equilibrium.

Environmental psychology takes this a step further by examining how physical spaces influence behavior, mood, and performance. Researchers have found that people in well-designed, aesthetically pleasing environments show improved cognitive performance, reduced stress markers, and increased prosocial behavior compared to those in poorly designed or unattractive spaces.

One of the most compelling areas of research focuses on biophilic design—the practice of incorporating natural elements into built environments. The presence of natural elements in the workplace, such as plants and natural light, has been shown to enhance employee well-being, reduce stress, and promote mental health [2]. Even more fascinating, exposure to nature can boost employee productivity by stimulating creativity, focus, and efficiency [2].

This isn't just about major renovations or expensive makeovers. Simply staring at an image of natural scenery has been shown to improve mood and cognitive performance [3]. The implications are profound: the visual inputs we expose ourselves to throughout the day are constantly influencing our mental state, often below the threshold of conscious awareness.

The Connection Between Inner and Outer Beauty

There's something poetic about the idea of making our environment as beautiful as we are, but it goes deeper than metaphor. The relationship between how we care for ourselves and how we care for our spaces is interconnected in meaningful ways.

When we invest time and energy into our personal appearance, health, and development, we're expressing a form of self-respect and intentionality. We're saying that we deserve to feel good, look good, and function at our best. The same principle applies to our environment. When we create beautiful, functional spaces around us, we're extending that same care and intentionality outward.

This creates a positive feedback loop. Beautiful environments make us feel better about ourselves, which motivates us to maintain and improve both our spaces and our personal wellbeing. Conversely, when we neglect our surroundings, it can contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed, unmotivated, or disconnected from our goals and values.

The psychology behind this connection is rooted in what researchers call environmental self-extension. Our spaces become part of our identity and self-concept. A cluttered, chaotic environment can make us feel cluttered and chaotic internally. A thoughtfully curated, beautiful space can help us feel more organized, creative, and confident.

There's also the practical consideration that beautiful environments support the habits and activities that help us be our best selves. A well-organized closet makes it easier to dress well. A clean, inspiring workspace makes it easier to focus and be productive. A peaceful bedroom makes it easier to get quality sleep. When our environment supports our goals, we're more likely to achieve them.

The Practical Psychology of Beautiful Spaces

Understanding why beautiful environments work is one thing; knowing how to create them is another. The good news is that environmental beauty isn't about having unlimited resources or perfect aesthetic sense. It's about understanding a few key principles that consistently create positive psychological responses.

Natural Elements and Biophilic Design One of the most powerful and accessible ways to improve any environment is by incorporating natural elements. Biophilic design incorporates elements of the natural world into indoor environments, creating spaces that improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and boost productivity [4]. This doesn't require a complete overhaul—even small additions can make a significant impact.

Plants are probably the most accessible form of biophilic design. Studies have found that office plants reduce the prevalence of headaches and colds in the office, as well as the number of days taken off for illness [5]. They improve air quality, but perhaps more importantly, they provide a visual connection to nature that our brains crave. They don't even have to be live — fake plants can benefit employee well-being, too [6].

Natural light is another crucial element. Our circadian rhythms are deeply tied to light exposure, and natural light helps regulate sleep, mood, and energy levels throughout the day. When possible, position your primary work or relaxation areas near windows. If natural light is limited, consider full-spectrum light bulbs that mimic sunlight.

Natural materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers add warmth and texture that our brains associate with calm, grounded environments. You don't need expensive furniture—even small touches like a wooden picture frame, a stone paperweight, or a wool throw can contribute to this effect.

Organization and Visual Clarity Clutter isn't just visually unappealing; it's cognitively exhausting. When our brains are constantly processing visual chaos, it reduces our ability to focus on what actually matters. This doesn't mean your space needs to be minimalist or sterile, but it does mean being intentional about what's visible and how it's arranged.

The concept of "visual weight" is helpful here. Every object in your field of vision requires some amount of mental processing. By reducing unnecessary visual elements and organizing necessary ones thoughtfully, you free up cognitive resources for more important tasks.

Storage solutions that hide clutter while keeping frequently used items accessible are invaluable. The goal isn't to eliminate all possessions but to create visual calm while maintaining functionality.

Color Psychology and Lighting Colors have measurable effects on mood and cognitive performance. Cool colors like blues and greens tend to promote calm and focus, making them excellent choices for work areas or bedrooms. Warm colors like yellows and oranges can increase energy and creativity, making them good options for social spaces or areas where you want to feel more active and engaged.

Lighting dramatically affects how colors appear and how spaces feel. Harsh, overhead fluorescent lighting can make even the most beautiful space feel institutional and unwelcoming. Layer different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to create depth and warmth. Warm-toned bulbs (2700K-3000K) are generally more flattering and relaxing than cool, blue-toned bulbs.

