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Low Entropy Volunteer Writer Amara Camacho shares five ideas to boost the positivity of our home environments and, in turn, ourselves.

 

When it comes to boosting one’s mood, we often forget how great an influence our home environment is on our overall being. We keep relying on outside sources to make us happier but fail to consider that it begins right at home, where we start our day from and, essentially, end it. 

 

If there’s one thing that I’ve gained from spending the majority of my time at home as a result of the pandemic, it’s that small changes can make the greatest difference. Here are five tips that can make your home environment a positive influence, and even a mood booster. 

• Increase natural light and sunlight at home.

Do you ever notice how much happier we get when it’s summertime, the day’s longer and the sun is peeking in through our windows? Natural light at home increases productivity, encourages higher levels of energy, is a source of vitamin D and generally helps to improve your mood. One way of increasing natural light is by simply opening up your curtains, blinds or screens, and allowing the sunlight to enter your space. However, this may not always be an option, or the weather forecast may not be to our liking, which would require us to turn to other sources. There are options to install light bulbs that emit natural-looking light or make small purchases of sun lamps that mimic sunlight. 

• Declutter and recycle. 

The environment you surround yourself with at home, like your room, the living room or even the kitchen, are major influences on the state of your overall being. By decluttering and recycling, you’re not only creating a cleaner space, you’re also disposing and clearing out the clutter that is no longer serving a purpose for you. This act will allow you to rejuvenate, cleanse and have a sense of starting over. It will give you the opportunity to detach yourself from materialistic attachments that might be holding you back from growing or discovering new things. Additionally, recycling these possessions by donating them to thrift stores or those in need will also be a great chance to contribute and help the less fortunate. What’s important to remember is that decluttering doesn’t mean being a minimalist. It’s taking away things that are cluttering your space, making you sad, irritable, lazy and anything but motivated. 

• Create designated “focus” spaces.

Now that you’ve decluttered, you’re probably wondering what to do with your new (or old) space. Creating focus spaces is vital in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, which then also nurtures a balanced mood. If you work in the same space you sleep, like in your bedroom, it mentally confuses you. It might make you less productive and feel less motivated to get out of bed. It’s important to have a division between home life and work life, especially at a time like this, where so much work has become remote. Designated spaces at home for work, rest and play minimize distractions and temptations to partake in irrelevant activities, while keeping you focused and positively influencing your mood. 

• Satisfy your five senses.

What’s more fun than decorating your own home? Sometimes, indulging in a fun and no-rule activity like decorating can actually make you feel better and brighter. If you spend most of your time in one space, it would be a great relief if you loved it too – like the things you smell, see, feel, consume and hear! Make your home, especially your bedroom, appealing to you, because if you like your environment, you’ll be more content. Have your walls painted in a colour that calms you, adjust the smell by buying scented candles,and play the music that you love. The adjustments are all up to you, but satisfying your five senses will boost your mood when you’re at home and even as you leave it to begin your day. 

• Share your goals and intentions with the people you live with.

It’s great to follow these tips and I’m sure it will help immensely to boost your mood. However, if those you live with do not support or create a similar space as you, it can be challenging for any of these approaches to serve their purpose. It might even be more challenging, the more people who live with you. Have a conversation and start small. Talk about what’s good and what needs improvement. Share your goals and intentions, because what you think might be beneficial for you might also be beneficial for someone else. It’s always important to consult those you live with so that you can reach an ultimate solution that benefits everyone. 

 

Your environment is crucial to your overall being. By starting at home and following these simple tips, you can make the greatest impact on boosting your mood!

 

Sources: 

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-your-personal-environment-impact-your-wellbeing

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-you-can-create-healing-environment-home

https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/blog/changeyourstate/benefits-of-natural-light/

 

How do you shape your environment to improve your mood? Share your interior design tips with our community on our social network platform, or on any of our social media channels!