Winter Comfort: Algorithm for Home and Office at the Intersection of Ergonomics, Psychology, and Biophysics
The concept of "comfort" (English: hygge, Norwegian: kos, German: Gemütlichkeit) during the winter period transforms from a subjective feeling into a practically measurable parameter of environmental quality that affects productivity, mental health, and physiological comfort. Its creation can be represented as a systematic algorithm based on the impact on the main channels of perception (thermal, visual, acoustic, tactile, olfactory) and taking into account the principles of psychophysics and ergonomics.
Phase 1: Thermal Comfort and Air Dynamics (Basic Level)
Cold is the main physical stressor of winter. Comfort begins with a correct temperature and humidity regime.
Algorithm:
Temperature: Maintain differentiated temperature. For housing: 20-22°C in areas of activity (living room, office), 18-20°C in the bedroom (helps to sleep better). For the office: 21-23°C, as recommended by GOST and ASHRAE.
Humidity: Winter air dried by heating systems (relative humidity may fall below 20%) causes dryness of mucous membranes, reduces local immunity, and subjectively enhances the feeling of cold. Goal: 40-60%. Use humidifiers (ultrasonic, steam), hydrogel balls on radiators, indoor plants with high transpiration (spatifillum, cypress).
Air movement: Avoid drafts but ensure soft circulation to prevent stagnation. Use ceiling fans at low speed in reverse direction (for mixing warm air under the ceiling).
Phase 2: Light Environment (Visual and Circadian Aspect)
The lack of sunlight is a key factor in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Cozy light ≠ darkness.
Algorithm:
Daylight: Maximize access. Draw the curtains, use light, reflective surfaces (walls, furniture). Place the work area perpendicular to the window.
Artificial light: Create a multi-layered, warm, and non-uniform light picture.
Base layer: Diffused general light (ceiling lights with a warm spectrum, 2700-3000K).
Lo ...
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