Our living spaces should invoke a serene sense of balance in us that helps us to feel calm, at ease, and centered in our own space. The coronavirus pandemic has made the entire world more homebound than ever before, which has shifted attention to our living areas. A widespread feeling of unrest has been a natural reaction throughout this time of uncertainty in the world. Unfortunately, homes can quickly trigger a sense of anxiety and even irritability when our private spaces lack holistic design, and certain lifestyle habits impede relaxation.
If you feel uncomfortable, anxious, and unable to decompress fully at home, this may be a sign that your space or habits might be overstimulating your senses. Doing a quick self-inventory can help you to determine if you need to redesign your quarters or make any lifestyle changes.
- When you move through your space, do you continually knock things over?
- Do you feel calm and at peace when you’re at home?
- Do you have any uncluttered surfaces in your space?
- Can you quickly locate items that you’re looking for?
- Do you sometimes feel suffocated in your environment?
- Does your space generally feel overly cluttered by boxes or other items?
- Does your daily routine allow for rest?
- Do you feel especially overstimulated after watching certain shows on a television, computer, tablet, or phone?
- Can you identify your favorite place in your home to relax?
Starting with simple changes and measuring your responsiveness to these changes is the perfect way to begin your journey to a more restful environment. A few simple changes that will even your landlord approve, include:
- Clearing clutter by organizing and getting rid of items that you don’t need.
- Making sure that you have significant lighting in your house that rejuvenates. Test out different bulbs and use LED lights to illuminate dark spaces. And don’t forget about candles, lanterns or twinkle lights as well.
- Assess your furniture and make sure that you are using areas efficiently. Consider space-saving furniture for areas that seem too overwhelmed.
- Add some plant life, a terrarium, or a small fountain to your space.
If you find yourself more relaxed and at peace with a few small modifications, doing a full holistic rehab of your space will create an in-home sanctuary that brings fulfillment and comfort.
Creating True Balance is About More Than Just Your Furniture
Overhauling your living quarters and daily routine can help you find peace in your own home. Rearranging your furniture and maximizing area efficiency is fantastic. Still, other lifestyle and habitat modifications can be made in addition to physical deductions or additions to your space that can help to create balance and cultivate a calm atmosphere.
Separating your work and living spaces can help you to create more work-life balance. If you don’t have access to a home office, a desk and dedicated working space of some sort will help you to create a divider between your work and relaxation in your own home.
Decluttering, general housekeeping, rearranging furniture, and lighting are also other modifications that can help to keep you relaxed. Be sure to utilize front/back yards, patios, porches, and balconies as well. Small changes can easily transform outdoor spaces into safe havens that can help to decompress. It’s scientifically proven that green spaces impact our mental health, so adding plant life to your home, and spending time outdoors significantly helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Apart from creating a more ambient physical space, lifestyle changes play a critical role in lowering stimulation levels.
- Make sure to lower your caffeine and alcohol intake and stay hydrated.
- Adequate sleep and mental breaks are essential even if you are working from home.
- Exercise and staying active will help you to rest during downtime.
- Limit your screen time (phone, computer, tablets, and TV), and try reading or listening to music or podcasts at least an hour before bedtime. Dimming the lights and sitting quietly also helps your mind to relax.
- Try to set a regular sleep schedule.
- Create daily rituals that help you to relax and unwind. This can be as simple as getting up to move around by watering plants, doing chores, or working in your backyard.
Conclusion
It’s been a challenging time in the world for all of us, and the constant flow of changing information can easily cause tension. Staying up to date with local news alerts is recommended, but pay particular attention to specific content that causes you to be anxious and overstimulated. Consider developing a daily gratitude practice that focuses on positive elements in your life. Taking time to embrace what you are thankful for every day will help put your mind at ease and foster a peaceful and tranquil environment for yourself and those you love.