Modern life can be stressful in a whole range of ways. When you come home after a hard day’s work, then you want to make sure that you’re walking into a space that will allow you to relax, unwind, and generally recharge your mental batteries in time for the next day.
If your house is set up with relaxation in mind, then this should be achievable. If it isn’t, then you might find that stress accumulates when it’s meant to be dissipating – and that you end up suffering in the long-term.
Let’s take a look at a few of the ingredients that make for a relaxing home environment.
Storage
Being surrounded by clutter can be mentally taxing. This is where the right storage solution can be invaluable. Ideally, it should help you to make the most of the available space. A fitted wardrobe might be especially useful if your bedroom sits in an awkward space with an angled ceiling.
But, as well as the right storage, you’ll also need the habit of using it. Tidy up regularly, and get out of the habit of dumping clothes on the floor. Instruct your cohabitants to do likewise!
Curtains
Getting maximum natural light throughout the day can be essential to your mental health. At the same time, if you’re sleeping during the day, you want as little light as possible.
Dress your windows appropriately with a combination of blinds and blackout curtains.
Paint
Certain shades of paint are naturally associated with relaxation. These tend to be the more muted, pastel shades. Blues and greens, which we find in abundance in the natural world, make a great match, but beiges and magnolias work well, too.
Remember to factor in your personal taste. If you dislike a given colour, then it’s not going to work in your space, regardless of what the research says.
Plants
Getting out into green space can be enormously beneficial to your mental health. At the same time, gardening will expose you to sunlight, and provide physical exercise benefits.
If you don’t have access to a garden space, however, then you can do the next best thing and dress your interior in as many plants as possible. Keeping hanging vines in your eyeline while you’re working at the computer can be hugely beneficial.
Pictures
While you might be tempted to hang wall art around you, it’s a good idea to choose photos of family and friends, instead. This will engage you on a deeper emotional level.
A little bit of nostalgia can go a long way to helping you to unwind. Pick out a photo that was taken on a favourite holiday, and hang it somewhere prominent.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post