It is important to remember that your home can be a source of calm and tranquility. Minimal changes you can make throughout your house can turn it into a sanctuary to help you feel calm during anxious times.
Declutter Your Home
A clean, clutter-free space is the best way to promote productivity and reduce stress while you spend more time at home. Consider removing extra items and adding a few plants. Focus on one room at a time and use the extra hours to get rid of all of that stuff you never use anyway.
Invest in Candles
There is just something about the warm glow of a candle to take away all of your stress and worries. Look for scents that encourage calm, like lavender and rosemary.
Change Out Your Lighting
It’s important to pick the right lighting for every room in your house. One easy way to add a little comfort to your space is to switch out light bulbs for softer, warmer options. Even swapping standard bulbs for Edison bulbs can make your bedroom a calmer place. Plus, warmer lighting will not keep you awake the way harsher bright light can.
Make Your Bed Every Day
While it may seem like a small act, making your bed every day has many benefits and will help you feel productive right when you wake up. Focus on keeping your bedding clean (recommended washing once a week) and set a priority to make the bed.
Set the Table
It can be pretty easy to get into a routine of taking your dinner to the couch and Netflixing over every meal. Help create a little more structure to your days by keeping your table prepped for dinner and instituting a set meal time every evening.
Tackle a DIY Project
Now is the time to finally tackle that DIY project you have put off. Painting a table a bright, fun color or design is a great way to occupy yourself and bring a burst of color into your space. A happy color such as coral or yellow can help lift your mood and brighten up any space.
Take a Bath
A bath can elevate your mood, improve blood circulation and help you destress after a long day. Invest in aromatic bath salts or rose petals to turn your bathroom into a personal spa.
Invest in New Bedding
A good night’s sleep is key to maintaining a strong immune system and reducing stress. Now is the time to splurge on those linen sheets you have been coveting and make your bedroom feel like a hotel. Whether you opt for soft neutrals or bright patterns to lift your spirits, high-end sheets and pillowcases can improve your sleep and give your bedroom an easy makeover.
Clean Your Windows
When was the last time you cleaned your windows? Natural light is a proven antidepressant, so now is the time to ensure you are getting as much of it as you can. Even if you don’t have a lovely window seat, cleaning your windows in every room in your house (but especially your living and bedrooms) is an easy task that can make your home feel a little brighter.
Play Soft Music
Consider keeping soft background music on throughout your home to give your space a serene ambiance. Whether you go old school with a classic turntable or you set your smart speakers to play classical music, some quiet tunes can help you relieve stress and concentrate if you’re working from home.
Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa
While you may not be able to renovate your bathroom right now, a few simple things can make your space feel like a home. Bring in something live, like the eucalyptus. If you usually stack towels in a linen closet, consider pulling out a few of your very best ones and setting them out on a vanity to give your bathroom a hotel-like feel.
Rearrange Your Bookshelf
Not only are books a great distraction during times of uncertainty, but they also make for lovely decor. Spend some time giving your bookshelves a makeover. You can go the minimalist route and only show off your favorite books, or create a new system to categorize your favorite reads.
Tidy Up Your Office
If you are working from home more than normal right now, it’s important to keep your workspace tidy to promote productivity and reduce stress. Consider purchasing a few mood-lifting desk objects, like a plant or a candle, to make your space a little more inviting.
Rearrange a Room
Getting tired of your home after spending days inside? Consider moving furniture around to give your home an easy makeover. If you have an open concept living space, try switching the direction of your couch or table to give your room a subtle (but effective) update. Look for easy ways to readjust to keep things feeling fresh and new.
Your home is your sanctuary, but spending days inside can be taxing even if you love your space. By focusing on a few small adjustments, you can create an oasis that you love, and one that welcomes tranquility in times of uncertainty.
Melissa Dubroc, ASID
Registered Interior Designer
Louisiana License No. 1078
Studio Design LLC
1015 Wisteria Street
Alexandria, La. 71301
318-443-1010
missy@studiodesignllc.com
