by Rocio Espinosa
It has been almost a year since the way we live changed globally. Through all these months, we have had to stay at home to prevent this pandemic from continuing to grow, entire families have had to adapt to working and studying from home. Faced with this unexpected change, many of us have had to adapt spaces in our homes to establish offices, school classrooms, and home gyms.
Before 2020, it was easy to differentiate between office time and time at home. That is difficult now because we are working in the same place where we are supposed to rest and relax, leaving behind the stress and pressure that our jobs can generate.
Although we need to stay at home, we must develop new ways to separate time for work, rest, and entertaining.
Now more than ever, it is essential for our wellbeing that our house is a place where we feel comfortable, secure, happy, and inspired to carry out our day-to-day tasks.
I know that making changes to your home’s design or decoration would not mean significant changes for humanity. However, these kinds of changes at home can help make you feel comfortable and relaxed after a long and stressful day.
There are some easy tips that we can follow to improve our home and turn it into a more pleasant and organized place, and that can be the difference to be able to have a more relaxed and calm life.
Beautiful and Calming Colours
Giving colour to a room not only has an aesthetic purpose but also has positive psychological effects. Research suggests that there are shades that can stimulate the brain while others tend to lower stress levels with a calming effect. If our offices are now at home, then it is advisable to choose colours that allow us to remain focused and calm at the same time.
If we want to have a tranquil home, natural shades like blues, grays, greens, whites, and beige would be the appropriate choice. Blues and greens are perfect colours for a quiet home office. Studies suggest that green shades increase concentration, while with light blue, you can decorate your walls with shelves or photographs without the risk of overloading the space.
We can renew our home’s colours to turn it into an oasis of peace and joy, and here are two simple ways to start. The first one identifies the most viewable areas from room to room; these are commonly the kitchen and the living room. Selecting gentle, neutral tones, such as white or beige for the living room and kitchen would make the choice of colours easier for the following areas.
The second approach is beginning with space where you want to have the boldest colour. Your master bedroom can be an example of this. From there, you can choose lighter tones that blend in harmony with each other.
Light Up with the Sun
We’ve got to consider having natural light sources. Let the sun shine bright on your day. Sunlight works well to make our spirits happier. Set your office near a window that lets natural light in, and you can have a view of the outdoors. Natural light will help keep you relaxed during work time. In rooms where you have windows, try to keep the curtains pulled off to the sides to light up the room naturally.
Since we can’t get out of the house as much as we did before, opening windows at home can give you that feeling of freedom when fresh air comes in from outside. Experts have recommended maintaining good indoor air quality and increasing ventilation by opening windows.
The feeling that you can breathe better can keep you calm and relaxed.
A Tidy Home is Relaxing
Because we want our home to become a retreat from stress, we need to get rid of the clutter. A messy house can be a huge stressor and cause a rise in anxiety and exhaustion. If you’d like to start organizing your home, you can start by sorting things into three groups: what you can recycle or donate, what you can keep, and what you can throw away.
You can find more helpful tips from experts on this topic since books, blogs, and even Netflix series specialize in teaching us how to get rid of clutter at home.
Enjoy Plants and Flowers
Having flowers in a beautiful vase in any space in our house can have a relaxing effect, as they are always pleasant to the eye and have a great smell. Studies have found that potted plants can reduce stress and make people feel calm. In a Harvard University investigation, it was found that women who surround themselves with plants live longer and happier lives.
There are specific types of plants that are helpful to lower stress levels. Plants like peppermint, chamomile, jasmine, and lavender can work inside the house or in our garden.
Although it may sometimes seem challenging to have indoor flowering plants, some require less time and care investment. Flowers such as geraniums, orchids, jasmine, and peace lilies are low-maintenance plants that boast beautiful blooms, easy to grow indoors.
Have Throw Pillows and Blankets
Place throw pillows and blankets in every bedroom and the living room. You will give each space a softer, calmer, and more relaxing appearance and feel that you can rest whenever you feel tired or stressed.
Using throw pillows and blankets is a simple way to give pattern, colour, and warmth to any space. It is an excellent strategy to make a more modern and cozy home. When we have to work from home, separate the office from the rest area. It would be great to enter a bedroom or living room with a decorative touch, such as pillows and blankets, that invite you to lie down and relax, watching your favorite movie or reading a good book.
Improve your Home to Take Care of Your Wellbeing
This new normal has pushed us to transition to new ways of living, working, learning, and having fun. Our lives have changed, and we had to find the best ways to live. These are just a few simple things to do to transform our homes into peaceful and comfortable spaces, where we can continue to work, learn and, above all, take care of our wellbeing, keeping us happy and relaxed until these pandemic times are over.
