Feeling stressed, exhausted, sad or anxious? If so, there’s a strong possibility that you need more fresh air, sunlight and access to nature. One of the easiest ways to elevate your mood is to change your surroundings — something that millions of people struggled to do during the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in strong negative effects on happiness.
Our physical environments have a significant impact on wellness, and what we see, hear, smell and feel directly affects our mental health.
This is a North Star of the Sanctuary design concept — every element of the development will take into consideration the importance of health and wellness.
National Geographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author Dan Buettner discovered “Blue Zones,” five places around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. Buettner found that abundant sunshine, green spaces, an emphasis on fitness and access to whole foods greatly impacts happiness more than any other factor.
But after emerging from 16 months of isolation, this might be easier said than done.
Many of us may need to shift daily routines to incorporate these aspects into everyday life. For example, metro living could require a trip to the park for green space. Or adding 15 minutes to a work-day commute could replace a drive-thru meal with a healthy, organic salad.
The point is, infusing more happiness into your life requires living with intention and purpose. We need to make conscious choices about fitness, food and spending time outdoors.
The Serenity of Sanctuary
Sanctuary was designed by an award-winning planner to embrace the natural splendor of Georgia’s Chattahoochee Hills — a welcome respite from the cacophony of urban living. Our special hamlet of approximately 50 welcoming residences will feature a variety of designs, sizes and plan options, while honoring the importance of open space. Sanctuary will be a walkable community with world-class dining, artisan markets, fitness studios and galleries.
“Sanctuary was designed to improve holistic wellbeing,” said Sanctuary CEO Joseph Bowers. “We’re dedicated to cultivating a community that promotes happiness and wellness in all facets of life.”
Sanctuary will grow to include a state-of-the-art holistic learning campus and executive retreat with sprawling hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, 1,800 square-foot aquaponics farm and outdoor recreation space.
“Sanctuary is a welcoming community designed for residents and visitors who share a commitment to lifelong learning, transformational connectivity, sustainability and the promise of a better world for all,” Bowers said. “This is needed now more than ever.”