The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Our homes are often our sanctuaries where we re-center after a long day at work or an exhausting night out. However, our homes can also be a source of stress. For example, dishes and tasks can pile up, decorations can be overstimulating, and dim lighting can make your space feel more like a cave than a home.
Thankfully, small adjustments to your living space can nurture relaxation, peace, and happiness. Here are seven ways to transform your home into a haven for mental health.
1. Create a Dedicated Relaxation Space
Every home should have a nook for unwinding or a space where you can get some solitude. It doesn’t have to be large. Even just a cozy corner can serve as your personal retreat. Claim a space and furnish it with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and items that bring you joy (like books, art, or a speaker for playing music).
The key is to create a space that feels like it belongs to you. It should be a place where you can escape the bustle of your daily life.
2. Incorporate Natural Light
Exposure to natural light has been shown to improve mood and energy levels. It can also regulate sleep cycles and improve productivity. As a result, you should try to enhance the flow of natural light in your home.
You can do this by keeping windows clear of obstructions and choosing light or translucent curtains that allow sunlight to come through your living space. If certain areas of your home lack natural light, you might consider using daylight-simulating bulbs to brighten them up.
3. Declutter and Organize
A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Taking time to declutter and organize your home can significantly enhance your mental wellness. If your space is cluttered, start small and aim to tackle one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Once you’ve organized and decluttered your space, consider developing a plan to keep it that way. Adopting a more minimalistic lifestyle and assigning yourself daily chores are two ways to make organizing and keeping your space free of clutter easier. Ultimately, an organized space can foster a sense of calm and control, helping you create a relaxing home environment.
4. Add Therapy Plants
Plants are not just decorative. They’re also therapeutic. Adding greenery to your home can purify the air, reduce stress, and boost mood. Opt for low-maintenance indoor plants (like snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies), which thrive indoors with minimal care.
The actual act of gardening can also be a meditative practice, encouraging mindfulness and connection to nature. You can find more information about therapy plants and their benefits here: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/the-role-of-therapy-plants-in-mental-health-treatment/
5. Incorporate Soothing Colors
Colors can influence our emotions and moods. As a result, painting your walls in soothing hues can create a calming atmosphere. Consider soft blues, greens, or earth tones for their serene and grounding effects. These colors can reduce stress and anxiety, making your home a peaceful refuge.
6. Establish Technology-Free Zones
In our always-connected world, taking breaks from screens and digital devices can be important. To make your home a place of wellness, consider designating areas in your home, such as your bedroom or relaxation space, as technology-free zones. Doing so can encourage more mindfulness and quality time with yourself and your loved ones.
Once you have a space, consider trying to spend a part of each day there. Taking a brief pause from email notifications, social media, and news alerts can do many positive things for your mental well-being.
7. Consider Aromatherapy
Certain scents can have an impact on our mental state. Incorporating aromatherapy into your home through essential oils, diffusers, or scented candles can promote relaxation and stress relief. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are popular choices for their calming properties. Try to choose natural products to avoid accidentally introducing toxins into your home environment.
Takeaway
Transforming your home into a space that supports your mental wellness doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Simple changes, like adding therapy plants or creating a special nook for relaxation, can make a significant difference.
