How a Fireplace Can Affect Our Mental (and Physical) Health
Fireplaces, or some form of them, have been around for as long as people have lived in cold-weather climates. Originally, fires were built solely for warmth; today, we know that fireplace fires can also positively affect our minds and mental outlooks.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share some ideas about how fires in fireplaces can do a lot more for you than just keep you warm.
What research has found
Many studies have evaluated participants who focused on both actual fires and video recordings of fires. Most of the studies concluded that the experience produced some positive benefits. For example:
- Inclination toward better social interactions
- A sense of inner peace
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced blood pressure (in select studies)
- A more positive disposition
Researchers believe that mesmerizing, waving flames, such as those in a fireplace, create the above and other benefits in people who can access controlled flames in their daily lives.
But is it the flames themselves that are responsible for this?
The experience of watching a fireplace
What happens when you’re just kicking back and watching your fireplace? Several things happen, including a hypnotic-like state brought on by focusing on the undulating flames.
This is a good state to be in, but maybe the things that don’t happen during a fireplace experience are just as instrumental in putting us in a state that leads to an enhanced sense of confidence, calmness and belonging.
What doesn’t happen when you’re watching your fireplace
A few really important things:
- You’re not worried about trivial stuff
- You’re not worried about the future
- You’re not watching people around you and evaluating them
- You’re not planning your next year, month, week, day or hour
- You’re not thinking about what to make for dinner
- You’re not worried about your job or the economy
- You’re not multitasking
Many studies have shown that not doing the above and related things can have a powerful impact on our moods and dispositions. And fortunately, we have lovely fireplaces as one way to help us slow down and give our brains a rest.
And it’s not just direct fireplace focus
Some researchers have found that you don’t have to literally sit down in front of a fireplace and meditate on its flames to derive great benefit. Just being in the same room with a running, real-flame fireplace can positively affect you.
If you’re in the room and the fireplace is going, you’re going to put your attention on the fire from time to time. This can be enough to drive feelings of stability, security, comfort and happiness.
It would be interesting if some group or university would mount a study that looked at the overall mental and emotional states of people who have a working fireplace in their homes vs. people who don’t. The results might be pretty interesting.
Do you need a fireplace?
American Chimney & Fireplace can’t guarantee that a new fireplace will make you be more actualized and empowered, but at the same time, we’re not going to say it won’t.
If it’s time to consider bringing home a beautiful fireplace or heating stove, we invite you to visit our fireplace and stove showroom at 11600 Electron Drive, Louisville, KY. We’ll help you find the perfect model for your home and then install it for you correctly.
You can also speak with a fireplace expert by phone or get in touch through our contact form.
