Melissa Hoelting, Assoc. AIA, WELL AP

As society faces the current COVID-19 pandemic, our daily lives are rapidly changing as social distancing and shelter in place orders force us into smaller environments, with exposure to fewer people. Our decision making, and how it affects our health, is critical in our new micro-environments.

Our 2017 report, “Healthy Choices, Healthy Campuses: Point-Decision-Design,” explored where decisions about diet and physical activity occur, and how design at these points-of-decision can promote healthier decision making.

Within the design continuum, from information to surrounding urban space, we must account for healthier living. Below are five strategies across the design continuum to help maintain our physical and mental health during this coronavirus outbreak.

Information: Design plans for your day – and follow them

Use meal plans to outline what you will eat for meals and snacks to limit overeating.

Set aside specific break times with notification reminders, for walks and exercise.

Create a daily task list and intentionally work through it.

Product: Design what you can and cannot see – visual access can promote healthy behaviors

Keep that snack out of sight and put your water bottle front and center.

Consider keeping your cell phone and leisure technology across the room/house to limit distractions. Keep exercise equipment or mat in sight - if you see it, you are likely to use it.

Interiors: Design a personalized, sensory environment that mimics a typical day for you

Face a window; make sure you have light; surround yourself with a sensory environment that makes you feel better.

Try to visually and physically connect with nature as much as possible.

Follow a routine to maintain your circadian rhythm — wake up regularly, open those blinds, make breakfast and get ready before starting your day.

Architecture: Design spaces in your home for different functions – and maintain those boundaries

Spend some time thinking about the layout of your house and how it’s affecting your wellbeing. Defining spaces for different purposes – work, exercise, leisure, sleep, socializing, etc. – can create boundaries for mental separation.

Try to orient your more frequent, or time intensive activities, by a window and access fresh air when you can.

Landscape + Urban Design: Design your travel outside of the home to be movement focused

Consider your access to necessary resources (food, supplies, etc.) – do you have to drive there?

If possible, visit a park on your way and either run, ride your bike or walk to get there.

These are also great options for those breaks you have scheduled in your day.