- Invest in storage solutions and utilize vertical space to keep the home organized and make tidying easier.
- Repaint, rearrange furniture, and update lighting and windows for a more calming atmosphere.
- Incorporate indoor plants into the home to purify the air and reduce stress levels from caring for them.
- Create cozy corners in your home with blankets, candles, and artwork that reflect your personality.
- Add essential oils to diffusers or directly onto the skin for more relaxation.
Homes are meant to be a place of safety and comfort, but often they can become cluttered and disorganized. When this happens, your emotional well-being can suffer. According to research, the home environment significantly influences your mental health. It can contribute to stress and anxiety or provide a calming and restorative atmosphere. So it’s essential to take the time to create surroundings that are conducive to mental health.
Here are some steps you can take today to set up your home surroundings for better mental health.
1. Get organized
Start by cleaning out any closets or drawers that have been neglected for too long. Then create systems and routines that will help you stay organized in the future, such as assigning each family member their own space for storing items or setting up a weekly cleaning schedule. Try the following to get started:
a. Invest in storage solutions
Many stores offer an array of storage containers and baskets to help keep your home organized. Cleaning up and staying tidy becomes much easier when items have a designated place.
b. Color-code items
If you have many small items to keep track of, color coding can be a great way to organize them. For example, using different colored folders for paper filing or labeling boxes with different colors for craft supplies.
c. Utilize vertical space
Maximize available storage by utilizing wall and ceiling space. Hang shelves to store items or install hooks for coats, towels, bags, and other items.
2. Renovate as needed
Because the home environment dramatically impacts mental health, making sure your space is comfortable and inviting is important. Consider making minor renovations to create a more calming atmosphere, such as:
a. Repainting
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home. You can repaint the outside of your house to make it more attractive. Make sure you work with professional exterior painting services to ensure the job is done right. They’ll be able to suggest the best colors and techniques for your project.
b. Rearranging furniture
Swapping out furniture and rearranging it in different configurations can make your home feel new again. Take advantage of natural light by moving pieces away from windows or walls and closer to the center of the room.
c. Updating lighting and windows
Brighten up the atmosphere with new light fixtures or better window treatments. Consider adding dimmers to your lights to adjust the brightness depending on your mood. Install curtains or blinds to block out excess sunlight and give you more control over the natural light entering a room.
3. Invest in plants
Plants add a touch of nature to your life and help purify the air you breathe and reduce stress levels when you care for them. Fill your home with low-maintenance plants like succulents or cacti that require minimal effort yet still add life to your living space! Many stores also have preserved plants that will last for a long time.
4. Create cozy corners
Spend some time creating cozy corners within your home—where you can relax and unwind without feeling overwhelmed by clutter or chaos. Hang cozy blankets over chairs or couches, add some throw pillows with calming colors and designs, and light candles or incense sticks—whatever makes you feel comfortable! You can also bring nature indoors by adding a small water feature, such as a fountain or aquarium.
You can also enhance your home environment by playing soft music, adding artwork that reflects your personality, and displaying items with positive associations. Your cozy corner should be a space where you can relax, de-stress, and enjoy peace of mind.
5. Add essential oils
Essential oils are powerful tools for reducing stress and improving mental clarity, so don’t forget to incorporate them into your home surroundings! Use diffusers throughout the house, or even just rub a few drops directly onto your skin for instant relaxation whenever needed! Make sure to research each oil before using it, as some may be too strong for certain home areas.
Creating an environment that promotes mental health is essential for overall well-being. By taking these five steps to improve your home surroundings, you can have a safe space to relax and recharge after a long day! With just a few simple changes here and there, you can transform your living space into one that genuinely nourishes both mind and body alike!