Personal Meaning and Identity Beautiful environments aren't just about following design rules; they're about creating spaces that reflect and support who you are and who you want to become. This is where personal touches become crucial. Photos of loved ones, artwork that inspires you, books that have shaped your thinking, objects that connect you to meaningful experiences—these elements make a space uniquely yours.

The key is being selective and intentional. Instead of displaying everything you own, choose pieces that genuinely bring you joy or motivation when you see them. Quality over quantity applies not just to purchasing decisions but to what you choose to surround yourself with daily.

Room-by-Room Implementation

Creating beautiful environments doesn't have to happen all at once. In fact, it's often more effective to focus on one area at a time, learning what works for you before moving on to the next space.

The Bedroom: Your Sanctuary Your bedroom should be the most restful, beautiful space in your home since it's where you begin and end each day. Start with the basics: clean, comfortable bedding in colors that make you feel calm. Remove or minimize electronic devices, work materials, and anything else that doesn't contribute to rest and relaxation.

Consider blackout curtains or an eye mask to improve sleep quality, and add soft textures through pillows, throws, or rugs. A few meaningful objects on your nightstand—perhaps a favorite book, a small plant, or a beautiful lamp—can make the space feel intentional without being cluttered.

The Workspace: Your Productivity Hub Whether you work from home or just need a space for personal projects, your workspace should inspire focus and creativity. Good lighting is crucial—position your desk near a window if possible, and add a quality desk lamp for tasks that require concentration.

Keep your desktop clear except for current projects and a few inspiring objects. A small plant, a beautiful pen holder, or a piece of artwork can provide visual interest without distraction. Invest in organizational systems that keep necessary supplies accessible but visually contained.

The Kitchen: Your Nourishment Center The kitchen is where you prepare the food that fuels your body, so it deserves the same attention you give to what you eat. Clear countertops create visual calm and make cooking more enjoyable. Store frequently used items in attractive containers that can stay on display.

Fresh herbs on the windowsill serve double duty as both functional ingredients and living decor. A bowl of beautiful fruit adds color and encourages healthy eating. Even small touches like upgrading to matching dish towels or adding a cutting board that's beautiful enough to display can improve the overall feel of the space.

The Living Areas: Your Connection Spaces Living rooms and other common areas are where you relax, socialize, and engage with entertainment and hobbies. These spaces should feel welcoming and reflect your personality while being comfortable for both solitude and company.

Arrange furniture to promote conversation and connection rather than just facing the TV. Add layers of lighting so you can adjust the ambiance for different activities. Include a mix of textures through pillows, throws, and rugs to create visual and tactile interest.

The Ripple Effects of Beautiful Environments

What I've discovered through years of intentionally crafting my environment is that the benefits extend far beyond just feeling good in my space. Beautiful, organized environments create positive ripple effects that touch every area of life.

Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving When your environment is visually pleasing and organized, your mind has more space to wander, wonder, and make new connections. I notice that I come up with my best ideas not when I'm trying to force creativity, but when I'm in a space that feels calm and inspiring. The mental energy that used to go toward processing clutter and chaos is now available for higher-level thinking.

Improved Relationships Beautiful spaces make you want to invite people over. When you're proud of your environment, you're more likely to host friends, have meaningful conversations, and create positive memories in your space. Guests feel more comfortable and welcome in thoughtfully designed environments, which can deepen relationships and expand your social connections.

Better Habits and Self-Care Attractive environments make positive behaviors more appealing and easier to maintain. A beautiful, organized closet makes you more likely to put together outfits that make you feel confident. A welcoming kitchen encourages home cooking. A peaceful bedroom promotes better sleep hygiene. When your environment supports your goals, achieving them becomes more natural and sustainable.

Increased Sense of Control and Agency There's something deeply empowering about creating an environment that reflects your values and supports your wellbeing. In a world where we often feel at the mercy of external circumstances, our personal spaces represent areas where we have complete control. Exercising that control thoughtfully builds confidence and a sense of agency that extends beyond our physical environment.

Economic Benefits While creating beautiful environments does require some investment, it often leads to better financial decisions over time. When you love your space, you're less likely to impulse-buy items to fill emotional voids. When you take care of your belongings, they last longer. When you're intentional about what you bring into your space, you waste less money on things you don't truly need or want.

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Despite the clear benefits, many people struggle to create and maintain beautiful environments. Understanding common obstacles can help you navigate them more effectively.

