Consider the following scenario: In between online meetings, you're in your home office, tapping away on your laptop. You hear loud knocking from the apartment above you, your air conditioner is broken, and half of your work documents are strewn about the room because you've run out of shelves. What effect do you think this has on your concentration and productivity?
The mind absorbs and reacts to things around us, whether consciously or subconsciously. That could explain why you feel at ease as soon as you enter a spa. It could be the soothing interior colors, the calming scent in the air, the soft music playing in the background, or... well, you get the idea.
As we spend more time working from home these days, it's important to examine your surroundings to see if they are conducive to your mental health. Here are four simple ways to improve your home's environment.
Your House Should Be KonMari'd
Marie Kondo, the Queen of Decluttering, has said it best. If it doesn't bring you joy, get rid of it. How can you expect to maintain a clear, calm mind if you're surrounded by a jumble of items that are collecting dust and taking up valuable space?
Brighten up your day
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically begins in the fall and lasts through the winter. It is more common in countries with changing seasons. Reduced sunlight is one of the causes (exposure to the sun helps the brain release serotonin, the mood-boosting hormone). We all benefit from 10 to 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day, regardless of where we live, so flooding your home with it is a good idea. Sure, you want to turn off all lights at night to get a good night's sleep, but once the sun comes up, pull back those thick drapes and let the light in.
Greens for Every Day
Another way to bring nature and its healing effects into your home is to have plants around the house. You don't have to go all out and plant an entire garden; simply pick a few easy-to-care-for plants and incorporate them into your home's décor.
Your World Will Be Colored
Colors, like sunlight, have the ability to influence how we feel. Warm tones, such as yellows and oranges, tend to lift people's spirits, whereas darker or muted colors, such as greys, tend to lower them. Colors, on the other hand, have a personal meaning for each of us. What matters is that you decorate your home in colors that make you happy.
Make a separate area for exercise.
According to research, 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can help strengthen mental health by lowering anxiety, depression, and negative moods while also improving self-esteem and cognitive functions. Any aerobics exercise, such as dancing to your favorite music, is beneficial. Create a dedicated space for yourself to exercise on a regular basis to encourage you to do so. Set up a yoga mat, decorate with fitness-related items, and keep track of your progress with a weekly scoreboard.
