Mental health isn’t just about what is going on in our heads. Our physical environment has a significant impact on our mood – all it takes is an untidy bedroom or a disorderly office for our stress levels to rise. Although lockdown has lifted for many of us and we are (slowly) getting back to our usual routines, lots of us are still spending most of our time at home. So it’s never been more important to feel calm and relaxed in our living environment. Want to create an oasis of tranquillity in your home but don’t know where to begin? Read our top interior design tips for how to achieve a stress-free living space.
Keep it clean
Having a clean and tidy home is one of the first steps to achieving your inner zen. Believe it or not, there’s a close link between clutter and stress. We might not realise it, but when we are surrounded by mess, we instantly feel more irritable and on edge. Keeping a tidy home really does help to have a tidy mind. Did you know that cleaning itself can actually alleviate stress? So if you’re feeling on edge, why not pick up a rag and get to work? If you don’t have time to clean your home yourself, why not hire a cleaner to give you a helping hand?
Say hello to house plants
Plants have endless benefits. They can increase our mood, reduce our anxiety levels, and even help us to sleep. What’s more, their visual appeal makes them a great addition to any home. Popping a plant in your house will create an instant sense of calm. If you’re worried about keeping your plant alive, aloe vera is a great option as it is calming and requires very little upkeep.
Pick peaceful colours
Different colours evoke different moods. If you’ve ever entered a room with soft, neutral shades and instantly felt serene, that’s because lighter, pastel hues such as ivory and grey are proven to help lower blood pressure. If you want to give your room a fresh and bright feel, soft, pastel tones of yellow, green, and blue can add a touch of vibrancy. Did you know that some colours bring out different moods? Looking for a room that exudes positive energy? Go for yellow! Want to feel connected to nature? Green is the way forward.
Zone your space
Covid-19 has caused lots of offices to close for the foreseeable future, leaving many of us to get creative with our own DIY home office attempts. If you are working from home, make sure that you separate your workspace and living space. Mixing the two can confuse our brains, making it hard for us to unwind after a day of work. Try and add a couple of physical markers to help separate your space. Simple things like putting up a notice board, table, and chair in your workspace will help you to feel like you’re in an office. Likewise, make sure there’s a designated space to unwind and relax – keep it cosy with cushions and rugs.
Keep it flexible with moveable furniture
Having a healthy mind isn’t just down to the space you inhabit, it’s about what you do to keep yourself busy. A serene living space is perfectly complemented with relaxing exercises like Pilates, Yoga, or Meditation. Flexible furniture means you can easily create space to practice these exercises at home. With online exercise classes on the rise, you should have no problem finding one suited to your fitness levels and interests.
You won’t know which interior design style works for your home and personality until you give it a go. But a few touches here and there can help you create a home that will alleviate stress and bring calm. That’s worth its weight in gold.
From aromatherapy to alternative healing, click here to connect with a Health and Wellness expert on Bark. If you fancy giving your home a face lift too, click here to be put in touch with a House and Home Professional. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – let us do the leg work.