Busy and stressful days are inevitable. To recuperate from them, we must make a conscious effort to put our minds at ease in healthy ways. Curling up with your favorite cup of soothing chamomile tea at home is a great quick remedy, but look around and assess your surroundings before kicking back.
Is your space a great place to relax? If it’s cluttered and in a general state of disarray, chances are you won’t get to maximize the ways you’ve been fantasizing about me-time relaxation.
Are you ready to get into zen mode without having to pack a bag to go someplace else? Here are a few simple tips to turn your home into a stress-free zone.
Incorporate house plants for both outdoor and indoor spaces
It’s your chance to hone your inner green thumb. Taking care of plants in itself is a relaxing activity that gives many people joy, but the benefits of having a green space in your home are enormous. Plants have air-purifying qualities and help produce oxygen. Finding the right varieties of houseplants to spruce up your abode will also enhance your space, and you can even move them around whenever you crave a bit of a quick makeover.
Clean your home
A clean home is your base for a totally comfortable and relaxing experience. Organizing all of your stuff, clearing shelves and tables of unnecessary knickknacks, and doing chores like getting dishes done on the spot, vacuuming, mopping, and making your bed in the morning are simple ways to help clear your mind.
Get rid of clutter
One way or another, the chaos of clutter at home will get to you. As much as possible, live only with what’s necessary. You don’t have to be a hardcore minimalist and just have two pieces of furniture in your living room, but surrounding yourself with the essential things that “spark joy” and promote your unique brand of comfort will definitely add to your peace of mind.
Many homeowners neglect to keep their kitchens clutter-free since it is one of the most used parts in the house. That shouldn’t be the case if you’re trying to build a holistically stress-free home. Grouping the same category of items, keeping the most frequently used ingredients and tools accessible, and regular pantry and cupboard clean-ups are necessary so the workflow is much smoother in the kitchen.
Choose motifs and colors that make you feel good
Bright colors stimulate the mind and have an energizing effect on most people. Painting your walls in colors that promote a relaxing atmosphere instantly brings you to a more peaceful state of mind. Some hues that work for a zen-paradise feel, which will ease the mind, include natural tones of white and beige. Shades of soft blues, greys, and green also work for this purpose.
Pick your lighting carefully
Lighting is a major aspect of setting the mood for any space. Choose the right kind of lighting for each spot in your home, so you can enhance the experience whether you choose to relax or engage in activities you enjoy. Natural light is best for a calm daytime atmosphere and is also a great way to get in a healthy dose of the sun indoors.
Keep LED lights and task lights for nooks or rooms where you want to get some work done, as these will help you focus better on tasks and do them with ease. Warm yellow accent lights are great for nighttime. Make sure you don’t over-light your place and find a comfortable balance so as not to strain the eyes.
Using dimmer lights is also a great way to control lighting in your home. Choosing a lighting level that’s suited to the occasion is always a key factor for a comfortable experience at any time of day.
Get simple and natural furniture
Stay away from pieces that “assault the senses.” Busy furniture with excessive trimmings, bold prints, loud colors, or intricate detailing is not a great option if you want a zen-like feel for your house. Simple wood furniture or those made of rattan or clay will lend an earthy vibe to your space.
Choose key pieces that will engage your senses
Choosing minimalist textiles, incorporating your favorite pieces of art, and throwing in a soft, fluffy rug on the right spot are examples of items that can add more character to your home.
Leave negative spaces
Don’t fill up your rooms or outdoor areas with too much stuff. Not every nook and cranny has to be crammed with things like furniture, tables, houseplants, rugs, or whatever house item you can think of. Not every wall must be adorned with artwork, and not each spot on shelves or accent tables must have designated items to fill empty spaces. Leaving certain spaces blank gives the illusion of spaciousness, and a cleaner, overall look.
Create a staging area near your main entrance
Instantly feel right at home when you step into the door by taking off your shoes, hat, coat, or cardigan, putting down your keys, and other things that you don’t need to have in the house. Choose items like coat hangers—maybe cute but functional dishes for your car keys and other items for your staging area—that will complement the rest of your home’s look for a smooth transition.
Hide the cords of your electronics
Exposed, tangled cords of electronic devices can become distractions or obstacles that could easily rob you of peace the moment your eyes land on them. You can keep the mess at bay by using cord organizers that will be appropriate for your specific needs.
The Home is a Place to Recharge Your Energy
Create a stress-free home by keeping your space clutter-free, choosing calming colors, picking simple furniture made with natural materials, and being intentional about lighting and all other tiny details you add to your house. It won’t always be possible to get away for the weekend or go on holiday for a breather, so it’s definitely in your best interests to ensure that your home is a place where you can recharge and find serenity.
