A Happy Home
During this unprecedented time so many people are stressed for various reasons. Since we have more or less been confined to our homes, with time on our hands we can eliminate stress by doing things around the house to bring us a sense of calm. I don’t mean cleaning, because I’m sure you’ve done plenty of that for sure!
I want to provide information to help you design a healthy and happy environment in your home as this will give you a healthier lifestyle. Nothing feels better than feeling happy where you live. I am always ready to come home before I even leave the house and everyone should feel that way about their home. Having a balance is key to a happy household whether you live alone or with family members. You can even enlist the aid of your children to help and who knows, they might find it a fun experience!
Clutter: It is extremely hard to focus when you are surrounded by clutter. You don’t have to be at the hoarder level to have clutter, but if you have clothing or other items that you keep saying “oh I’m going to wear that” but haven’t worn it in a year it should go; or you buy items that you know you have no place to put them, but you buy them because you like them, they are cute, I’ll use it one day - NOPE, NOPE and NOPE! Those items should be shipped off to Nopeland, because as you continue to accumulate and not let go, it can become out of control. Have you ever bought an item just because you like it but have no use for it? Hhhhmmmmm - we all have.
Decluttering ideas and facts:
1. If you have ever bought the same thing more than once, because you forgot you already had one - you don’t need it and you have too much stuff!!
2. How many of you have a “junk drawer” If you have a junk drawer, it’s clutter. Why is it called a junk drawer, because it’s junk!!
The 12, 12, 12 challenge:
Divide your clothes (or other household items) into three categories:
12 Clothing items you wear regularly
12 Clothing items you have no intention of ever wearing again
12 Clothing items you are waiting to fit into again
Now look at that, you have just eliminated 24 items that you are (a) not going to wear and (b) waiting to fit into again - get rid of them!
If you continuously misplace things, you have too many things
If you have items packed in bins and you haven’t used them in like forever, they need to go
Eliminate the junk drawer
Last but not least - rent a dumpster, not a storage unit
There are some wonderful items to add to your home to give you a sense of serenity. Check out the following to see what works for you and your family.
Plants: If you want to bring in something to boost your mood and reduce stress, plants can do the trick! You might think you don’t have the green thumb to keep them alive - use the alternative which can be art or even serene pictures of nature as these also have a positive effect on the brain. I don’t have a green thumb, but I have plenty of plants that don’t necessarily need tons of light or lots of water. Plants purify the air and that is beneficial to us as well as any pets you may have in your home. Believe it or not, faux plants do the trick as well. I have a mixture of live and faux and you can always add a little dirt to your faux plants to truly give them the look of live plants.
Smells: There are smells that make us feel yucky and then there are calming smells. If you are a candle lover, such as myself, they are a great way to relax and reduce stress. I have candles that evoke a soothing smell as soon as I walk in the room. You can also use oil an diffuser with essential oils like lavender and lemon that can make the environment in your home feel soothing.
Lighting: Poor lighting can reduce your energy levels. If you have large windows in your home, let them work for you - OPEN THE CURTAINS! You can also use daylight bulbs. The bulbs mimic the natural daylight.
Temperature: Keep your thermostat at a level that is comfortable and not where you are cold. It is difficult to function and concentrate when you are cold. People that know me will tell you that I’m always cold so the temperature in my home is set a little higher than most, but keep it at a comfortable level. Who wants to wear three sweaters?! If the heat needs to be turned up - turn it up and vice versa.
Solitude: If you have the family lifestyle and the constant on the go running here and there for everyone in the family, it is important to find the “me” time. If at all possible, make a room that is just for you, a zen room if you will. No electronics, just calming decor and your thoughts. You might be surprised at what you will come up with in your solitude. You can produce some pretty fantastic and creative ideas when you have time to sit in silence and just meditate and reflect. Add some calming smells, serene pictures, comfortable furniture - it’s a win win! Meditating and relaxing increases happiness, energy and allows you to be more present for others. The happier you are, the better your health will be, because stress has been reduced. With everything going on right now, some of us may need it more than others, but whatever you do - make it happen!
Tips and projects for the family: Everyone can participate in this activity by having them grab their favorite photos, and do an update to your frames by making a photo gallery. This will definitely give positive vibes and everyone will feel included. You can also put personal touches that have meaning to you and your family rather than merely purchasing items just because. When you personalize your home it gives your home character and warmth.
Personal touches are what makes a home cozy and gives a feeling of warmth.
Believe it or not, there are emotions connected to paint colors. While we are looking for things to do, maybe a painting session can take place. Take a look at the list below and you may possibly want to change up a few colors in your home.
Calming colors: blue - light in shades (bring down blood pressure), coral, mauve, beige, and grey
Energy color: red is not the best color for a bedroom, so possibly a game room would be best suited for red.
Happiness: yellow
Sad or Sexy: Darker blues can give you the blues! Sometimes a darker shade can give you a sullen feeling. Keep in mind that they can add drama to a space, but don’t overdo it - who needs too much drama! A darker color is great for a feature wall. Therefore, choosing dark colors does not necessarily mean you will feel sad, because it can also give off a moody, sexy vibe as well!
Cools down a room: green leaves a refreshing, calm and happy feeling. Interesting as it combines the emotions of yellow and blue. We all know that yellow and blue make green so you have calm, happy and cool. There are many shades of green and it is a color that is noted to also reflect freshness and harmony. We know the opposite end of that spectrum is “green with envy” - not so harmonious.
Luxury and creativity: lavender evokes this emotion and is great for bedrooms as it is also soothing
Excitement: orange is probably a great color for a workout room since it gives you a feeling of excitement!
Furniture: The placement of your furniture makes a difference in how you function. Have personal items that show your style, but don’t clutter! Pops of color throughout your home such as vases or pillows can change the look from drab to fab.
Pops of color bring on happy vibes!
Ask yourself the following questions, and if you need any assistance in the future with your home, please feel free to fill out the form on my website and I will be more than happy to make your home, your oasis. Now go relax or get busy!
Does your home bring you joy? Why or why not?
Is it stylish or does it need an overhaul?
Does your home reflect who you truly are?
Does your home stress you out? If so, why?
Does it feel dark and dismal?
Are you stressed by the clutter or lack of storage?
What do you feel is lacking in your home?
Do you want to redesign, but have no clue where to start?