Your home should be a place of relaxation and comfort, allowing you to wind down and de-stress after a long day – particularly for those who continue to work from home.
Reports show 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year, they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
In light of National Stress Awareness Day (3rd November), the interior experts at Essential Living have shared five simple hacks you can incorporate into your home to create the ultimate relaxing sanctuary this winter.
Help Release Stress and Anxiety – Declutter your space
Studies show that clutter can negatively affect your mental well-being. Whether you are out of the house all day or working from home, dedicating a solid few hours at the weekend to decluttering your space will make all the difference.
A build-up of house dust can also be a trigger of depression and anxiety, according to Healthline. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and headaches, which can make a person feel more down in the dumps. For those who work from home, clearing away any mess from your ‘work’ desk is especially important, including anything that might distract you. If your desk is multifunctional, a serving tray is handy for removing the items when they are not in use. Jars are also great for storing your office supplies, as you can move them to a shelf over the weekend.
Help Release Stress and Anxiety – Add a splash of earthy colours
The colours in your home should reflect you, but you may also want to consider colours that can reflect natural life and create warmth and comfort.
Earthy colours can be a great backdrop for a living room, as they have tranquil and soothing hues, making them a key player in this year’s home décor palette. Focus on simply adding a splash of colour to walls using a nature-inspired palette: forest and earthy colours, sage, pine, or deep blue with a pop of yellow. Understandably, many of those renting apartments aren’t able to paint their walls. However, investing in some cushions or wall-hangings in these colours will instantly make all the difference. Even a simple throw in a blue-green or sage colour will reflect natural light incredibly well.
Help Release Stress and Anxiety – Incorporate fabrics and patterns
Using different textures, fabrics and designs in your home can help create maximum comfort, particularly during the winter. Fabrics like velvet and chenille add a touch of opulence, while sheepskin and wool are the ultimate cosy fabrics, adding texture and warmth. However, like too much clutter, you might want to limit how many patterns you mix and match in your home, too. Skip the polka dots and stripes and go with solids, to create a calming environment that won’t rev up your anxiety.
In terms of colour, lighter tones best reflect sunlight and create the appearance of space. In turn, darker colours, decorative wallpapers and patterned fabrics shrink space and absorb light.
Help Release Stress and Anxiety – Get cosy with candles and essential oils
Adding an oil diffuser to your home is the perfect way to feel cosy and relieve any stress you may have. This will also, of course, help you to stay on-trend with the latest seasonal wax melts and oils! And of course, let’s not forget scented candles, which have been used for centuries in all manner of rituals, as they are proven to reduce feelings of stress and tension. Some recommended candles include Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle, and Diptyque Maquis Scented Candle.
Any citrus scents are also highly recommended, including the oil that gives Earl Grey tea its signature fragrance: bergamot essential oil, which is widely used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the peel of a citrus fruit known as Citrus Bergamia, this essential oil may help to soothe any feelings of pressure.
Help Release Stress and Anxiety – Snake plants
The humble house plant is one of the hottest home accessories at the moment. Not only are they trendy, but they have significant health benefits. By fighting off toxins in the air, they are said to help reduce blood pressure, fight fatigue and decrease coughing.
Whilst one in eight British households has no garden, bringing the outdoors in is a great way to lighten the load, as plants are proven to promote a more tranquil atmosphere.
One of the most popular plants across the UK during the last lockdown was the snake plant. High CO2 levels can affect our cognitive skills and productivity. However, this plant’s ability to absorb CO2 effectively is said to increase workflow, impact your sleep, mood and energy levels.
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