Our homes should be a place to relax and unwind, not a hub for stress. Sometimes, no matter how much you clean your house, it can never feel comfortable. All is not lost as we take a look at 22 quick and easy ideas to turn your home into a much-needed sanctuary:
Declutter
If you can’t move around your home early as there’s so much clutter, it’s time to remove the things you don’t need. You don’t need to lead a completely minimalist lifestyle, but eliminating excess possessions will give you space and make your rooms feel less oppressive.
Hidden Storage
If you have decluttered and there’s still too much stuff taking up space, you should utilize hidden storage solutions like ottomans with built-in compartments or under-bed storage to keep things organized and out of sight.
Keep It Clean
If cleaning is an issue, dedicate a specific day or hour each week to a focused cleaning session. To make cleaning manageable, you can draw up a schedule that sees you cleaning a specific room daily, such as the bathroom on Mondays, the bedroom on Tuesdays, etc.
Harness the Power of Scent
Cleaning regularly will keep nasty smells away, but you can enhance the aroma of your home by using candles or diffusers. Calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile can create a relaxing atmosphere or a zesty scent that uplifts mood.
Make the Most Of Natural Light
Opening curtains and blinds during the day to maximize natural light can make a massive difference to your home and mood. Sitting in a dull room will never ignite a positive mood, but letting natural light in can offer a positive outlook on your day.
Embrace Nature
Houseplants add greenery to your home, which has been shown to reduce stress in several studies. Plants also purify the air, which helps you breathe more easily and generally creates a healthier environment.
Soothing Soundscapes
If you find it difficult to switch off after a busy day at work, creating calming background noise at home can help you relax. You can look for a white noise machine or nature sounds to mask noises from outside or create a playlist of your favorite tracks that help you unwind.
Luxurious Bedding
Investing in high-quality sheets, pillows, and a comfortable mattress will help you get a good night’s sleep. Quality sleep is essential for stress reduction and will make you feel more productive in your daily activities.
Plush Throws and Pillows
Outside the bedroom, you can add cozy throws and pillows to your sofa and armchairs to relax while resting or watching TV. Choose calming colors like light blues and lilacs or bright colors like yellow to add positivity to your day.
Dimmable Lighting
Dimmable light switches allow you to adjust the brightness for different moods and are especially good for creating a relaxing mood when the lights are low.
Create a Reading Nook
Choosing a dedicated space for a book nook with comfy seating and soft lighting will instantly lighten your mood when stressed. If books are not your thing, you can create a space for your hobbies so you can escape when the rest of the house seems chaotic.
Create a Spa Bathroom
You may not be able to afford to go to a spa every week, but you can make a personal spa at home. Invest in plush towels, bathrobes, and calming bath products to transform your bathroom into a retreat when you feel tense and anxious.
Calming Color Palette
Painting your walls with soft, calming colors like blue, green, or lavender can instantly transform your home. If you’re coming home from a busy day full of hustle and bustle, the last thing you want to come home to is loud, busy wallpapers.
Water Features
The sound of trickling water can be very relaxing, and while you can’t install a full-on fountain, you should consider a small tabletop fountain or water feature for your home.
Tech-Free Zones
Establish designated tech-free zones in your home, like the bedroom or living room, to create a space for digital detoxing. Once you start to use devices or TVs in the bedroom, it can be a difficult habit to get out of.
Follow a Relaxing Routine
Please remember to schedule downtime since it is as important as all the other tasks you do each week. Relaxation is critical to avoiding burnout, as trying to do things when you are tired will be unproductive. When you plan your diary for the week, please organize activities you enjoy and make time for self-care in your sanctuary.
Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is one of the best ways to save money, time, and stress. You can take time at the weekend to plan your meals for the week ahead, create a grocery list to buy what you need and avoid impulse purchases. This helps you stick to your budget, reduce food waste, and limit the mess you make in your kitchen while trying to get a last-minute meal together.
Display Artwork
Surround yourself with artwork that evokes feelings of peace and tranquility. Opt for paintings, prints, or photographs featuring calming colors like light blues, greens, lavenders, and neutrals. Landscape pictures, particularly of places you love to visit, are also great for releasing stress.
Put Memories on Display
Displaying photos and mementos that bring back happy memories will personalize your space and create a sense of comfort when you’re feeling down.
Buy Fresh Flowers
Treat yourself to fresh flowers, even if it is once a fortnight. They can liven up your space and make it smell inviting and relaxing. Not only do they add a pop of color, but some studies suggest they can boost mood.
Make the Most of Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers are an integral part of everyday life as they free up time and clean your dishes while you finish other tasks. But did you know you can use your dishwasher to clean other items? You can put your fridge shelves, hairbrushes, kids’ toys, and much more on a dishwasher cycle so you don’t waste time hand-washing them when you can get on with something else.
Smart Home Touches
Smart home features like automated lighting or temperature controls can create a more comfortable and stress-free living environment. They also have the bonus of saving you money, which is a great stress relief.
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