Why a Well Presented Home Helps Your Mental Health
Having a well-presented home is an important part of keeping one’s mental health at the forefront. A cluttered or disorganized home can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm while a neat and tidy space promotes a sense of calm and control. Taking the time to declutter and organize one’s home can be an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
In addition to keeping a clean and organized home, it is also important to incorporate elements into one’s living space that have been shown to improve or support mental health. These elements can include natural light, plants, and improving functionality of spaces in the home. A recent panel discussion hosted by REAL SIMPLE brought together experts in both the mental health field and interior design to discuss ways that homes can be made into “sanctuaries” for people who struggle with mental illness.
Various studies have shown that being surrounded by nature can help promote mental wellbeing. Whether it is through spending time in the backyard, tending to flowers and houseplants, or simply gazing out of windows, nature can have a significant impact on our mental health. Those who are unable to spend time in nature can reap the same benefits by incorporating natural elements into their home.
One of the most effective and affordable ways to do this is by utilizing feng shui in your home. Originating in China, feng shui is an ancient design philosophy that is focused on creating balance and harmony within spaces. By focusing on furniture placement and layout, color choice and incorporation of water and plants, feng shui can be used to create environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and supportive of mental health.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to creating a mental wellness-friendly home. Rather, the key is finding solutions that work best for each individual. For some, a clean and tidy bedroom can be enough to create a sense of calm while for others, it may be more helpful to incorporate plant life or to improve the lighting in their home office. However, the most important aspect of a mental wellness-friendly home is making it yours. So, let go of the idea that your home has to be perfect and focus on making it a space where you can relax, breathe, and feel at home.