We’ve all been through so much in recent years that our homes truly have become our havens and, as they are still the one thing over which we do have control, it follows that having a happy home goes a long way towards creating a happier life.
So says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty who adds that studies have shown that by improving the state of your home, it’s possible to improve your state of mind.
“If you revitalise the space in which you live, you will inevitably boost your general mood and your home will feel more like a sanctuary; a place where you can relax and recharge. You’ll also find it easier to focus on moments of joy and have a positive attitude.”
Geffen recommends the following in order to boost the morale of your home – and, in turn, yours and your family’s too:
DECLUTTER AND TRY TO MAINTAIN AN UNCLUTTERED HOME
As Marie Kondo says, a cluttered home is much more likely to produce, and contribute to, a cluttered mind and this is corroborated by a study from Princeton University which shows that too much disorganised stimuli simply overwhelms the brain. Start small with a contained space like a bathroom or spare room, which will give you a quick feeling of accomplishment and encourage you to move on to the next space. Sell what you no longer need – you’ll be surprised at how much you can make by ridding yourself of clutter. And what’s left you can donate to a worthy cause.
And don’t forget about your front entrance as it sets the tone and will also ensure a warm welcome for yourself and your guests. Buy a welcome mat, place a vase of colourful fresh flowers on a table and keep it tidy and free of clutter. Once you’ve worked through the whole house, you’ll find that you can you truly focus your attention and your energy on the important matters in your life.
FRESHEN IT UP
If your space feels old and tired, that’s how you will feel too. Revitalising faded walls with a fresh coat of paint or revarnishing wooden railings or window frames are cost-effective ways of lifting the whole atmosphere
AROMATHERAPY
We are often so distracted by the way a room looks that we don’t give any thought to how it smells but scent has the power to uplift or put a dampener on our moods so the way a room smells is just as important as its appearance. Use essential oil diffusers or scented candles to make your home smell wonderfully inviting. Stress-relieving scents include lavender and chamomile, while eucalyptus will also relieve nasal congestion brought on by the cold.
DISPLAY MEANINGFUL OBJECTS
The process of decluttering will help you to decide which objects have meaning and what you no longer need – or even want. If something doesn’t bring you joy or have a very good purpose, chances are it’s merely taking up space. It’s not about the latest home design trends, it’s about how an object makes you feel so if you love that tatty old rug in your bedroom, then keep it.
PRIORITISE CONVENIENCE
If your appliances are old and you can afford to replace them, do so. Even a new kettle or toaster that doesn’t burn one side of the bread will make your life that bit easier. And if your budget stretches to it, consider a gas stove as it will literally change your life in this era of regular laodshedding.
PERSONALISE YOUR HOME
Again, it’s not about current trends, and making sure your house aligns with your personality is key to feeling happier at home. Take a moment to think about who you are and what you enjoy before making any major changes. For instance, extroverts are more stimulated by the world around them, so they will often enjoy a more sensorially rich environment whereas introverts might feel overwhelmed when surrounded by bold patterns and brighter colours.
CREATE A CALMING SPACE
We all need some down time, even in our own homes so find a spot where you can create a mini sanctuary. This can be a cosy reading nook, a hammock in the garden or you can even add spa features to your bathroom.
KEEP TECH OUT OF THE BEDROOM AT NIGHT
Try to keep your charging and docking stations in another room such as the kitchen. Research has shown that those flashing blue lights interfere with sleep and your cell phone shouldn’t be the first thing you reach for before your eyes are even open. Rather ase yourself gently into the day. Ideally your bedroom should be just for sleeping and reading so if you can do without a TV, you’ve find your sleep patterns will improve and you’ll feel more rested.
BREAK IT UP
If you work from home, it’s important to compartmentalise your home for different uses because it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the conflicting responsibilities of work and home life. Establish a dedicated work station as far from the main living area as you can and if you have a spare room with a door that closes, even better. It also helps if you have somewhere away from home and family distractions to take breaks from work or perhaps do a little yoga.
BRING NATURE INSIDE
Not only do plants bring life and colour into your home, they also add oxygen to your living space – all of which will enhance your feeling of wellbeing. However, consider the level of care you’re prepared to give when choosing plants because although the ritual of maintaining them can be deeply healing, if you’re a no-fuss sort of person, high maintenance plants are likely to elevate rather than reduce stress levels.
LIGHTEN UP
Natural light not only makes a room lighter and brighter and appear more spacious, it’s also known to boost our wellbeing and uplift our mood and it helps us to feel more awake and energised. So, keep the curtain and blinds open during the day and, where possible, introduce new sources of natural light.
Geffen advises that once you’ve shown your home some love and have taken the time to create your personal haven, the surest way to let dissatisfaction creep in is by comparing your home to others. “Just don’t do it. At the end of the day, isn’t what we really want a sanctuary; a home where we are happy and relaxed and where we can nurture our families, welcome friends, celebrate milestones and create happy memories?
“And, of course the best addition to any home is the sound of happy laughter and the soothing tones of our loved one’s voices, so regularly fill your home with your favourite people and add the enticing aromas of their best-loved dishes cooked with love in your new-look kitchen. “You don’t have to wait for your dream home to be happy and house-proud,” concludes Geffen, “you just have to use a little creativity and think about what you do have a little differently in order to love your home right now.”
