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One way to manage stress and minimize your exposure to pollutants is to create a healthy home retreat.

Sarah Nielsen uses her talents as an interior designer to do just that.

"I've always believed in creating a nurturing environment for my clients but it wasn't until after my mom suffered a spinal cord injury that I developed this idea of interior design therapy and approaching design from a healing perspective,” she said.

Design therapy, Nielsen says, is arranging your home to create a healthy, healing environment.

“When your home is both functional and beautiful, you're more likely to have a healthier, happier, more balanced life,” she said.

Design therapy is achieved by selecting healing paint colors, arranging your furniture, fabulously textured, Earth-friendly fabrics, space and clutter clearing. For example, color therapy is using color to transform your space into a healing environment.

“We all have certain colors we are drawn to and away from. Being aware of our color preferences helps us to address what we need and what we're missing in our lives,” Nielsen said. “I use natural fibers, green materials, think about what you put on your body and then dress your home the same way.”

Controlling lighting is key; it sets the mood for your home. Clearing the clutter is like clearing your mind.

“If you feel blocked in your life, look around your home. Is there a design issue that's bugging you or needs to be addressed?” Nielsen asked.

Breathe well, live well. Remember to pay attention to the ingredients, the chemicals that are used to adhere flooring, tile, etc. There are lots of non-toxic options; you just need to ask for them.

Everyone can (benefit from design therapy) and color is such a huge part of it,” Nielsen said. “We're all affected by our surroundings whether we're consciously aware of it or not.”

Of course, these techniques can apply anywhere you spend a lot of time, including your office. You'll enjoy a more peaceful environment and you're likely to become more productive as well.