Why does your space make you feel tired? Neuroscience meets Feng Shui

The importance of  Visual Discomfort

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt tense, uncomfortable, or oddly drained? There’s a scientific reason behind that—and it’s something Feng Shui has been addressing for centuries.

A fascinating neuroscience study by Arnold Wilkins found that when we’re exposed to visually uncomfortable environments—like harsh stripes, flickering lights, or clashing colors—our brains respond with a large haemodynamic response. In simple terms, your brain uses more energy to process these chaotic visuals. This is inefficient, stressful for the nervous system, and can even contribute to physical discomfort or illness over time. Now proven that exposure to such environments over time leads to fatigue, stress, headaches, and even physical discomfort.

Interestingly, the brain is most at ease when looking at natural, harmonious visuals—soft lines, gentle transitions in color, and a lack of flicker. These are exactly the kinds of qualities that Feng Shui encourages in a space. Why? Because such features allow qi, or life force energy, to flow smoothly—supporting both mental clarity and physical well-being.

So whether you’re designing your home or a workspace, both neuroscience and Feng Shui agree: your environment should feel as good as it looks. A calm space nurtures a calm mind.

The Brain Likes Nature—So Does Feng Shui

According to the study, the brain is naturally wired to prefer:

1. Natural visual rhythms (1/f patterns) – Nature has a gentle balance of detail and simplicity. Harsh patterns like stripes, zigzags, and overly repetitive designs disrupt this, and can create visual stress.

2. Smooth orientation (horizontal & vertical lines) – The brain prefers stable lines, like those found in trees or horizons. Diagonals and chaotic orientations increase visual tension.

3. Subtle, harmonious color transitions – Bright, saturated colors and extreme contrasts (often found in artificial environments) are neurologically uncomfortable.

4. Stable lighting (no flicker) – Flickering lights, even those imperceptible to the eye, demand more brain power and cause stress.

   
   

   

   
   

This applies to building exteriors, interiors, art, and even textiles.

In Feng Shui, we already know this through experience and ancient wisdom. The built environment shapes energy, and certain forms and visuals act like sha qi—or "attacking energy"—that disturbs natural flow.

Stripes = Poison Arrows

Sharp lines and patterns—like stripes on building designs, interior, walls, floors, or furniture—can act like poison arrows in Feng Shui. These are harsh, fast-moving energies that cut through a space and disturb the qi. They’re especially problematic when aimed at seating areas, beds, or desks. The brain reacts to these lines similarly: with discomfort, stress, and overactivation. In both systems, they are energetically aggressive and unharmonious.

Color Clashes and the Five Elements

In the Five Elements theory of Feng Shui, each element is represented by specific colors and interacts either harmoniously or destructively:

• Wood (green) feeds Fire (red) – harmonious

• Fire (red) melts Metal (white/gray) – destructive

• Earth (yellow/brown) controls Water (blue/black) – destructive

When color schemes ignore these relationships—for example, using too much red and white together (Fire attacks Metal)—the energy becomes unstable. The brain, too, reacts poorly to jarring color contrasts, as shown in the study: high color contrast leads to a stronger haemodynamic response, signaling stress and inefficiency.

Why This Matters

Feng Shui seeks harmony between people and their environment. Neuroscience now confirms what this ancient art has always known: unnatural visuals disrupt our internal balance. Environments that imitate the natural world—through gentle lines, soft lighting, balanced color, and flow—support our wellbeing on both an energetic and neurological level.

Takeaway: If a space feels “off,” too busy, or tiring to be in, it probably is—from both a Feng Shui and brain health perspective.

Final Thought

Both the study and Feng Shui point to the same conclusion: our environments deeply affect how we think, feel, and function.

By designing with intention—choosing natural textures, balanced color palettes, soft lighting, and flowing lines—we reduce cognitive load and promote ease. Whether it’s an office, a retail space, or your home, thoughtful design improves not just aesthetics but performance and health.

Science is beginning to validate what traditional systems like Feng Shui have intuitively known: that space isn’t just physical—it’s neurological. And in a world where overstimulation is the norm, creating environments that support clarity, comfort, and calm is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.