Stress can come out of nowhere. All it takes is an unpleasant encounter or a small slip up at work to put you in a bad mood - let alone having a global pandemic thrown into the mix. If you’ve been feeling more highly strung than usual lately, you’re not alone. Covid-19 has caused unprecedented disruption to our lives, leaving us feeling pretty unbalanced.
Despite lockdown finally easing, many of us are spending most of our time at home, whether that's for work or leisure. With that in mind, it’s more important than ever to create a calm living environment. Having a peaceful home can significantly improve your mood, and you’d be surprised at how easy (and affordable!) it is to achieve. Want a living space that will clear your mind of worry and stress? Look no further. Check out these simple interior design tips to transform your home into an oasis of tranquility.
Keep your home clean and tidy
Ever heard of the saying “tidy home, tidy mind?” Our thoughts are closely tied to our environment, so a messy home can amplify feelings of stress and irritability, whereas one which is tidy and organised helps create a sense of calm. Cleaning itself is also a therapeutic process, giving you a sense of control over your living space, which is particularly important in times of so much uncertainty. Whether it’s scrubbing, hoovering, or mopping your worries away, if you’re feeling anxious, give cleaning a go! If you don’t have the luxury of time to be able to spend hours cleaning, why not hire a cleaner to get the job done for you? After all, your peace of mind is worth the investment.
Lift your living space with lighter colours
Colours and emotions go hand in hand. Ever walked into a light and airy room and felt instantly relaxed? That’s not a coincidence - neutral colours, like grey, beige or ivory calm you down and create a soothing atmosphere. Believe it or not, boosting your mood really can be as simple as a new lick of paint. If neutral colours sound too boring for you, why not opt for soft tones of pink, blue, violet, or green? They’ll give the room a pop of colour while maintaining a relaxing ambience. You can even choose different colours to stimulate different moods. Want to create a happy, positive atmosphere? Yellow is your best option. Looking to recreate nature and the great outdoors in your home? Go green!
Separate your space
For many of us, Covid-19 has forced us to transform our living rooms into offices overnight. It’s important to create separate zones for different activities in your home - if you start mixing up where you work and relax your brain can get muddled very quickly, and it’s difficult to completely switch off when you need to.
This can be even more of a problem if you’re working from home. Small touches can go a long way in creating a certain atmosphere in different spaces. Want a productive work from home zone? Hang up some notice boards or your favorite motivational quotes to recreate the feeling of being in an office. You can make the quote design yourself on a free editing platform. Make sure to download free fonts and use them in the design so you don't have to spend a lot of money.
Want to create a cosy environment to unwind? Add cushions, candles, and rugs to wherever you relax in the evenings. Whatever you do, remember that blurring the boundaries between work and leisure can take its toll on your mental health.
Go green with a plant or two
Plants are known for their calming properties, boosting our mood and minimising stress. They’re also perfect for having around your home - they look chic, and can add a pop of colour to an otherwise drab looking room. If you’re a newbie to the world of plants then opt for aloe vera - it’s low maintenance, so even the most inexperienced of plant owners won’t need to worry about keeping it alive.
Opt for moveable furniture
Creating a relaxed, balanced home isn’t just about the aesthetics - it’s also about how you make use of your space. Calming exercises like meditation or yoga are a fantastic way to release stress, and with so many classes available online, it’s easy to do them from the comfort of your home. Having lightweight, moveable furniture makes it easy to create a bit of extra space for your home workout. The flexibility of being able to easily move it around is also perfect for smaller spaces.
Knit your own home accessories
Did you know that knitting is a form of meditation and can be used as a tool for relaxation? So, if you love knitting, why don't you create your own decorative rug or throw blanket for your home decor. This way you can fill your living space with your own creations and personalised touch! You can easily find free knitting patterns on a site like Yarnie. Yarnie is a needlecraft newsletter highlighting talented needlecraft creators and featuring free patterns for knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting and more.
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