Relaxing Psycology

Rafts have been created for survival of a water disaster; as much as they isolate the survivor from the water, they cause great discomfort and panic .

The passengers discomfort comes from:-

•  The exposure to the sun, wind and water
• Claustrophobic from very crowded rafts
• Reduced view of the horizon
• Strong rubber interior smell.
• Clutter (where all the survival gear is)
• Exposure to water (Constantly being wet)
• Instability of the raft causing sea sickness
• Energy drained
•  The floors instability
•  Boredom
•  Depression
• Scared

Forms of relaxation:-

• Using less furniture to create a spacious atmosphere
• Using comfortable furniture
• Using relaxing colors to the eyes
•  Limiting sunlight and using dim lights
• Adding ornaments, photographs or small decorations
• Playing soft and relaxing music
• Keeping the space reasonably warm
• Keeping the space fairly clean

1- Using colour

Colour is a huge factor in setting the mood and tone for a space. Designers and psychologists agree greens and blues have the most calming effect, but soft tones of lilac, coral and even shades of white can also set the stage for a relaxing environment. While trends may come and go, a soothing colour scheme will stand the tests of time

Bright and vibrant colors we create an illusion of space (yellow and eggshell)

Cool colors form a relaxing atmosphere (blue, green, lavender)

The darker the shade of color used the more apparent the effect

 Add brown for a natural look whether in paint of furniture it will amplify the appearance

Pink provides the influence of meditation and relaxation

Blue evokes the sense of smoothness and calmness; it also slows down the body metabolism

Avoid white, although it adds space but it isn’t as effective as tinted colours

Avoid red it is associated with tension, irritability and hunger

Avoid black as it gives the illusion of space tightness

2- Using Scent

One of the greatest senses in the human body is smell. Smell is similar to touching or tasting something from a distance. It’s a subtle thing that can have a huge impact on the emotions and moods.

Vanilla-

Is considered to be the most alluring scent to people regardless of different background or age. It provides a calming effect and reduces the startle reflex.

Peppermint-

 Allows a person to be invigorated, as it increases brain activity that leads to alertness.

Jasmine-

 Is usually associated with sleep and relaxation as it leads to restfulness, tranquility and freshness.

Lemon-

 Can make people feel more fair and generous

3- Using Sounds

Sound is used in psychology and therapy because it has a very power effect on emotions. It help a person reach the peak of relaxation, it does so by using the energy frequencies that our bodies contain

These are a couple of example

-Rhythmic drumming-

 helps by inducing sleep

-Vibraphones-

 causes calmness and reduction to stress

-Rain and Thunder-

 extracts the concentration of any other machine like sound

-Ocean waves-

 provide the sensation of relaxation and calmness

-Bird sounds-

cause comfort and a stress free atmosphere

-Orchestra-

 provides alertness

4- Using lights

All spaces need a variety of lighting however using light can either make a room feel lively or gloomy, that why its essential to choose the correct ones. lighting is used in many ways; sometimes used to :

• create moods or an overall feeling of serenity or playfulness
• communicate eg. (Exit Signs)
• keep people alert  eg. (office lighting)
• for decoration (highlight a certain shape, texture or important keynote)

Types of lighting:

Ambient or general lighting

provides an overall illumination for the space. It’s the keystone of lighting a room. It usually consists of ceiling, wall or recessed lights.

Task lighting

Is used for an active working space like cooking, reading, putting on makeup or doing homework.

Accent lighting

Provides drama and depth to a room by illuminating key features like artwork, books, or architectural features.

Using existing natural light:

The best kind of light is natural light. however the quality of the natural light depends on the aspect of the space.

East facing rooms are sunny in the mornings. 

West facing rooms suffer afternoon glare. 

North facing rooms will need to be toned down.

South facing rooms will need to be amped up. 

 By hanging mirrors facing the windows, using sheer window coverings, applying reflective surfaces and adding lighter colour palettes light can be maximised. 

