A Happier & Healthier Home

Aug 31, 2020 at 12:53 pm by RMGadmin


 

By Jennifer Parker

Your surroundings do affect your mood!! As we all have spent more time at home over these past months, I am sure many of you feel you need a refresh or new ideas for your spaces. Here are some simple things you can do to enhance your home and make it a little healthier.

ENJOY MY 5 TOP TIPS FOR A HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER HOME!

 1. COLOR

Color can greatly affect your mood, and paint is an inexpensive way to make a big change. Consider various shades of white that can make a space feel more spacious, open and clean. Many shades of green from dark to light can reduce anxiety, inspire a sense of prosperity and bring the colors of the outside in. Blue is a calming and restorative color that can lead to a more relaxed and serene environment, and has also been studied to reduce blood pressure. Changing the color of a room, or just color of the accessories in can lead to a dramatic result. Think about how you want to feel in a room and select a color that can help achieve the desired effect.

2. LIGHT

Natural light is natures anti-anti-anxiety medicine. A room flooded with natural light can instantly brighten your mood. Take down those old blinds, and replace with light shears for privacy, or pull down fabric shades that can be used at night and pulled up out of the way during the day. Take down the heavy drapes and replace with a lighter fabric and cleaner lines to allow for more light to enter your rooms. Multiple layers of light in a room including candles, table lamps. floor lamps, sconces and overhead lighting can give you multiple heights of light and make the room feel more alive. Use them all at different times of the day to bring the energy of light into your space. Make natural light a priority during the day and you will instantly feel the difference.

3. SCENT

The sense of smell is one of our strongest mood enhancers. Everyone can identify their favorite scents. Be it the smell of fresh flowers, lavender, vanilla, or simply the smell of a “clean cotton” candle. Scents induce moods for holidays, so why shouldn’t we use that precedent everyday? My personal favorite scents for everyday are light and elegant, not too strong, but subtle and calming. Walking into your home and it greeting you with a favorite scent can instantly enhance your mood. I like to use soy based candles which are healthier overall, and also aromatherapy reed diffusers and essential oil diffusers. I have created my own essential oil spa blend and like to diffuse it in my bathroom. I have another I use in the living room that is light and clean and makes the home smell incredibly fresh. Find ways to bring your favorite scents into your space and go splurge on that fabulous candle. Additionally throw open all the doors to your home a few times a week and just let the fresh air run through it for an hour or two. You will be amazed at how your home will start to feel cleaner and lighter just by literally bringing the fresh air in.

4. DE-CLUTTER

A well organized, clean and open space can greatly effect your well being. I know this has been all the craze for a while, but I cannot stress enough that by de-cluttering your spaces and decor you can open a room up and it instantly becomes more beautiful. I tell my clients all the time that “negative space” is just as important as “filling” a space. Think about de-cluttering your bookshelves, coffee tables, kitchen counters, and bathroom spaces, not just catch all the drawers and your mudrooms. Less can be more and you will find you appreciate what you have, as you can see it better, and then the room is also allowed to “breathe.” Focus on one small area a day to de-clutter and display only things that truly bring you Joy. Store things that you need in drawers and cabinets and create more open space, and your home will feel cleaner and lighter instantly.

5. PLANTS

When you breathe, your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This makes plants perfect indoor partners for a truly healthy home, and can actually increase oxygen levels. My new favorite indoor plant is a 5-6 foot fiddle leaf fig tree. They are elegant, add height and make a perfect partner for the empty corner in your living room. A simple inexpensive ivy plant or indoor air fern you can grab at Publix, and place in a beautiful container on your kitchen counter, is an easy way to bring plants into your space. Don’t be intimidated by the care, as most indoor plants are super easy manage and need water occasionally.

As we navigate these new times with unprecedented challenges, I believe that paying more attention to your spaces at home can greatly enhance your overall health and wellness. As always let me know if you need help with your spaces, wishing you a happy and healthy home!