The walls of your home see more of the good and bad of you than anywhere else.
When you've had a bad day at work, are dealing with some challenging personal circumstances or simply need to unwind after a busy week, your design and décor choices can both help and hinder you.
With more people working from home, this dual use means that our homes need even more functionality to allow us to destress and switch off.
Here's our 6 top tips to improve your home environment and relieve stress and anxiety:
1. Plants. And more plants.
There are so many benefits to having plants, aside from the aesthetic. Studies have shown that having plants in your home and office can make you feel more comfortable, soothed and relaxed. It is also widely believed that being around plants can boost mood by improving someone's outlook on on life.
2. Candles
The light of a flickering flame can transform a space into a cosy and inviting environment and help create a relaxing atmosphere. This flicker can also help improve sleep by relaxing the mind and body. Our candles are made with soy wax which has also been shown to help purify the air.
3. Lighting
Make sure you consider the lighting you are using for the time of day and task you are completing. Bright lighting late into the day can effect your sleep quality which will make managing your mental health more challenging than it needs to be. Make the most of all natural light available and have a range of different low level light sources and candles so you can choose the right intensity for you for later on in the day.
4. Use calming colours
It is well known that the colours you use in your home will have an impact on how you feel. Some favourites are blue, grey and green. Blue is calming and soothing, grey is a versatile neutral and green is comforting and soothing (see point one!) This doesn't mean you need to redecorate the whole house, but include some key décor pieces in your home to can invoke these feelings.
5. Remove clutter to help your future self
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Follow through with the full action rather than do half of it. For example, when you walk in the house don't put your coat down on the sofa to have to go back and put it away after. Walk that little bit further and put your coat away first time. Your future self will thank you and you will reduce stress levels by having a less cluttered home.
6. Art
Don't take yourself too seriously and buy art and prints that make you smile. This is a part of your home décor that can show your sense of humour like no other. And that silly little print that says something immature may just help you crack a smile on an otherwise miserable day!
So whilst your home can't stop you having bad days, those four walls can be a sanctuary for you to feel safe and recharge and get ready to take on the world again. We'd love to know if you implement these ideas - get in touch with us on Instagram.