Ever feel like life is moving at a million miles an hour?
With the stressful balance of work, school, and daily responsibilities, everyone eventually gets overwhelmed. To most, a home is a purely functional space, devoid of any warmth or personality. But your home could be so much more, a personal haven designed to melt away stress the moment you step foot inside. The good news is it's actually pretty easy! Here’s how to turn your home into a stress-free sanctuary
1. A clear space means a clear mind
To create a proper sanctuary, you must first begin with the foundation. A messy space makes an environment harder to truly relax in and can even promote stress if not managed properly. The key to fixing the issue is to start small: make your bed in the morning, tidy up your work desk, or organize your nightstand. Repetition is key to this step as with time, cleanliness will become second nature, and a clean space equals a calmer mind.
2. Choosing the colors that feel you
Colors are also known to have a profound impact on someone's mood. Soft blues and purples for example can create an immediate and more calming environment for your mind. Lighting is also very important for your home, cold fluorescent lighting can feel sterile and impersonal, contributing to feelings of detachment or even sadness. Whereas candles, salt lamps, and even fairy lights can help create a soft and calming home.
3. Bring in Soothing Scents
Scents have a powerful way of shifting our mood. Certain aromas promote and even draw our minds into a peaceful and relaxed mental state. Lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are all great for relaxation and stress relief. Personally, I recommend trying an essential oil diffuser to help explore what scents work for you but the goal is to pick a scent that makes you feel at ease, and let it become a part of your daily routine.
4. Set the Mood with Relaxing Sounds
Sound is just as important as sight and smell when it comes to relaxation. But adding sounds to your sanctuary can be stressful with the sheer volume of options to choose from. For those not knowing where to start, try playing calming nature sounds, soft instrumental music, or even white noise in the background. The right sounds can make all the difference in turning your home into your sanctuary.
5. Create a Dedicated Relaxation Corner
For those with more serious cases of stress or anxiety think about creating a spot in your home solely for relaxation. It doesn’t have to be grandiose; dedicating a small area of your home where you can read, meditate, or practice yoga is the perfect start! Another tip is to keep your area free from distractions like your phone or other work-related items. Even a few minutes of resting and meditating can reset your mind and body.
Now, tie it all together!
Turning your home into a sanctuary isn't a process that can happen overnight but the key is that managing stress and anxiety doesn't require you to change your whole life. It's the little changes that we make everyday that can act as bricks to help build and fortify our sanctuaries. Decluttering helps create mental clarity, while soft lighting, soothing scents, and relaxing sounds set the perfect mood for relaxation. Adding personal touches to your home and expressing your uniqness can create a home that feels specifically designed for you. If you want to transform your home into a sanctuary, the key is to make small, consistent improvements that cater to your own sense of peace and relaxation. Start today, and watch how these changes transform your home into the ultimate sanctuary for stress relief!
What’s your favorite way to unwind at home? Let me know in the comments below!