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Medical science shows that our surroundings make a tangible difference in our mood and outlook. What’s more, these perceptions are based not only on how we feel in the moment at hand, but also how we’ve felt during previous experiences in the same or similar settings. Your own healing environment Things to try at home Creating a healing place How we do it at Swedish Covenant Hospital More feel-good places Around the neighborhood What makes you feel better? Tell us and show us | View the gallery

Your own healing environment There are lots of easy ways you can introduce healing into your daily environment. Here are three to consider: Let the sun in Science shows, natural light can enhance your mood and make you feel better. So keep your blinds open during the day, or use translucent window coverings to allow sunlight to stream through. Add a scent Aromatherapy involves using essential or natural oils such as peppermint, cedar, and eucalyptus to affect your mood. You can introduce aromatherapy at home by lighting scented candles, adding scented oil to your bath, or applying a scented lotion. Listen to music Medical research shows that music can help lower stress and promote feelings of calm and control. When selecting music, choose a piece that reflects the mood you’d like to be in. Then, sit or lie down, and listen through speakers instead of headphones, so your whole body is part of the experience. Submit what makes you feel better | back to top>

Creating a healing place: How we do it at Swedish Covenant Hospital We’ve created a unique healing environment at Swedish Covenant Hospital that draws on each of the five senses. According to Angelique Mizera, DO, considering the entire patient is an important part of healing. "At Swedish Covenant Hospital, the staff are aware that healing occurs when the mind, body, and spirit are all included in the process. We treat more than just your physical complaint. That's what makes us more effective in creating a healing environment." Sound We work hard to make sure the only noise you hear in our hospital is music from our healing arts program or chimes when a baby is born. In fact, by continually tracking our noise levels, we know that at night our acute care unit is much quieter than the national average. Sight We bring color into our environment through our rotating gallery of local artwork and exotic fish in several aquariums. Throughout the hospital, soft, decorative lighting helps patients feel more at home. In our newly expanded emergency room, a cozy fireplace flanked with rustic natural stone has a calming effect. And in our radiology services area, backlit ceiling panels featuring pictures of blue sky offer a soothing visual for patients undergoing testing. Touch Soft, comfy chairs in our waiting areas feel like home and help put patients and visitors at ease. We also offer healing touch techniques, such as massage therapy, to help put patients at ease. Scent We bake fresh bread and cookies on patient floors, filling the air with delicious smells. And our aromatherapy program distributes pleasing scents that affect mood and physical well-being. Taste Food is one of the most nurturing ways to regain health. Our patients can order their cultural favorites from our menu, along with a wide selection of organic foods. Submit what makes you feel better | back to top>

Local discounts Swedish Covenant Hospital has been a member of Chicago’s north side community for years. Along the way, we’ve developed friendships with local businesses that provide products and services to help people feel good. Print these coupons: The Chopping Block The Book Cellar Whole Foods Learn more about our healing environment Submit what makes you feel better | back to top>

Win healing spa services Show or tell what makes you feel better and you're automatically entered to win.   Submit | Add a photo Check out local music Science shows light tunes can lower anxiety and your heart rate.