The most comfortable space in your life should be your home. It’s where you go to wind down after a long day, and there are many ways to make it the ideal place to find peace. Consider these tips from HomebyDesigns to help you turn your home into a relaxation oasis.
Get Rid of the Clutter
VeryWell Mind explains that clutter contributes to depression and can lead to a decrease in focus. A visually busy home can cause tension and stress, making it nearly impossible to relax. The first step in making your home more accommodating for rest and rejuvenation is to get rid of the clutter.
Start with one room at a time and aim for a minimalist approach. As a rule of thumb, you can get rid of items, including clothing and furniture, that you haven’t used in at least three years. Make piles for things you intend to keep, donate, sell, or trash. As a bonus, you can make a little extra cash from the process.
Make Space for Everyone in the Household
Every member of the household should have a space where they can relax and express themselves. If you have children and work from home, giving them their own area away from your workspace is important. If you don’t have the extra room, you can partition off an area in the living room where the kids can have their toys and other entertainment items. This way, they have a space to participate in activities while you work. Having separate designated spaces is especially important if they watch TV or play on a tablet, which can be loud and distracting. If you have the income, you may even consider moving to find something more accommodating.
Incorporate Nature Inside
Nature is inherently relaxing. If you can incorporate that into your own home, you’ll create a zen atmosphere. Everyday Health suggests to look for plants with health benefits. You can even find some that purify the air. If you don’t have a green thumb, there are plenty of plants that require very little maintenance. Plants are also not the only option. Simply using natural wood and stone in your furniture will give your home a nature-friendly feeling.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light can change an entire space. It’s much less harsh than synthetic lighting, and it costs nothing. Avoid using heavy, dark drapery and shades on the windows, and keep the blinds open during the brightest hours of the day. At night, stick to warm lighting from lamps and avoid bright overhead lighting.
Keep It Cozy
Cozy is a broad concept that can be different for everyone. For some, minimalism really is cozy. For others, being surrounded by things is much more comfortable. Discover what cozy means to you. For example, it could be natural colors on the walls and overstuffed furniture. It could be an aroma, such as a uniquely scented candle. Lighting can play a significant role in creating a cozy atmosphere. If you’re new to making things cozy, trust your intuition.
You can also invest in fluffy pillows for your couch. Adding an incredibly soft and comfortable minky blanket can add an extra layer of warmth when the weather turns cold. These blankets are easier to maintain than other types of blankets as they can often be washed in the machine for no-fuss cleaning. When washing, use cold water and avoid fabric softener.
Connect with a Community
Connecting and creating a community during your mental health journey is a mission we can all rally around. For those who have experienced or are experiencing issues related to mental health, as well as for their families, friends, acquaintances and others, this mission provides a powerful way to build bridges between individuals and landscapes of understanding. It encourages us to open up the conversation about mental health issues, create safe spaces to discuss them, and see how we can make our world a more inclusive, understanding place for everyone. We all deserve to feel supported in our individual journeys with mental health and know that we’ll be surrounded by love no matter what road we take. Creating a community is the first step toward a more accepting future.
Make the Cozy Space You Deserve
Now that you have the tools to make your home a tranquil space, it’s important to maximize all it has to offer. If you work from home, find ways to create a separate work space from other living spaces, especially if you have kids. But also be sure to make time for self-care. Be mindful of the space you are in and what it provides. Start with making an effort to keep the home clean, cozy, and decluttered.
