How I Use Biophilic Design and Self-Care to Keep Migraines at Bay
How I Use Biophilic Design and Self-Care to Keep Migraines at Bay
For three relentless years, migraines were my constant companion, an unyielding reminder of systemic inflammation caused by mold illness after prolonged exposure to black mold. A nightmare, indeed, and one that felt fitting for the tongue-twisting diagnosis I carried. Yet, even in the darkest hours, a spark of resilience emerged—a resolve to heal, design, and live fully.
Migraines, for me, were both the antagonist and unexpected muse. They became the catalyst for a journey that now defines my life’s passion: helping others heal through interior design. Yes, the story is messy—an intricate dance of setbacks and small, profound victories. But it’s also one of growth, discovery, and designing spaces that truly nurture health and well-being.
This journey inspired the migraine section of our Healthy Dwelling article. Here, I want to share my personal experience—how biophilic design and self-care have helped me transition from managing migraines to actively preventing them.
A Refuge Space: My Healing Oasis
Once I detoxified my body and home from mold and mycotoxins, I realized I needed a space where healing could thrive. This wasn’t about escapism; it was about creating a refuge. A place designed with biophilic principles to offer calm, safety, and restoration.
What My Refuge Includes
A Comfy Lounge Chair: Think of this as your throne of tranquility. Mine is a space where I can read, meditate, and connect with loved ones—a physical manifestation of slowness, peace, and purpose.
Plants, Trees, and Fresh Flowers: Enveloping myself with greenery brings a sense of life and growth. Watching my plants thrive feels like witnessing tiny miracles, a daily reminder of the beauty of healing. These natural elements anchor the space, creating a "connection with natural processes," one of biophilic design’s core tenets.
Biophilic Touches: From the warmth of natural wood and leather to organic shapes and textures like coral and stacked stones, my refuge space is a tactile haven. These elements are scientifically shown to reduce heart rate and activate the parasympathetic system, promoting cellular repair and renewal.
Personalized Details: Everything here holds meaning—photographs, mementos, and even the serene beachscape displayed on my Frame TV, a nod to my Corpus Christi roots. Every item whispers a message of love, peace, and resilience.
This space isn’t just a room; it’s a healing force. It reminds my body to relax, reduces cortisol, and creates the optimal conditions for repair. And that’s where the magic begins.
Self-Care: My Daily Practices for Migraine Prevention
Having a refuge space is foundational, but the real work happens in the practices I weave into my day. While these are what worked for me, they’re deeply personal, not prescriptive.
Meditation
Daily meditation is my grounding ritual, whether it’s a quick 5 minutes or an immersive few hours. This practice has rewired my relationship with stress and helped me find balance.
Movement
Moving my body is non-negotiable, even during debilitating migraine episodes. A short walk, a stretch, or a hike in nature circulates energy and prevents stagnation. Chronic pain tempts us toward stillness, but intentional movement—however gentle—is my antidote.
Lavender Oil
A few drops on my wrists before bed, paired with deep breathing, is my ritual for relaxation. Lavender’s calming properties help me drift into sleep and reprogram my brain to expect calm, supportive outcomes.
Lighting
Green LED light therapy has been a game-changer. Its soothing glow, despite confusing the neighbors, has reduced both the intensity and frequency of my migraines. (Pro tip: experiment with different lighting setups to discover what feels best for you!)
Air Purification
Air purifiers are essential in my home, not just for comfort but for health. They tackle mold spores, dust, and other allergens—key for someone recovering from mold illness.
Supplements
Magnesium has been a quiet hero in my journey, backed by research for its role in migraine prevention.
Designing for Health: The Bigger Picture
As I’ve navigated this path, I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear or perfect. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once to see change. Work within your limits—budget, space, or otherwise—and start small. Even incremental shifts in your environment can ripple outward, creating profound impacts on your health and well-being.
Migraines pushed me to the brink but also guided me toward a life of purpose and alignment. Through biophilic design and self-care, I’ve built a life—and a home—that doesn’t just fight migraines but celebrates the art of living well.
If you’re living with chronic pain, know that you’re not alone. This is hard, yes. But healing is possible. And every small choice you make to support yourself is a step toward a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
