by Paige A Mitchell
With constant emails, the ever growing to-do list, and taking care of the family, it can seem almost impossible to keep life in order. Home should be the place you wind down after a busy day to escape the stress of workplace politics and stresses of life. Your home shouldn’t be the place you experience the most stress and anxiety.
Research has shown that cluttered environments are linked to higher rates of stress and depression. By creating a mindful home or space within your home, you’re on a path toward a healthy lifestyle that supports your mental and emotional well-being. If you’re in need a small space at home that brings you clarity, or have just watched Marie Kondo’s recent Netflix series, here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose a space
First things first, pick a spot in your home. This can be an entire room or a small corner within. There is no space that is “wrong” for a mindfulness practice. The goal is to simply choose a space where you can come to calm down and find inner peace.
2. Declutter, clean, and organize
Once you decide on the right space for you, it’s time to clean up. Take a few hours (or days) to declutter this area so that you’re not distracted by chaotic things. Organizing this space will make this a sacred spot that is dedicated to mindfulness.
3. Set some intentions and goals
Before starting your mindfulness practice, create an intention for the space and link them to goals. What are you hoping to get out of this space? Write down your goals so that you have a clear vision of the outcome. Instead of pressuring yourself to achieve a goal, you are able to imagine the outcome. you focus on the present moment.
Here’s an example:
- When I’m in this space, I will only think about the present moment (Intention). By thinking about the present moment, I will have less anxious thoughts about past frustrations and/or future stressors (Goal).
4. Let in the natural light
Natural light is key in creating a mindful space in your home due to the many health benefits it brings, such as improved mood and productivity. If you use dark-out curtains, consider removing them from the space you’ve intended to use for your mindfulness practice. The natural light from outside brings in a sense of positivity and a glimpse of nature.
5. Eliminate distractions
If you live in a loud city, it may seem like all distractions are out of your control. However, try to be intentional about the things that you can control. This may mean keeping technology turned off, using earplugs, or fixing noisy appliances like a broken dishwasher. Make sure to eliminate any unnecessary sound traveling throughout your home to make the most of your mindfulness practice.
6. Bring in calm colors
Colors are a huge part of what brings the essence of a space alive. Choose calm colors like whites, beiges, light pinks and light blues that help with practicing mindfulness.
7. Get a few indoor plants
It doesn’t take a scientist to knows that plants can work wonders for your home—they’re nice to look at. However, there are also many health benefits of plants. Research actually shows that indoor plants improve the air quality in your home and actually lower background noise.
8. Remember, less is more
The rule for decorating any mindful space? Less is more. Try not to showcase every photo you’ve ever taken in your new safe haven as this gives a cluttered feeling.
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