No thanks to the pandemic, the world is significantly more challenging to live in today. You may be working in an unstable industry at the moment, or the entire shift in your professional and social life may be creating tension in your daily activities. Whatever it is, you’re not alone in coping with the anxiety that comes with the new normal. This is why you must invest in a home that you can call your sanctuary. After all, if another lockdown occurs, you won’t want to be stuck in a house that only exacerbates your worries.
If you’re not sure what kind of changes you can make, there are five in particular that you have to prioritize. These are things you can incorporate into the house you’ve just started building or to the remodeling plans that you haven’t finalized yet. The better you fuse these into your dream home design, the more at peace you’ll feel about your home and your life.
Embrace Biophilic Elements
You’ve undoubtedly heard this before, as plants were all the craze on Instagram and other social media platforms when the pandemic started. More than just missing the great outdoors, people realized just how valuable plants are to their well-being. This could be the sign you’ve been looking for to go ahead and add more greenery to your interior design.
Doing so could mean building around trees you initially wanted to cut off or making space for plants and green walls. Talk to a general contractor about making these adjustments, as they have a better idea of how to make this work.
You don’t have to match the enthusiasm of the other homeowners in Salt Lake City or Provo who have been incorporating biophilic designs in their homes for years. Start with easy-to-care-for plants, and work your way from there. What’s important is that you get the exposure you need to feel less stressed when moving about your home space.
Mind Your Lighting
While getting as much natural lighting as possible has many benefits, it’s not always the best remedy for your most anxious moments. Basking in bright light can amplify negative and positive feelings alike, which is why you’ll want to have options for dimmer lighting.
If you feel that too much natural light isn’t doing you any good when performing certain tasks, switch to alternatives. Blue light is a great example, as it can increase your alertness for when you’re working or studying. Orange light is the best option for relaxing or going to sleep much faster since it doesn’t have blue light. This means that it won’t hinder your production of melatonin, which is your sleep hormone, and therefore aid in giving you a better quality of rest.
Invest in Your Bed
Nothing quite calms and resets your mind than a good sleep. Even just a quick nap can do wonders for your anxiety. The only problem is that you’re less likely to enjoy your sleep if your bed isn’t suitable for your needs.
If you’re convinced that this is a problem, then it’s high time to discover just what type of mattress and bed design works for you. Talk to a professional about the size and softness of the mattress that will give you better sleep, as they can provide invaluable tips for when you go shopping. It’s also important that you like its aesthetic because you’re more likely to gravitate towards it when your body is craving rest.
Avoid Mentally-Stimulating Colors
Many studies have been conducted about color psychology, and using these findings to your advantage can have a big impact on your home’s ambiance. If you’re suffering from bouts of anxiety, it’s best to reduce mentally stimulating colors like red and orange. More neutral shades of pink, blue, and gray have a calming effect on the mind that you’ll prefer. That said, you are allowed to add a variety of bold colors to your home. The trick is to find a balance so that it’s neither too jarring nor too draining.
Incorporate Minimalism
You don’t have to be a minimalist to enjoy its benefits. There are aspects of minimalism that you can incorporate in your design to promote well-being. One of these is a clutter-free and streamlined interior and exterior. Not only will this make the entire aesthetic of your home pleasing to the eyes, but it will also encourage cleanliness and organization.
There are many ways to do this, depending on your lifestyle. One thing’s for sure, though: a clean and organized home won’t exacerbate your feelings of anxiety, which is exactly what you need.
