Top 3 Ways To Make Your Living Space More Calming
When dealing with stress or anxiety, many turn to music, meditation, or journaling for relief. However, while all these methods of relieving anxiety are great, don't forget about the importance of a calm environment. Transforming your space into a serene sanctuary could do more for your mental health than you think.
While a calm home can make you feel less anxious, it can also benefit you in a number of other ways. According to Verywell Mind, if your space is relaxing, it will make your guests feel at peace in your home. A calming environment can help you truly have fun with your friends and family. Also, a calming environment doesn't mean an unproductive one. If your space is tranquil, it will actually give you more positive energy to put into work and other tasks. Finally, a calming environment can help you fall asleep faster. Here are three ways to make your space more calming.
Embrace natural light
Allowing natural light to shine into your living space is a great way to create a more calming atmosphere. If you often keep your shutters or curtains closed, try opening them up for a change. You could even make opening the shutters or curtains part of your morning routine.
Many people go on walks outside to relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. One of the reasons walking outside is beneficial is because it exposes you to lots of natural light. Sustainability says that natural light can encourage feelings of happiness, can make you more productive, and can help you sleep better. According to a study done by The Jakarta Post, natural light can also kill bacteria, leading to a more healthy living space. When natural light shines into your home, it will not only provide you with health benefits but also create a warm and calming atmosphere.
Remove clutter
Removing clutter can also be a great way to create a more calm space. An excess of belongings can make one feel stressed or anxious, even if it's organized. According to Professional Staging, too many small decorations can make a space feel crowded. To promote a relaxing atmosphere, go through your possessions and find some things you could donate or get rid of. Then, once you've decluttered, think of a beneficial way to organize your belongings that will make your space look less chaotic. This may require storing some things away in bins or baskets.
Also, consider how different décor items or furniture pieces make you feel. Are your possessions making your space more or less relaxing? Do you really enjoy the pieces you have chosen, or did you buy them because they were trendy? If something has negative memories attached to it, or you just don't like how it looks, consider replacing the piece with something that will make your space more enjoyable.
Choose paint colors wisely
Different colors come with different feelings and connotations attached to them. This is why some paint colors make you feel relaxed while others leave you feeling on edge. If you're looking to make your living space a sanctuary, you'll want to choose paint colors that create a calm atmosphere.
Generally, bold colors will lead to an increased heart rate, while more muted tones will create a serene space. Shutterfly says that neutral colors, like white, beige, taupe, or muted gray, can all create calm vibes. If you're against having a completely neutral room, you could choose colorful décor or furniture pieces. If you want to add some color to your walls, try sage green, dusty pink, lavender, blue-gray, or light yellow. Different shades of green and blue have been found to be some of the most relaxing color choices. Make sure to choose a color that you really enjoy and that makes you feel more relaxed.