Life is often challenging, making it advisable to reduce stress levels at home
We’re less than halfway through the current decade, yet it’s already provided numerous shocks and challenges. The combined effects of war in Europe, a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, rampant inflation, mass strikes and political upheaval across all four Home Nations have made some people physically and mentally unwell with stress.
Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries, but many people are failing to fully harness their property’s stress-busting potential. We’ve put together six suggestions to reduce stress levels around the home, and many of these tips will also improve its appeal to buyers if you’re planning to market it this year…
Minimise clutter
Potential purchasers won’t be enthused by a messy home, and it won’t do your own mental health any good, either. Reduce stress levels by choosing fixed locations for daily clutter like paperwork, laundry and shoes. Ensure items are always put away after use (especially toys and gadgets), since empty surfaces are subconsciously calming. Minimising clutter also makes cleaning easier and increases your pride in your home, while knowing where to find objects simplifies finding them later.
Use aromatherapy
We’re not talking about classes here, but rather introducing pleasurable scents into corners of your home. Fragrances can transport you back to specific moments or places, and while you’re focusing on a pleasant aroma, your mind can’t simultaneously feel anxious. Scented candles, wax melts and reed diffusers are obvious choices, alongside citrus soaps and floral cleaning products. Grow herbs indoors and keep a vase of fresh flowers. Conversely, banish smelly shoes and over-ripe fruit, and empty the kitchen bin every day.
Deploy effective lighting
Dull lighting creates a depressing and gloomy ambience, yet too much light could seem harsh and oppressive. Hardwiring new ceiling lights in may be a false economy if you’re planning to move house, whereas lamps are portable and flexible. Their pools of brightness add character, making it easier to read, as well as cutting out stress-inducing eye strain or headaches. Full spectrum lighting stimulates the same serotonin release as sunshine – ideal for home offices or north-facing rooms.
Undertake light exercise
You don’t need to run a marathon to capitalise on exercise’s ability to reduce stress levels. Indeed, too much exercise could actually cause anxiety, especially if you become obsessed with personal bests or daily schedules. Focus on gentler activities like tai chi or yoga which suit your daily routine. Walking is arguably the best exercise of all, with the added benefits of being free and unlimited. Allow time to cool down after exercising, rather than rushing off to honour other commitments.
Banish technology from the bedroom
This is a hard sell in the age of smartphone addiction, but the health benefits of an analogue bedroom are widely recognised. When technology creeps in, it’s usually an excuse – alarm clocks will wake you up in the morning, and few late-night emails or WhatsApp messages require an immediate response. Banishing technology improves both the quantity and quality of sleep, and feeling well rested is vital if you want to reduce stress levels the next day.
Maximise comfort levels
There is a significant sensory difference between sitting on a hard wooden chair compared to a plush fabric one. This sums up the benefits of comfortable mattresses, furnishings and home office chairs. The latter are particularly important, with armrests and lumbar support vital to minimise musculoskeletal issues that may trigger their own anxieties. A well-sprung mattress with a soft protector can replicate the luxury of a high-end hotel suite, as well as helping to reduce stress levels at the end of a long day.
