While many are very aware of the impact that exercise, mindfulness practices, and diet can have on mental wellbeing, one large factor is often forgotten – that is, the effect that the environment can have on mindfulness.
Specifically, the impact of the home, the place where most people are at their most relaxed, comfortable, and rejuvenating from busy lives.
Those living in both the USA and across Europe spend, on average, 90% of their time indoors.
Some 65% of this time is spent in their own homes.
Not only does the home have a great effect on mental wellbeing because it is where people spend most of their time, but it is also where they allow themselves to be their most vulnerable.
This means the domestic environment can influence mental health and wellbeing by strengthening mental resilience and helping the healing process from mental illness, promoting an overall feeling of happiness and empowerment.
The home is frequently a retreat away from the hectic world, and since it can have a large effect on mindfulness and wellbeing, why not make the most out of your domestic space?
Below are just some ways to transform a home into a healthier, happier space.
- Embrace Natural Light
The effects of natural lighting are numerous, from improving sleep quality to increasing vitamin D intake and promoting more positive outlooks.
So, it is no surprise that one of the best ways to make a home more mindful is to take advantage of the natural light available.
A simple way of doing this is by noticing where the light hits in a room and rearranging furniture to make the most out of it.
Of course, there needs to be some awareness as to the practicalities, too, as no one wants to be trying to work at a computer while being unable to see the screen due to glare.
For those who have very little access to natural light in their homes, there are some lighting options that could help.
For example, the lighting designed to help people with Seasonal Affected Disorder could be the perfect alternative, since it is designed to filter out harmful UV rays while bringing the benefits of sunlight to the user.
- Time to Declutter
Having an excess of unused stuff in the home can have a major impact on the occupants’ overall wellbeing.
Messiness has the same effect as other excessive stimuli; it bombards the mind, creating feelings of guilt, frustration, and anxiety.
Even the most dedicated wellness devotees can struggle when it comes to the home clear out.
There are a few things that can really make the whole process a lot easier. First is having the right mind-set.
Take inspiration from Marie Kondo: ask ‘does this spark joy?’ and if the answer is no, it’s got to go.
Following Kondo’s guidelines, and remember that simply putting things into storage isn’t the solution.
This is why having a box for items you no longer want and that can be donated is a great idea.
It can also be important for a sense community – try to arrange a spring cleaning with your housemates.
While cleaning, you’ll realize that having a big enough bin is the key to not walking up and down flights of stairs over and over again.
Businesses like Bin There Dump That offer some great residential waste solutions.
- Increase Air Flow
Unless a home is located in an extremely urban or industrial area, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality is two to five times more polluted than outside air.
The effects of air pollution on both one’s health and cognitive functioning have been verified.
Opening windows first thing in the morning and then again after returning home from work is a great way of refreshing the air quality in the home.
For those that live in a particularly polluted area, there are other ways of increasing air purity.
Of course, there is the option to invest in an air-purifying machine, but for a more natural solution, take a look at some of the beautiful oxygenating plants out there.
- Add some Plants or Flowers
Certain plants increase the air quality of a home, but they impact moods, too.
For example, having jasmine of lavender in the bedroom has been proven to help improve sleep quality, while adding a snake plant to the home office encourages productivity.
Whether it is for a specific purpose, or simply to brighten up the home, adding a few plants or flowers to any room is a really simple, low-cost way of making an environment more mindful.
Taking the time to improve a home really will pay dividends when it comes to improving mental wellbeing, so why not start with the simplest improvements and see the effect it has.