TRANSFROM YOUR HOME INTO A SANCTUARY
Sometimes it’s hard to brush off the stress of the day and sink into a state of serenity. That’s especially true if your home is more chaos than calm. However, the following tips when employed can create a soothing space. So, no matter what the day holds, you always have an inviting retreat in your home.
ADD GREENERY
Studies have shown that plants can ease anxiety making your home feel calmer. Plants like jasmine and English ivy can improve sleep, lavender and rosemary can lower stress, and several other plants have been shown to improve air quality so you breathe easier.
HIDE or CAMOUFLAGE ELECTRONICS
“Nobody wants to stare at a tangle of cords,” said Houzz. “Thankfully, we have more options than ever for keeping our tech devices hidden away. When possible, choose smaller, wireless devices that look less obtrusive even when left out in the open. Tie up cords in a media center so they are not visible, and dedicate a single drawer to storing all of your chargers, power cords and small tech devices when they’re not in use.”
ENJOY A PET
Get a dog, cat, bird or turtle…the choice is yours. Yes, having a pet can mean more noise and more mess, but, there are all kinds of studies that show that having a pet lowers stress. “Researchers found that pet-owning patients with high blood pressure could keep their blood pressure lower during times of mental stress than patients without pets,” said AnimalSmart.org. There are studies showing pet owners may also have increased odds of surviving for at least a year after having a heart attack.
CLEAR CLUTTER
Going all Marie Kondo on your home can have surprising effects on your mental state. “Clutter can play a significant role in how we feel about our homes, our workplaces, and ourselves,” said psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter in Psychology Today. Messy homes and work spaces have the power to leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed.
TONE DOWN HARSH COLORS
There’s something to be said for going bold, but soft colors can be soothing. If you want a deeper color, consider shades of blues and greens; they are two serene colors rather than the boldness of yellow, orange, or red.
SPRUCE UP YOUR ENTRYWAY
While you probably don’t pass by or through your front entry all that often if you park in the garage, it is the first place guests see. Is it welcoming?
SOFT LIGHTING
Hard on the eyes, harsh overhead lighting can make you feel like you’re being interrogated. If you need to keep it because the space will be too dark otherwise, a dimmer offers control over the level of brightness required at any given moment allowing you to set the mood.
LIMIT PATTERNS
“Opt for solids and subtle patterns,” said Houzz. Busy patterns can be interesting, but, if you’re aiming for calm consider solid fabrics. And yet, don’t be afraid to include subtle patterns such as herringbone, tone-on-tone stripes, and tiny dots which add textural interest without competing for attention.
FRESH FLOWERS
According to a study by Rutgers, “The presence of flowers trigger happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive way far beyond what was originally believed.”
YOUR ZEN ZONE
Getting good rest is key, and there are several ways you can create a soothing space. Serene colors are optimal and a good mattress is important. Decorating the bed with soft textures is helpful. “The sensation of touch is often overlooked, but a powerful way to unwind,” said Mass.gov.
(Inspired by JAYMI NACIRIP 2023)
