Although mental health is a complex issue, there is strong evidence that our home environment can hugely impact our sense of wellbeing. From the layout of our furniture to our favorite color scheme, almost every design choice we make can affect our mood.
In this post, we’ll be sharing our top five home improvement tips to boost your mental health. Whether you suffer from anxiety or simply need somewhere to wind down after a stressful day at work, read on to discover how you can create a happier, healthier home environment.
1. Focus on the Things You Love
The first step is to identify the things in your home that have a positive effect on your mood. This could be an object, a view from a window, or a bookshelf. Then, arrange your décor so that these become central to your living space.
If you’ve got some wall art or a painting that always makes you smile, try hanging it somewhere you’ll see it throughout the day – for example, at the top of your stairs or opposite a mirror, where you’ll be able to enjoy its reflection too.
2. Seek Comfort in Your Pet
There’s no denying that our four-legged friends can have a wonderful effect on our mental health. If your pet tends to sleep in a quiet corner, try bringing an extra bed into your living room so you can spend more time together. After all, your pet’s companionship has been proven to lower stress levels.
If you experiment with these adjustments and still feel uninspired, you might want to consider making your dog an official ESA. This way, if you decide your space is not comfortable and you want to move, you’ll have an easier time finding the right apartment for you, regardless of the landlord’s pet policy. This is particularly relevant in big cities; seek emotional support animal registration New York, Los Angeles, London, etc., and join the many pet owners that are able to relocate easier.
3. Play With Color
Did you know that the color of your walls can affect your heart rate? According to research, colors such as blue and green can lower your blood pressure, create a sense of relaxation, and even boost your sleep quality. This makes them perfect choices for your bedroom walls.
In your living room, warm earthy tones, such as cream and terracotta, can create a welcoming feel. Make sure to choose light colors, especially if you haven’t got large windows, as this will mimic the uplifting effect of natural light.
4. Bring The Outside In
Nature is one of the world’s best healers – and this can certainly be true when it comes to your mental health. By adding pot plants and bunches of flowers around your home, you can reduce your stress, boost your energy levels, and improve your concentration.
The researchers even found that spending time around plants can reduce the symptoms of depression. Not only is this thanks to their calming presence – plants also provide us with something to look after, which can help bring a sense of purpose to our homes.
5. Fill Your Home With Memories
From photographs to treasured gifts, we all have objects that remind us of happy days or the people we love. By placing these in pride of place around your rooms, you’re more likely to experience a positive emotional response when spending time at home.
This can also help stave off feelings of loneliness or hopelessness. Having a constant reminder of better times will encourage us to believe that better times will come again, making it easier to cope with stressful situations.
Bottom Line
Wherever you live, your home should be a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life. We hope our top tips have shown you how you can be more mindful of your mental health when sprucing up your home.
