Promote Positive Mental Health Through Creating a Self-Care Friendly Home

Create a space that makes you think  “I can’t wait to get home!”

1) Declutter- Organizing and decluttering your home makes it so much easier to look after and maintain.  Having too much stuff not only clutters your space but becomes visually distracting. Getting rid of junk relieves stress for many people by providing a sense of control and accomplishment.

2) Leverage Natural Light- Natural light is proven to be a mood booster. Focus on keeping your windows and door wide open. Arrange your beds and sitting areas in places to optimize relaxing and some sunbathing!

3) Use Feng Shui to let energy flow- Feng Shui comes from the Chinese philosophy of Chi or “positive energy.”

• Adding Earth Element (creates balance and a grounded feeling): add earth tones to furnishings and decorate with natural elements like pottery or crystals.

• Adding Wood element (promotes creativity and growth): add wood furniture, live/fake plants, or natural wooden decor elements.

• Adding Fire Element (sparks creativity, passion, & success): Paint walls in fire like colors (orange/red/yellow tones), add a candle or two. Decorate with triangular and star shaped items.

• Adding Water Element (encourages a sense of freeness and inspiration) Add blue tone paints to the walls, place mirrors, add wavy or free form features, install a small aquarium or water fountain.

• Adding Metal Elements (promotes clarity and logic): Use different gray tone paints and add metal decor items.

4) Make sure your kitchen aligns with morning/eating routines- So many are working from home, a smooth morning routine is important. Some breakfast and a good cup a joe in your own kitchen can help change your mood and set you up for a successful day. An organized kitchen can help your mornings flow easily, great especially if you hit the snooze button. Add or create a beverage station, dedicate a space where you organize all your coffees/teas, sugars, and  favorite coffee mug(s). Use popular colors like white, off white, or pale gray to create a backdrop.These tones work well with any decor that can help create a light, positive, and fun environment.

5) Make your work/study at home space unique– You’ll need to dedicate an area/room/corner for your work space and be sure to make it distinct from any other area in your home. Create a way to simulate leaving work for the day, for example turning off and closing your laptop or leaving the room and locking up on the way out.. Simulating these actions will keep work stress from caring over to the rest of your home.

6) Design a creative spot in your home for journaling/drawing- So much of our daily lives is consumed by electronic devices like smartphones or computers which can be mentally draining. Create an electronic free zone instead place books, journals, and art palettes/brushes, this will encourage you to tap into your creative side.Even adding bright colors or decor to this space can be inspiring.

7) Put together a comfortable bedroom/lounge area- the bedroom is an extremely important part of your home. It’s where you lay your head, relax, and unwind after a long day. When decorating a bedroom you want to emulate a feeling of relaxation and comfort. Using neutral colors like pale grays or off white and soft textures like cashmere or wool to create a sense of warmth. Bed arrangement is important, center it and make sure it’s approachable from both sides and place matching side tables to create balance.

8) Have a Spa day in your own bathroom- Simple things like using calming tones such as white, beige or, light blue or grey tones will support a spa like ambience. Whether you like a high pressure, waterfall, or hand held shower-head, Upgrading your shower head can instantly upgrade your bathroom. Add scented candles and a flower or house plant to create a healthy aromatic environment.

9) Create a Welcoming Entryway- the entryway of your home is the first impression of it and first impressions matter! Adding a rug can give a warm, cozy feeling. A small table or narrow shelf and placing storage containers can help organize everyday clutter like shoes, keys, umbrellas, and jackets.

10) Add a touch of life to every room.- Adding a houseplant or inexpensive decadent flowers can literally bring life to a room. Plants create a healthy environment and add color. Some common household plants include a snake plant, ZZ plant, Bamboo Palm.