A well thought out home can be a substantial mental well-being booster. The home is such an essential aspect of our identity and can have power over us, ranging from subtle to overt, dependent on how the home is set up. A home that reflects your inner personality, your values and interests can have a positive impact. The interior design of a home can affect the brain in many ways. Our sense perceptions are continually being bombarded by certain things which enhance or detract from our happiness. Try and imagine that the home is a aspect of our self-care and needs to reflect on how we want to feel. With that in mind, here are a few ways a home can boost well-being:
Deal with Clutter
Clutter is a clear chaotic visual disturbance. Whether you are aware of it or not, clutter can make you feel anxious and stressed and can affect you quite deeply. If you want more peace and calm, you need to embrace a more zenful mindset and declutter. Decluttering simplifies your life and engenders a feeling of calm. The place is clearly lass chaotic, and this enables you to think more clearly. Your cortisol level will begin to decrease, and generally, you will feel better. If you find dealing with clutter an emotive issue, start small. Start with the obvious rubbish, empty wrappers, lotions etc., anything past its use-by date. Things you’ll never use and build up from there. It will become easier the more you do it. You may find that things you were clinging onto loosen their grip on you, and this can be quite a freeing experience. Perhaps devote ten minutes a day to this process and see how you get on.
Light
Don’t sit in darkness, allow as much light in as possible. Natural light is a fantastic mood enhancer, so it needs to be maximised. Change heavy dark curtains for lighter ones, move any large objects in the way of the windows, use mirrors to rebound the light from the windows. Mirrors also have the effect of making things seem larger and airier. If you have a budget that allows it, think about installing a skylight. Also, think about painting the walls a lighter colour. The lighter things are, the less claustrophobic, overwhelming and depressing it will seem.
Potted Indoor Plants
This may be an excellent addition if you live in the city without any real access to outside space. But potted plants can work wonders on your psyche. First, they make the air cleaner as well as having a soothing effect on your mind.
Inject Your Personality
This one is entirely up to you. But if you can adorn with home with ornaments, images and decorations that enhance your interests and personality, you will feel more upbeat and inspired. Whatever your individual style, cater to that. Maybe a gallery wall, or some eastern patterns, how about various cushions of assorted colours dotted about. Take a look at FAVI to get some unique and original ideas for your home.