Lighting tricks

• up-lights or washes make small spaces feel bigger
• Vertical lights make a space feel taller
• Table lamps reduce the light going towards the ceiling, which makes the room feel cosier

References:

• http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Someone-Having-a-Panic-Attack
• http://freshome.com/2010/09/08/20-ways-to-use-color-psychology-in-your-home/
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/09/best-color-relaxing_n_3895237.html
• http://www.ehow.com/info_8124162_scents-affect-feelings.html#ixzz2ils8xgOS
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/interiorsandshopping/7471729/Interior-design-Nina-Campbells-lighting-tips.html
• http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-use-lighting-as-an-interior-design-element.html
• http://www.realestate.com.au/blog/getting-lighting-right-how-to-light-a-room/
• http://images.pegasuslighting.com/infographics/compare-light-sources.png

PANIC!!!!!

What is Panic?

When disaster strikes, panic is all that a human feels. It a sudden sensation of fear that takes over the human being. During these times the human mind excludes logical thinking or reasoning and replaces them with overwhelming feeling of anxiety, tension, worry and agitation resulting in animalistic reactions.

Panic is clearly contagious, when it occurs to one it quickly manifests to a large group. Surely when disaster (floods) strikes, panic engulfs everyone causing tensioned moods and scared people. The only way to treat or prevent panic is by creating an easing and relaxing environment.

What causes Panic?

Panic and anxiety can be triggered by many aspects, which cause stress to the body and mind. some of which are:

• Continuous worry & Excessive thinking
• Over working
• Exhaustion both mentally and physically  
• Grief
• lots of travel
• Skipping meals
• To much Coffee & alcohol
• Loud noises
• Lack of routine and irregularity
• Lack of sleep                                 
• Speed and rushing                   
• Change of weather
• Fear, shock and trauma
• A sudden or frequent change

What does the body experiencing during Panic?

when a human panics the body is affected both physically and mentally, where the body is overwhelmed with emotions and senses of fear, apprehension and anxiety as for the physical symptoms they are :

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Trembling & shaking
• Sensation of irregular heart beats
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fear of dying 

What are the nervous and chemical effects?

When one faces danger, the brain immediately sends messages to a section of the nerves called autonomic nervous system, which is then branched to two different systems that are in control of the body’s energy level and preparation for action.

Because of the human body’s complex network, when panic occurs, the nervous system activates all symptoms to occur all over the body rather than one hence the shaking and irregularity of the heart beat etc.

The brain releases both Adrenalin and noradrenalin chemicals to the kidneys. These chemicals then function as messengers for the body to continue activity. Both chemicals will continue to increase until a certain point when

1. Adrenalin and noradrenalin messengers become destroyed by other chemicals in the body
2. When an opposing chemical is activated and restores a relaxing feeling

The Parasympathetic nervous system act as protectors or shields to the body which prevents the sympathetic nervous system to get carried away, the reason is the chemicals released in the body tend to run their course slowly, so even after danger has passed, the body will still be facing the panic effects.

How do you overcome Anxiety and Panic?

Herbal Remedies:

A number of studies have already confirmed that Chamomile can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Chamomile tea is especially recommended if anxiety is ruining sleep due to its sedative effect.

Supplements:

Researchers have found that Magnesium is necessary to dissipate the effects of traumatic stress that can occur from intense episodes of fear or anxiety. Magnesium also helps undo the bad programming from prior anxiety attacks by helping to create new brain response patterns not influenced by fear or anxiety. 

Relaxation Therapies:

- Massage

- Yoga

- Reiki

- Meditation

All of the above therapies elevate the levels of positive hormones such as Serotonin. They have other amazing benefits to the overall health, which help the body deal with stressful events thus preventing panic attacks.

Medication:

Medications can help reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks as well as depression.

- Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors

- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhabiters

-Benzodiazepines

What happens immediately after a trauma?

People react differently and take different amounts of time to come to terms with what has happened. Immediately after a traumatic event, it is common for people to experience a mix of feelings. They can feel:

• Shocked
• In denial 
• Frightened 
• Helpless 
• Angry
• Guilty 
• Sad 
• Ashamed or embarrassed 
• Relieved
• Hopeful 

References:

•  http://healthworkscollective.com/frmeital/33853/10-ways-overcome-your-anxiety-and-panic-attacks-drug-companies-won-t-tell-you-about
• http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-for-panic-disorder#hw267881
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
• http://www.joelertola.com/grfx/grfx_img/brain_stress.jpg
• http://weatheringthestormbp.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/e3d0f15470243e3f766e7b5a4c1fad1f.jpg