Your Home is Stressing You Out. Decorate Your Way To Serenity!
We’re all working harder and for longer hours than ever before. It can feel as though we spend more time at work with colleagues than we do at home with family and friends. And when we finally do punch out and slog through endless rush hour traffic to get home, the home we come back to can actually further exacerbate our stress. The home should be a temple of rest and relaxation as well as a visual representation of your style and personality. If your home is preventing you from feeling at home, something needs to change.
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You may not even be consciously aware of it, but your home might be adding to your stress. Here are some ways in which you can decorate your way to serenity…
Use natural materials… always
Sure, they may be a little more expensive, but when it comes to your home decor always opt for natural materials and fibers as opposed to plastics, chrome and synthetic fabrics. While synthetic materials can be made to look like natural materials, our brains can see and feel the difference. And even though we may not be able to articulate why they feel… wrong to us. It’s a minor thing that can make a big difference to our ability to relax in our own homes.
As such, always use cottons, linens, wools, wood and stone in your home decor. And, of course, make sure that you have several houseplants in each room. These help to oxygenate your living space and bring a sense of calm and serenity to any space they occupy. Worried about your ability to look after them? No problem. These houseplants are practically zero maintenance.
Get a gentle breeze… even when the windows are closed
Hot, stuffy, stifling air is pretty much never conducive to relaxation. But if you live in an area where there is a lot of noise and air pollution, you may be loath to open a window and let in a gentle soothing breeze. Why not treat your living space to a new ceiling fan. With a wide range available in a variety of current trends (pun intended- air currents, get it?), you may be surprised at how much the gentle breeze they create can aid restfulness.
Whatever your preferred aesthetic, less is more
Some of us prefer a contemporary aesthetic that favors clean lines and neutral colors, while some of us prefer a look that’s more traditional and homespun. However, you can still embrace a more minimalist look whatever your aesthetic.
It’s simply a matter of keeping clutter at bay and removing the visual stimuli which can (even though we’re not aware of it) can contribute to our stress levels.
Breathe in relaxation
Finally, it’s not just visual stimuli that can help us feel rested. Our sense of smell is also important in helping us feel happy and at home. Fresh flowers, for example, can lend a subtle perfume to our living space that helps us feel more relaxed and at peace, bringing us one step closer to the natural world. Essential oils can also provide a much more relaxing alternative to chemical based room deodorizers. Try scents like lavender, patchouli, ylang ylang, jasmine and sandalwood to add a pleasant and relaxing scent to your home.
