Natural rhythm – health benefits of ‘non rhythmic stimuli’ in design
The natural environment is always in motion, something is always changing, so nature is never still. This natural flow is also known as a natural rhythm, and it is a part of a human being too, only we don’t think about it often enough.
Do you find yourself tired spending hours in front of your TV or computer, listening to the static sound you can’t avoid? People spend a lot of time indoors, surrounded by all these static sounds of technology. That’s why we need balance, and the key for it is non rhythmic stimuli in interior design.
What non rhythmic stimuli stands for and what kind of natural sounds we need?
Non rhythmic stimuli or NRSS are a part of the biophilic design concept and they are created as a substance for calming natural sounds we can hear outdoors. This imitation of natural rhythm is important not only for creating a pleasant vibe in a room but to increase our wellbeing, happiness and overall health.
Have you ever noticed how watching a fish tank makes you calm? Or how the raindrops sound good on a rainy day? Nature is made of all these sounds and motions, and we are perfectly aligned with it. So NRSS in design strives to redeem this lack of natural sound by creating a space without too many static sounds.
How the installation of NRSS in design works?
These stimuli create natural rhythm in different workspaces, apartments, and indoor surroundings, we spend the most time in. This can be arranged with technology solutions, such as designed lighting animations with natural elements and sounds.
There are examples of the digital garden, with the sounds and motions that imitate natural ones. This kind of technology solution is often implemented in places such as waiting rooms, airports, doctor’s offices, where people often feel a lack of calmness.
Technology free solutions for the implementation of the NRSS
Without technology, there is still a way to create a natural rhythm indoors and be perfectly aligned with nature. This is all a part of the wellness interior concept, that you can try, for instance, by putting a lot of plants in the room and creating a natural breeze.
Biophilic designers often work with horticulturists because plants are one of the biggest sources of the natural rhythm we can bring indoors.
Swaying grass or shimmering water features implemented in the interior design also can help you feel calm and relaxed.
Animals as creators of natural rhythm
Interesting thing is that animals can also be participants in creating non rhythmic stimuli in design. As we’ve already mentioned, fish tanks are perfect for creating a relaxing vibe in the room. The motions of the fishes are so pleasant to watch, and the colours are usually pretty calming.
Lighting plays a big role in biophilic design
Creating a beautiful vibe with perfectly natural sounds and motions, wouldn’t be much without good lighting. As you may predict so far, natural lighting is very important, so bringing natural light source as much as it can be brought is a big part of this story.
Advantage goes to healthy buildings because these are created from scratch to be the best example of biophilic design.
How does natural rhythm affect our health?
After explaining what non rhythmic stimuli stand for, alongside how to implant it in our indoor environment, let’s explain why you should even consider this kind of interior design.
Natural sounds and motions are important for our health because a part of our perception picks up the rhythm of our environment. That’s why the natural rhythm has been shown to improve our heart rate and blood pressure. Also, natural sounds help us feel more calm, happy and relaxed.
Even if you can’t see the difference, your subconscious can. It is because of one very interesting phenomenon known as the peripheral field of vision.
What is it about?
Where are the peripheral zones of our field of vision
If our computer is in front of us, that means that it is in the centre of our field of vision, everything that is set on the left and right is in the peripheral zones of our field of vision.
The important thing that non rhythmic stimuli in the design stand for is putting all the plants and sources of natural sound in these zones. By doing this you make sure that your subconscious will “pick up” all the good vibes natural rhythm is creating.
So, if you want to implement some of the natural rhythm factors in your working or living space, you should follow these tips in order to feel the health benefits.
Where you should implement non rhythmic stimuli?
To answer this question ask yourself what place makes you feel stressed or tired? If it is your home - implement some of these stimuli there. However if it is a workplace, then you should consider some changes there.
Not only does non rhythmic stimuli bring you better health conditions, but it also makes you more productive and energetic. So, a great idea is to follow these rules in creating space for work out too.
This text should help you to understand better the health benefits of natural rhythm, and to start to think about our subconscious, that always strives to be perfectly aligned with nature.