"I Don't Have Good Taste" Aesthetic sense can be developed like any other skill. Start by paying attention to spaces that make you feel good and analyzing what specifically appeals to you. Pinterest, Instagram, and design blogs can provide inspiration, but remember that the goal isn't to copy someone else's style but to develop your own.

Trust your instincts about what makes you feel calm, energized, or happy. You don't need to follow design rules perfectly; you need to create spaces that work for you.

"I Don't Have Time" Creating beautiful environments doesn't require massive time investments. Start with small changes that have big visual impact: decluttering a single surface, adding a plant, or improving lighting in one area. Commit to spending just 15 minutes a day on environmental improvements. Over time, these small efforts compound into significant changes.

"I Don't Have Money" Some of the most effective environmental improvements cost little or nothing. Decluttering is free and often has the biggest impact. Rearranging furniture can completely change how a space feels. Cleaning windows lets in more natural light. Bringing in branches or flowers from outside adds natural beauty at no cost.

When you do need to purchase items, focus on versatile pieces that will have multiple uses or long-term value. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and DIY projects can help you achieve beautiful results on a budget.

"My Living Situation is Temporary" Even rental properties or temporary living situations can be improved with removable changes. Command strips, removable wallpaper, plants, textiles, and lighting can transform a space without permanent modifications. The psychological benefits of a beautiful environment are just as important whether you'll be there for six months or six years.

Making It Sustainable

The key to long-term success with environmental beauty is creating systems that maintain themselves rather than relying on periodic major overhauls. This means designing organizational systems that are easy to maintain, choosing items that age well and require minimal upkeep, and developing habits that keep your spaces functioning beautifully over time.

Build maintenance into your routine rather than waiting for things to become overwhelming. A few minutes each day spent tidying, watering plants, or wiping surfaces prevents the buildup that makes spaces feel chaotic. Weekly deeper cleaning sessions keep everything functioning smoothly.

Most importantly, remember that perfection isn't the goal. Your environment should support your life, not become another source of stress. Aim for "good enough" most of the time, with occasional deeper attention when needed.

Your Environment as Self-Care

As I write this, I'm sitting in what has become my favorite corner of my apartment—a spot I deliberately created after that revelation at Sarah's place years ago. There's a comfortable chair positioned to catch morning light, a small side table holding my coffee and current book, and a trailing plant that somehow makes everything feel more alive. It's not fancy or expensive, but it's intentionally beautiful in a way that makes me feel cared for every time I settle into it.

This is what I've come to understand about the biohack of environmental beauty: it's not about impressing others or achieving some impossible standard of perfection. It's about creating spaces that reflect the care and attention you deserve—that we all deserve. It's about recognizing that the environment we live in isn't separate from our wellbeing; it's an integral part of it.

When we make our environments as beautiful as we are, we're not being superficial or vain. We're acknowledging that human beings are visual creatures who respond to beauty, order, and thoughtful design in measurable, meaningful ways. We're creating the conditions that allow us to think more clearly, feel more peaceful, and engage more fully with the people and activities we care about.

The beauty you cultivate in your external environment reflects and reinforces the beauty you're cultivating within yourself—your growth, your values, your commitment to living intentionally. Every small improvement you make to your surroundings is an investment in your daily experience and long-term wellbeing.

So start somewhere, anywhere. Clear one surface. Add one plant. Improve the lighting in one corner. Let in more natural light. Choose one beautiful object to look at each day. Your future self—the one who gets to live in the more beautiful space you create—will thank you for it.

Because here's what I've learned: when your environment supports and reflects the best version of yourself, becoming that person becomes not just possible, but inevitable. And that might just be the most powerful biohack of all.

References

[1] Different Functional. (2022, July 22). The Psychology of Environmental Beauty: How Esthetics Effect our Mental Health. https://www.differentfunctional.com/blog/the-psychology-of-environmental-beauty-how-esthetics-effect-our-mental-health

[2] Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10650875/

[3] NBC News. (2018, April 13). Why natural scenery improves your mood and makes you more productive. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-natural-scenery-improves-your-mood-makes-you-more-productive-ncna860806

[4] LifeSpan Europe. (2024, October 31). Biophilic Design: How Nature-Inspired Spaces Improve Productivity and Wellness. https://www.lifespaneurope.com/en/blogs/general/biophilic-design-how-nature-inspired-spaces-improve-productivity-and-wellness

[5] Meristem Design. (2023, February 13). Office Plants and Biophilic Design - A Healthier, Happier, and More Productive Workplace. https://www.meristemdesign.co.uk/blog/office-plants-and-biophilic-design-workplace

[6] Saxen. (2024, May 24). What is biophilic office design? Beautiful examples & benefits. https://www.saxen.com/the-power-of-biophilic-office-design