Home is where the heart is. You can't control the world around you, but you can take measures to make this special space a sanctuary. Let the stresses of the office and external environments fall away as soon as you walk in the door. Use space, air, water and light to create a place where you feel good. It'll help you recharge, sleep better, and boost overall health.
SPACE
Give your home room to breath. Only keep things that make you feel happy. The rest is simply clutter you don't need. Clear away piles of paper, maximise storage and let the space around you speak for itself. Less is always more. See our article on how minimalism can make you happier here.
AIR
Litter your house with plants and you'll breath easier. They absorb atmospheric toxins you didn't even realise were weighing you down. Plants actually help you relax, simulating the feeling of being in nature itself. It'll boost happiness and productivity.
Here are the best plants to clear the air:
- Peace Lily (siphoning off Volatile Organic Compounds, a.k.a. VOCs),
- Boston Fern (these absorb moisture)
- Chrysanthemum
- Philodendron
- Spider Plant
- Gerbera Daisy
- Areca Palms
- Sansevieria is a potent O2 producer at night.
WATER
Water is the most calming and soothing of the elements. The very sound of water is relaxing. First and foremost, make sure you are nourishing your body from within and drinking good quality water. Try an activated charcoal stick to naturally draw out toxins. There's no need to buy an expensive filter or make alterations to the kitchen. Fill glass vases with water to give your home a lucid feel. If you've got the cash for it, a small water feature would do wonders for your mental wellbeing, or how about a mini aquarium?
LIGHT
Light really changes a space. Arrange furniture to make the most of natural light, and to soak up as much sunshine as possible. Get curtains or blinds that maximise daylight, but also darkness in the evening. Have you heard of Himalayan salt lamps? These beautiful lamps permeate a warm, soft and welcoming ambience. They also improve your indoor air quality by creating healthy negative ions that counteract the positive ions from electrical equipment.
SLEEP
One of the golden rules for a good nights sleep is the no electronics in the bedroom policy. Yes that means you have to get an old fashioned alarm clock, but we promise it's worth it. A mind not stimulated by electronics just before bed can sleep easier. Get comfy pillows and blankets, light candles before bed and create a bliss zone you can't wait to go to every night.
This is just a start for the multitude of small tweaks you can make at home to create a peaceful sanctuary. We would love to know if you make any changes and how they improved your state of mind, share with us on our Facebook or Instagram.
