Had a long day at work, but struggling to unwind? Thinking about some different ways to make your home feel a little more relaxing? Why not sit back, pop the kettle on, and have a read through some of these ideas on how to achieve a calming home (if the kids allow it!).
Tidy home, tidy mind
With 3 kids in the house I know first hand that there’s nothing worse than coming back from work or a holiday to a messy home, and clutter can often, quite literally, get in the way of your morning routine. I am totally “one of those” people who clean prior to going away to avoid the stress when we return.
Having a clear out and getting rid of old junk is not only therapeutic and refreshing, but if you sell some of your unneeded items on, you can even make a little bit of money on the side to spend on other things. Clear all work surfaces and put away things that aren’t essential, and you’ll find yourself also becoming more productive in the process.
Once you’ve purged all the clutter from your home, perhaps it’s time for a redesign. Studies have shown that minimalist designs can have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing, as clutter can stump creativity and overstimulate the brain. A minimalist design favours sleek, angular furniture that isn’t too overbearing, and it can also be a cost-effective way of sprucing up the home.
For inspiration from current trends, why not look to offerings from property investment companies such as RW Invest? Their luxury accommodation, for example, offers sleek, space-efficient furnishing, which proves popular amongst students and city-centre livers that need to be smart with the space they have.
Work hard, play hard
Achieving a positive work/life balance is also important, and can benefit both your wellbeing and lifestyle. If you’ve got some stuff to do in your spare time, then consider creating a home office or study to segment work from the rest of your house. By moving any computer equipment (including printers and scanners etc.) into a separate room, you can avoid unnecessary distractions to help you concentrate.
Also, get to know yourself and so that you can know your go to things that help you find joy and balance. Perhaps it’s the cinema, a box set on Netflix, a walk in nature or an evening at the gym. Maybe its a trip to the theatre, museum or a sporting event. Whatever you enjoy, make time for it – you’ve earned it!
Top-Tip: got a project that would benefit from your undivided attention? Turn off your phone! Over 3.2 billion of us are now engaged with social media, and it can become an unhealthy distraction that’s almost instinctive when the mobile is in hand. Put it away in another room or cupboard when working (to make the best use of your time), or when you’re trying to rest and unwind – your mind will be less likely to wander and overthink as a result.
Diffuse the situation!
Investing in home accessories to help calm and relax can be a great way to spend any money you may have earned when clearing out. Scented candles and diffusers are an ideal choice and come in a variety of different aromas based on your preference, as well as a broad spectrum of budgets. If you have trouble sleeping, then lavender sprays and oils contain soothing properties that can help reduce stress and relax you (Remember to blow out all your candles before going to bed, or you could potentially wake up in an environment that’s far from relaxing!!!).
Investing in smart technology can also help you to relax and unwind. Smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home allow you to set alarms and reminders to keep you on track, and smart light bulbs such as the Phillips Hue range, controlled through an app on your phone, allow you to change the colours of your home to suit your mood. Believe it or not, studies suggest that a dim red light is the best choice when resting of an evening.
How do you ensure you feel relaxed in the home?
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I live by these 3 points you mentioned! Work hard – play hard and diffuse are easy.. .but the tidy part isn’t as easy! The kids are good at tidying … but only if I ask them to! Up until that point they just kept trashing the place!