The therapeutic power of living and living together

The innovative flexible accommodation concept created and managed by Greystar knows how important it is to find the perfect home, and gives us the keys to how the way we live influences our wellbeing. Under the title “The Therapeutic Power of Living and Living Together”, Ana Belén Medialdea, a psychologist specialising in Strategic Therapy, unpacks the new trends in habitability and overall wellbeing.

Sharing her view on how our environment can influence our emotional wellbeing, Ana Belén highlights the importance of finding a home that promotes personal balance and interpersonal connection, pointing out that “the way we live has a significant impact on our mental and emotional health“. 

Drawing on her clinical experience and psychology background, Medialdea tells us that home, beyond being simply a physical space, “is fundamentally a refuge that must provide comfort, security and access to services and leisure activities, where we must have our own personal space to relax, reflect, and so on.”

In a post-pandemic world, the psychologist notes the shifts in our preferences when it comes to finding the perfect home, with a very noticeable growing demand for outdoor spaces and the need to strengthen community living in order to cultivate meaningful relationships. She also assures us how living together can boost emotional support and encourage healthy lifestyle habits, stating that “living in community gives us the chance to build meaningful, supportive relationships with friends, family and members of the community“.

Social isolation, the psychologist warns, can lead to feelings of loneliness and demotivation, making it harder to face challenges and keep up the momentum needed to overcome major life changes. “Being in an environment we dislike can raise our stress and anxiety levels, generating constant worries that negatively affect our mental health,” she explains. According to a study by SoledadES, promoted by Fundación ONCE, 25.5% of young Spaniards between the ages of 16 and 29 say they feel lonely right now, an alarming figure that rises to 69% if we add those in the same age range who have felt lonely at some point in their life. That is why living in community and promoting social interaction activities becomes crucial to counter this phenomenon.

By maintaining close social connections, we are investing in our health. Studies have confirmed that these social relationships strengthen immune function and help to regulate stress hormones. It is crucial to recognise that we cannot reach the same levels of dopamine and oxytocin release on our own as we do when we interact with other people. This is beneficial because dopamine is associated with pleasure and motivation, while oxytocin promotes trust and social bonding, contributing to an overall sense of wellbeing and emotional connection. Therefore, living in a community that encourages these social interactions can have a positive impact on our emotional and mental health. 

It is important to highlight how new housing trends reflect a shift in the mindset of the new generations, who are looking for freedom and flexibility in their lifestyle. More and more young people are choosing to avoid long-term commitments, such as long-term rental contracts, and prefer a housing model that adapts to their changing needs and their nomadic spirit. This trend aligns perfectly with the approach taken by Be Casa, which offers a flexible and adaptable alternative for those looking for a home that fits their dynamic lifestyle. With a focus on flexibility and comfort, Be Casa lets its residents personalise their stay according to their preferences, creating a unique experience tailored to each guest.

This is where Be Casa appears as the solution to all these shifts in new habitability trends. Designed to contribute to wellbeing, it goes beyond being simply a place to live. Its modern, welcoming facilities align perfectly with the latest market trends, offering residents the chance to experience the true meaning of feeling at home. To achieve this, in addition to the facilities and shared spaces that create this atmosphere, Be Casa encourages the organisation of activities and events among all its residents to convey a sense of belonging and togetherness, so residents can get to know one another and truly live and live together.

In addition, Ana Belén also talks about all the different changes people go through during their lives, whether voluntary or not. These transition periods are just one example of when communities like Be Casa become indispensable allies, highlighting the importance of having accommodation that adapts to people’s changing needs, especially during moments of major life change. Some residents of these flexible apartments have gone through examples of these life changes — we mean those situations in which we have to start from scratch. Be Casa helps its residents feel like part of a family, start over and build a group together. Be Casa creates the perfect ecosystem so that, if you want, you can start from zero, building new relationships or even strengthening the ones you already have, inviting friends and family to your home and shared areas.

Elisa López, Sales & Leasing Manager at Be Casa, tells us that “With Be Casa we have our own independence thanks to its apartments, but its endless shared areas — whether the coworking, going down to the pool, hitting the gym or joining its many activities — keep us in touch with other people directly or indirectly, helping us interact, and that not only supports our personal balance and helps us reduce stress levels but has been shown to bring both mental and physical benefits. With Be Casa we have noticed that people who live in community are happier.”

Be Casa offers its residents an environment designed to promote emotional and mental wellbeing without leaving home. With facilities such as fully equipped gyms, green areas and community spaces, it gives you the chance to stay physically active and socially connected. On top of this, the pioneering flexible accommodation brand brings peace of mind, as it also offers hotel-style services such as cleaning, security, reception and so on, or utilities and Wi-Fi included in the price so its residents don’t have to worry about anything.

The calm of the surroundings helps to reduce stress and anxiety, while the comfort of being at home makes it easier to bring these practices into daily life. Residents can choose between the three communities Be Casa has in the Madrid region (Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Valdebebas and San Sebastián de los Reyes) according to their individual needs, ensuring an environment that suits each person.