Mood Enhancement: An Unexpected Benefit of Using a Fireplace

Are people who use fireplaces happier than people who don’t? No one has a definitive answer, but numerous studies have confirmed that an active fireplace can help people feel more relaxed and enhance their mood.

Felgemacher of Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, installs a lot of fireplaces in our customers’ homes to bring them heat, comfort, enjoyment and possibly the added benefit of a more settled and positive inner experience.

But before we make this sound too mystical or “other-worldly,” we want to point out that the benefits we’re talking about here aren’t caused by any kind of ancient hidden secret that only a select few have ever known. The reasons that a fireplace can positively affect a person’s mood, disposition, and outlook are really quite simple.

Hypnotic movement

Flames in a fireplace move gently and consistently, which are elements of many relaxation therapies, including hypnosis. Something happens in the mind when attention is placed on an object with predictable movement patterns. (Think of the swinging watch or pendulum used by a hypnotist.)

Detachment

According to multiple research studies, several things are likely to happen as you focus on the flames in a fireplace:

• Your mind detaches from the cares of the day, which might be causing you internal grief
• Your thoughts become settled and clear 
• Your body relaxes
• Your blood pressure and heart rate go down
• Your breathing stabilizes
• You get in touch with your inner self, which can be excluded during hectic daily activities

These changes help put you in a better overall state of mind and make it easier to focus on whatever you’re thinking about.

The medical side

It’s important to note that, while studies show that states of deep relaxation can lower blood pressure and heart rate, sitting in front of a fireplace and zoning out is not a substitute for medical care by a qualified physician. You should use your fireplace to feel better and become more positive in your life, not to heal a medical condition.

Full-scale meditation isn’t necessary

Focusing on a lovely fireplace can be beneficial, but simply living around an active fireplace is likely to have some positive effects. In other words, you don’t have to sit right in front of the fire for twenty or thirty minutes to gain a sense of peace and harmony.

Even an occasional glance at the fireplace, coupled with the crackle of logs and the soft aroma of burning firewood, can shift your mood and disposition as you go about your daily life.

Take advantage of your fireplace

If you have a nice fireplace, take advantage of the personal benefits it can offer. Use it often, and let your family and friends also enjoy the subtle, positive changes it can produce.

If you don’t have a fireplace, Felgemacher can help you choose one that meets your heating and decorative needs. Our team has been installing beautiful fireplaces in the Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, areas since 1953.

You can reach us by phone or through our contact form.