Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you can retreat from the stresses of the outside world. But too often, we neglect how the environment around us affects our mental well-being. Creating a mental health-friendly space at home can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and contribute to your overall mental health.
In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to transform your home into a haven that nurtures your emotional and psychological health.
1. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind. Research shows that a disorganized environment can increase stress and anxiety. Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about creating physical and mental space to breathe.
Practical Steps:
- Start Small: Begin by decluttering one room at a time. Start with the spaces you use the most, like your bedroom or living room.
- Keep What Brings Joy: Use the KonMari method—keep only items that bring you joy or serve a clear purpose.
- Digital Declutter: Don’t forget your digital space. Organize your computer files and minimize distractions on your phone to reduce mental clutter.
Clever Container – Organizational tools to help you tidy up every room in your house.
2. Create a Designated Relaxation Area
Having a designated space where you can relax and unwind is essential for maintaining mental health. This area should be free from distractions and serve as a personal retreat.
Practical Steps:
- Find Your Spot: Choose a corner or room in your home dedicated to relaxation, meditation, or mindfulness. It could be a reading nook, a yoga space, or just a comfy chair.
- Soothing Elements: Include soothing elements like a cozy blanket, soft cushions, and calming scents (lavender or eucalyptus).
- No Tech Zone: Make this a tech-free area to avoid distractions and overstimulation.
Calm App – An app for mindfulness and meditation exercises, perfect for enhancing your relaxation space.
3. Introduce Calming Colors and Lighting
Color and lighting have a significant impact on our mood and mental health. Cool tones like blues, greens, and neutrals promote relaxation, while warm, bright colors like red or orange can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Practical Steps:
- Repaint or Re-decorate: Opt for calming hues like soft blues, greens, or neutrals to create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Natural Lighting: Make the most of natural light to lift your mood. If your space doesn’t get much sunlight, invest in light bulbs that mimic natural light to reduce feelings of depression.
- Soft Lighting: Use soft, warm lights in the evenings to wind down and create a cozy environment.
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs – Customize the lighting in your home to suit your mood and energy levels.
4. Incorporate Nature Indoors
Bringing nature inside has a powerful effect on reducing stress and improving mood. Plants, natural textures, and even artwork of nature scenes can create a more serene environment.
Practical Steps:
- Houseplants: Add indoor plants like succulents, ferns, or peace lilies. Not only do they purify the air, but they also bring a sense of calm.
- Natural Textures: Use natural textures like wood, stone, or wool in your furniture and décor to create a grounded feeling.
- Open Windows: Let fresh air circulate to refresh your space and provide a connection to the outdoors.
The Sill – A platform offering beautiful, low-maintenance houseplants that are perfect for home environments.
5. Use Sound to Soothe the Mind
Sounds in your home can have a direct impact on your mental health. While loud, chaotic noises may cause anxiety, soothing sounds can help calm the mind.
Practical Steps:
- White Noise Machine: Use a white noise machine or fan to drown out disruptive noises and create a calming atmosphere.
- Play Relaxing Music: Play calming instrumental music or nature sounds to set a peaceful mood in your home.
- Soundproofing: If noise is a persistent issue in your home, consider soundproofing techniques like using rugs, curtains, or sound-absorbing panels to dampen outside sounds.
Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Machine – Helps create a peaceful soundscape to improve relaxation and focus.
6. Make Space for Physical Movement
Exercise is a proven mood booster, so having space in your home for physical activity can significantly impact your mental health. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or high-intensity workouts, moving your body releases endorphins and helps reduce stress.
Practical Steps:
- Home Gym or Yoga Space: Dedicate a part of your home to physical movement. This doesn’t need to be elaborate—just a yoga mat or some free weights can make a difference.
- Schedule Breaks for Movement: If you work from home, make it a point to get up every hour for a short stretch or walk around your house.
- Incorporate Movement: Even small actions like walking to get water, stretching at your desk, or doing a few minutes of yoga can break up sedentary periods.
Peloton Digital Membership – Gain access to workout routines, from yoga to strength training, perfect for at-home exercise.
7. Incorporate Mental Health Reminders and Affirmations
Keeping reminders of your mental health goals can help maintain a positive, calm mindset. Using positive affirmations or mental health quotes in your space can reinforce a sense of peace and motivation.
Practical Steps:
- Affirmation Board: Create a board or frame where you write positive affirmations or mental health quotes. Place it somewhere you’ll see every day—like your bedroom or bathroom.
- Journal Prompts: Keep a journal nearby to track your emotions, thoughts, and progress. Writing down your feelings can serve as a mental health check-in.
- Calming Reminders: Use reminders in your space, like soft sounds or visuals (plants, artwork), to help regulate your emotions when stress starts to creep in.
The Five-Minute Journal – A daily guided journal designed to focus on gratitude and mindfulness for mental clarity.
Conclusion
Transforming your home into a safe, mental health-friendly environment doesn’t require major renovations—just small, intentional changes that help foster peace, comfort, and relaxation. Whether it’s through decluttering, creating a relaxation zone, or adding soothing sounds and colors, these adjustments can make a world of difference to your emotional well-being.
Start small—pick one room in your home and incorporate a few of these tips today. Remember, creating a mental health-friendly space is about making intentional changes that help nurture your mind and body.
If you’re looking for more guidance, check out BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that can support you in managing your mental health in the comfort of your new space.
