Is you space reflective of inner peace and tranquility?
I’m a homebody.
I like staying home.
I like inviting friends over and creating the perfect atmosphere to not only host but to also heal and recharge- being an introvert that’s of utmost importance to me when it comes to self-care. This got me thinking of viewing my space as my sanctuary.
The right lighting in my space has the ability to change my mood, the right smell of a diffuser or candle can soothe me. The right textures, the right couch, the placement of all these things have profound effects on me.
Every couple of months I go through my stuff- things that need to be tossed or donated- from clothes to knick knacks I no longer use or never really needed. Every time I go through these purges, I noticed a weight being lifted. It almost feels like a physical response- I feel lighter, suddenly there’s this stress that I am no longer feeling and each time I feel it I say “could it really be from throwing out these things?” And I’m coming to realize that yes it can.
Marie Kondo famously coined the term “does it spark joy?” I’m no minimalist nor do I strive for a minimalist life- it’s personally not for me but that is not to say that I don’t resonate with some of the minimalist values. I have experienced first hand how clutter affects my mental landscape- piles of clothes, dishes in the kitchen, laundry waiting to be folded, clutter in corners all hold energy.
I have to be in the right mood, am I able to combat getting rid of things that no longer serve me or items that no longer spark joy? In fact cleaning spree’s and purges can be very emotional, how many times did I find and old shoe box filled with photos from when I was younger, or notes passed around in middle school or clothes that I wore to a concert? I could never and, don’t wish to throw these items away!
The right lighting has the ability to change my mood, the right smell of a diffuser or candle can soothe me. The right textures, the right couch, the placement of all these things have profound effects on me.
Organization is key!
Being organized is practice that I’ve started to exercise. I’ve been making categories, getting suitable containers, labeling them (with my newly purchased label maker), putting them in a designated spot. I’ve noticed that better organized shelves and drawers are more pleasing to the eyes and therefore more soothing for the brain.
My environment and surroundings have the strongest influence on my overall wellbeing. By knowing this, I can alter and change whatever is causing me distress- whether it be clutter, wall art that I no longer resonate with or the furniture in my house.
None of this is set in stone. I am no stranger to stress cleaning- it’s meditative for me! Small habits I’ve adopted from living on my own and not having my parents or older sister cleaning up after me, I was more conscious of where I was making a mess and better cleaning up after myself!
For example: when I’m in the kitchen, I make it so that I am in the kitchen, not leaving that room to do something else like finish work I was doing on my laptop. By doing this I’m instantly in the present moment and focused at the task at hand.
I cook, clean and aim to leave the kitchen in the exact same way I found it. If I can’t tidy up as I go, I make sure that at least I clean up before I go to sleep. That way I’m not waking up to the previous days mess.
These habits, along with making my bed in the morning, cleaning up the pile of clothes at the end of the week all contribute to a positive wellbeing while I am at home!
Your surroundings truly influence you! Why not consciously and proactively focus on the interior touches? Choosing calm, earthy colors for your living space or, comfortable and inviting bedding for better sleep and lastly, scents to infuse your home!
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