We live in a go-go-go world. It’s important to be able to take a load off every once in a while, and where better to do that than your home? But is your house or apartment the sanctuary you need? If you’re feeling less than supported by your physical space, we can help. Here are five tips to make your home more relaxing.
Keep it tidy.
Clutter doesn’t just bug your neat freak friends. Whether you realize it or not, clutter has negative impacts on your physical and mental health. If your space is messy, it’s hard to truly relax in it. Get in the habit of tidying up for a few minutes each day. When you keep your place in order, it makes it easier to chill in it. And, as a bonus, it also makes it easier to have people over with no notice.
While you’re at it, cut clutter. If you’ve got stacks of books or rows of knickknacks that you don’t love, box them up or donate them. Cleaning up the visual lines of your space can make it feel more relaxed.
Add some green.
The house plant trend isn’t just good for your aesthetic. It’s also good for your health. Being near greenery has some major mental health benefits, and houseplants can also clean the air in your space. If you’re looking for a cheap and easy decor upgrade that can make your home more relaxing, add a potted plant.
Check your lighting.
It should come as no surprise that lighting makes a difference. Anyone who’s worked in a fluorescent-lit office knows that certain types of light can be draining.
What’s the situation with the lighting in your house? Natural lighting can help you feel relaxed and can boost your mood. The next best thing is warm lighting, which simulates sunlight. That’s not to say you can’t go eco-friendly and use LED or CFL bulbs. Just look for ones that offer “warm” or “soft white” light. Candles are a nice touch, too.
Create barriers.
Whether you have an office in your home or just occasionally answer a work email off the clock, it’s important to divide your space. Set up a desk or nook for productivity — and make sure it’s separate from your rest and relaxation spaces. Basically, stop pulling out your laptop in bed. It’s not doing your sleep patterns any favors.
While you’re at it, why not designate a space specifically for relaxing? That could mean carving out an area to roll out your yoga mat, adding some candles around your bathtub, setting up a cozy reading chair, or whatever else helps you relax. Having designated chill space can instantly make your home more relaxing.
Add what you love.
This might seem a little counterintuitive with the “cut clutter” tip above, but you can make your home more relaxing by adding items that bring you joy. The trick is to get rid of stuff you don’t truly love to make space for those joy-sparking items. You could clear that bookcase of old textbooks from your stressful college days and use it to display your favorite pictures, for example.
We hope these tips help you love your home or apartment! And if you’re looking for more tips and tools to help you relax, get in touch. Our team at Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center is here to serve you.
