Are you looking to make your home a little happier, a little lighter or maybe you want to turn it into a full sanctuary where you can relax and recalibrate every day. There are some basic changes you can make today to feel a little better about being at home.
We have looked into the benefits of scent and sound in a previous article. This time we will look at the things we have around us that might help us make our home a sanctuary.
I am a firm believer in a healthy home, one that is low on clutter and high on objects and things that bring joy. Your version of joy will be different than mine but looking at a pile of dirty clothes or dishes is universally not going to make the habitant feel happy or calm. Anything that needs doing, ie: laundry, organising, paying or sorting should have a place, this will help you to do these tasks when you want to not to feel nagged by them every time you them out of the corner of your eye.
10 simple changes that will make all humans happier at home:
- FRESH AIR - every day get into the habit of opening windows and doors, stale air isn’t good for anyone and it will over time decrease your mood. The body needs and thrives on fresh clean air.
- PLANT LIFE - The addition of plants is guaranteed to help change the atmosphere of even the saddest apartments. Plants literally bring in life and there are plenty of un-killable plants out there - I too select from this category, eg. Devils Ivy, Monsteria, Rubber plants etc. The ones that will maintain their life in your home are the ones that will bring you joy and if you truly are hopeless - download an app that will tell you when they need to be watered. I use Planta.
- LIGHTING - Having the right light throughout the day is one thing, but in the evening, don't rely on the spots or pendants that you have in your home, invest in some softer ambient lighting that can be dotted around the home. We live in a time where your whole home can be lit up with the tap of a button on an app, you can set the ambiance to the type of activity. It really can make a world of difference. Lifx have an incredible app that allows you to have room settings and colours for every occasion. Warm light in general is better for positive moods.
- TEMPERATURE REGULATING BEDDING -Linen bed covers, the organic nature of this fabric keeps you warm or cool depending on the season, I highly recommend trailing some 100% linen bed sheets. There are multiple weights and always check the label. Any linen blend option will not offer the same temperature control. A good night sleep starts with temperature and ends with a happy morning when you feel rested and ready to go.
- ART - Hanging Art in your home is another way to lift a space, it doesn't have to be a priceless treasure from a gallery, some people like to display their travels, wedding pictures or family adventures. Choose art that will make you smile each time you look at it. Colours have meaning and if you are going for non memorabilia type of art choose colours that will be appropriate for the hanging location. For example soft neutral are calming and maybe a good choice for a bedroom. Something in the neon family might not aid in a good night sleep.
- BOOKS / KNOWLEDGE - If you are not a reader skip this one, if you are being surrounded by books that help you see the world in a wider perspective, stories that you have been lost in or are excited to get in to will have a more positive impact than the laptop filled with the movies you have loved over the years.
- ORGANISED - You should have a place for everything and when you run out of space you should have a clear out, donate, mend, give to friends. If you don't have a place for all your belongings your home will always feel a little bit cluttered or overstocked. You could try colour blocking your wardrobe or putting away the season you are not using, separating your coats into another room, maybe rotating your faviourite things. Most of all, if you have lots of things, embrace storage solutions.
- DESIGNATED ZONES - When I first heard of this idea where you divide your home into nooks, each with their own purpose I wondered how - I live in a 2 bedroom apartment. Then I tried it and it's been a game changer. There is a place to read (that can be flipped for yoga) a place to work / write a place to relax, eat and create. All these nooks are small but they all work so I can be focused on the chosen activity without distractions. Your designations will be different than mine but to have a place where you do the things you love should at the very least allow you to do them more often. And what is more joyous than that.
- CLEANING - Using natural or non toxic cleaners will also have a positive impact on the home. Gone are the days where bleach smells were the making of a clean home, a good organic cleaner will in most cases offer the same result minus the toxicity and lasting odours. Any chemicals used in the home should be kept to a minimum
- NO SHOES - Leaving the shoes at the front door in another easy way to leave the grime from the outdoors outside. It saves on floor cleaning time but most of all leaves any germs outside. Also there is no quicker way to relax than removing shoes. Especially if you wear heels, take them off at the door and leave the job you do in those shoes at the door too.
These suggestions are in no particular order and where they are in terms of priorities is up to you, but if you need a little lift at home try one, see what happens. Once your home feels like a sanctuary it will aid you in a happier and healthier life.
