.png)
For many of us Kiwis, our homes serve as sanctuaries, providing comfort, safety, and a space to recharge and relax. Creating a home environment that prioritises mental health and well-being can have a profound impact on our overall happiness and quality of life.
We also understand the practicalities of day to day life and the time restrictions that come with it so in this blog, we’ve explored the most practical tips and advice on how to create a home that promotes mental health and wellbeing.
Maximise the use of natural light in your home as much as you can. Sunlight has a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to filter in and also arrange your furniture to maximise exposure to natural light.
If natural light is limited aka a typical winter, consider using full-spectrum light bulbs that mimic natural daylight.
Research suggests that colours have a significant impact on our mood and emotions. Choosing calming colours, such as soft blues, greens, or earth tones, for your home's interior could help create a sense of tranquility and promote relaxation.
Experimenting with different shades and finding what resonates with you and promotes a positive atmosphere is a good idea - there’s very little that can’t be painted over in a house! Trust us, we've been there and done that.
A cluttered and disorganised environment can contribute to stress and anxiety for some.
For example, at Chatterbox we’re all big readers and love having’ old school’ physical books. Occasionally we might decide to colour code our books or simply tidy them up in our bookcases. We’ve noticed this makes a huge difference for us so might be worth a go. Same goes for tidying our pantries, utensil drawers and even garages. Ugh - but worth it once done.
By taking time to declutter a home, creating organised spaces you could achieve a sense of calm. Designate specific areas for different activities, such as a dedicated workspace, a cosy reading nook, or a serene meditation corner (i.e. literally a cushion on the floor somewhere you feel good works) could be a good option too.
When our surroundings are tidy and organised, it can have a positive impact on our mental state.
Integrate elements of nature into your home to create a soothing and uplifting atmosphere - and there are no shortage of people giving away plants online. Indoor plants not only add beauty to your space but also help purify the air and promote a sense of well-being - as long as you keep the water up!
If it’s your jam, incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo in your furniture and decor choices. Display artwork or photographs that depict nature scenes to evoke feelings of tranquillity if they bring you joy too.
You could try designating specific areas in your home for relaxation and mindfulness practices. Create a comfortable space for meditation, yoga, doing puzzles or deep breathing exercises. Consider adding cosy cushions, soft lighting, and a nice smelly thing like a candle to enhance the ambiance.
Some feel having a dedicated space for self-care activities can help promote a sense of inner calm and rejuvenation.
A home that promotes mental health and well-being should also facilitate social connections. Creating spaces where family members and friends can gather and connect, such as a cosy living room or an inviting outdoor seating area will encourage open communication and quality time spent together.
Building strong relationships and social support within your home environment contributes to overall happiness and well-being - especially if they help with the dishes after a meal.
Research suggests that adequate sleep is essential for mental well-being. Create a sleep-friendly environment by investing in a comfortable mattress, pillows, cosy hottie and bedding. Keep your bedroom free from distractions like electronic devices including big screen TVs and disco lights, and promote a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting and calming scents. Try establishing a consistent bedtime routine to signal your body that it's time to unwind and rest.
Infuse your home with elements that reflect your personality and bring you joy. Display sentimental items, meaningful artwork, or photographs of loved ones as by surrounding yourself with objects that hold positive memories and evoke happiness can create a sense of comfort and well-being. Bliss.
Creating a home that promotes mental health and well-being involves creating a space that nurtures tranquillity, relaxation, and personal connection. By incorporating natural elements, decluttering, fostering social connections, and prioritising sleep, you can create a home environment that supports your mental well-being.
We get that life is busy and certainly don't expect anyone to achieve all of the above ideas. We just want you to remember, your home should be a reflection of you and a place where you can find solace, recharge, and cultivate a sense of peace and happiness.
.png){kind=small}