The Quiet Sanctuary of Negative Space: Managing Brain Fog During October
I’ve always felt that what we leave out is just as powerful as what we include. In my work, negative space—those empty, unoccupied zones—are essential for balance, clarity, and calm. Recently, I’ve come to realize that this concept extends beyond design into our personal lives, especially during the October slide of chronic illness.
October, with its crisp air and falling leaves, signals change. For many of us with chronic illness, however, it also heightens brain fog—a mental haze that clouds focus and drains energy. This experience can feel like a cluttered room, overwhelming and unmanageable. And if you also manage chronic pain, the physical effects of changing barometric pressure—such as joint stiffness, headaches, and heightened sensitivity—only intensify this feeling. The shifting atmospheric conditions seem to amplify discomfort, making mental clarity even more elusive.
This is where the power of negative space comes into play.Creating space in our environment, both physical and mental, acts as a sanctuary amid the chaos. Simple acts—like stepping into a quiet corner, closing out unnecessary stimuli, or designing intentional pauses—are like architectural negative space. They give our minds room to breathe, reset, and recover.
In my own experience, I’ve found that intentionally carving out areas of stillness and simplicity helps me manage mental clutter. It’s not about eliminating everything but respecting the power of pause. A cluttered, overstimulating environment can exacerbate pain and fatigue. Much like a well-balanced interior, giving ourselves breathing room reduces the sensory overload that fuels brain fog.
Recommendations for Simplifying Space During October:
Create a Calm Corner: Dedicate a small, clutter-free area in your home where you can sit quietly, breathe, and decompress.
Use Baskets and Trays: During the autumn we may need gloves in the morning and sandals in the afternoon. I keep a few extra baskets in key areas to control the incoming chaos quickly. These are exclusively for collection – not sorting. That way its not draining to collect and put items back in their correct place.
Limit Stimuli: Reduce unnecessary noise, bright lights, and visual clutter—use softer lighting and neutral colors that promote calm.
Prioritize Comfort: Use ergonomic, supportive furniture that minimizes pain and allows you to relax physically.
Implement Routine Pauses: Schedule regular breaks throughout your day to sit, breathe, and reset—your mental and physical health will thank you.
Declutter Digitally: Limit screen time when possible to reduce mental overload and fatigue.
Use Textures and Colors Mindfully: Incorporate soothing textures and muted colors to create a healing visual environment.
The architecture of our mental space mirrors the interiors we live in. During October, I focus on corralling the chaos that comes with needing five different outfits to get through a day of multiple weather patterns. A well-placed chair, a single calming color, ample natural light—these elements become tools for mental clarity and relief from physical discomfort.
If you’re navigating the October slide, I invite you to embrace the power of negative space. Simplify, declutter, and honor your need for quiet. Sometimes, the most powerful design is leaving room for nothingness—because in that emptiness, we find space to think clearly again and ease pain.
In the architecture of life, less can be more—especially when it leads to relief and clarity.