Cleaning As Stress Relief
5 Home Design Tips to Relieve Stress
If the idea of stress relief is enough to make you pick up your broom and dustpan, check out these home design tips that can relieve stress. Once you’re cleaning already, implementing new home decor ideas can also be a welcome breath of fresh air.
Add Greenery
According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, keeping a plant in the house and tending to it can reduce stress and anxiety. There is virtually no downside to this idea — plants are beautiful, can brighten your home, and are quite affordable.
Declutter
Multiple studies have shown that clutter can lead to an increase in levels of cortisol, the hormone that causes stress. Therefore, getting rid of clutter can reduce stress in a significant way. Because parting with certain items can be hard, find a decluttering system that works for you. A system can help you determine what you should keep and what you should toss.
Choose Light Colors
Bright, bold colors can be stimulating and lead to stress. Light, gentle colors, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. But you don’t only need to stick with boring white — there are many light colors you can choose that will have a soothing effect on your mood.
Increase Sunlight
If your house or apartment is not naturally flooded with sunlight, there are ways you can maximize whatever sunlight does get in. Make sure furniture doesn’t block the windows, pull up curtains, and keep your windows clean. Exposure to sunlight can alleviate stress and reduce the risk of major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD).
Choose the Right Bed
If you sleep on a mattress that is not comfortable, you can literally lose sleep over it. Plus, sleeping on uncomfortable mattresses can increase chronic pain and backaches. Therefore, including a mattress that is comfortable for you in your home decor is crucial for stress-relief. Bear in mind that a mattress that is great for your friend may not be great for you — everyone sleeps differently and requires a different level of support and mattress firmness. While a new mattress can be a significant investment, the results can be worthwhile.
The Benefits of Reducing Stress
If you’re someone who hates to clean and have managed to tackle spring cleaning despite your aversion to it, give yourself a pat on the back. If you love cleaning and have incorporated all new kinds of ideas and organizational hacks, give yourself a pat on the back as well. When it comes to spring cleaning, everyone who does it deserves a round of applause, and when it comes to home design that reduces stress, anyone who does it is a winner.
