I recently read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona, who wrote, “Relieving stress and improving your health can all begin at home.” Dr. Weil and I have similar philosophies.
Coming home needs to evoke a sense of relief and provide an environment conducive for healing. It ought to be the place we are eager to return to at the end of a stressful day. There is no place other than our home where we can control our surroundings and cultivate feelings of safety and tranquility.
What can we change in our homes to avoid common stressors so that we feel better and foster a sense of well-being? Often, we inadvertently introduce elements that are harmful and contribute to our stress levels without realizing it.
Let's delve into a few adjustments
Caffeine consumption: Instead of relying on coffee or soda, consider investing in a beautiful kettle for brewing herbal tea or making lemonade. Designate a serene space within your home where you can savor this quiet time. You might even contemplate creating a meditation room that doubles as a spa or massage area.
Sound environment: Be mindful of the sounds that surround you. Many homes feature high ceilings and open-concept layouts, which can amplify noise. Introduce area rugs to dampen sound on hard floors, opt for heavier upholstery and enhance windows with fabric coverings like draperies or Roman shades.
Media consumption: Curate a family-friendly viewing experience in your TV room, complete with comfortable seating, pillows, blankets, soft lighting and calming fragrances.
Social circle: Surround yourself with individuals who exude calmness and positivity. Cultivating strong family and social ties can alleviate stress. Make your home a welcoming space for relaxation, conversation and leisure activities. Decorate with fabrics that are inviting and not delicate looking. Arrange your furniture for conversation and provide areas for games to be played. Plants add an outdoor feel and clean the air.
Entertaining: Hosting gatherings can be enjoyable if approached without undue stress. Pay attention to the atmosphere in your dining areas, ensuring comfort and aesthetic appeal. Invest in comfortable seating, tasteful decor and tableware that enhances the dining experience.
Are the chairs comfortable and the table the right shape and height? What is on the walls—colors, textures and pictures? Does it draw you in to linger and unwind? Do you have placemats, tablecloths and dishes you like to look at with flatware that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to use?
Additionally, decluttering and giving away items you no longer need can bring a sense of abundance and fulfillment. Giving to others makes you and your home feel richer. Look around your home and give away things that you don’t need or use anymore. Someone else may see your giveaways as wonderful new treasures.
Additionally, while not directly related to interior design, volunteering or joining groups aligned with your interests can enrich your life and positively impact your well-being. And you will make new friends with whom to share your home.
Always remember, your home has the potential to enrich your life and promote happiness and health. It's not the rooms themselves that dictate the ambiance but rather your conscious efforts to create a nurturing environment.
Because rooms have no feelings, you do!
Valley resident Barbara Kaplan offers individual interior design consultations for guidance, ideas and solutions to make your home truly yours. Contact her at Barbara@BarbaraKaplan.com.
