Life can be stressful. Especially in an era of seemingly endless austerity where it feels like we’re all working harder and for longer hours than ever. An era where our money doesn’t seem to go as far as it did 10 years ago and a quiet night in id all-too often the only budget-friendly choice. Still, when life gets stressful, you know you can always feel relaxed and at peace in your home. It’s the one place where you can shut out the world and all its problems and concentrate solely on your health and happiness and that of those closest to you.
But is your home making you as happy as it should?
A study last year revealed that over 50% of Brits were unhappy in their homes. And that’s a real shame. No matter what your home’s size, shape or location you deserve to be happy in it. After all, it’s what’s inside that counts! Here are some ways to make your home a happier place to spend your free time
Wear your happiest memories on your walls
Your home shouldn’t just be a place where you can enjoy the best life has to offer. It should also be your comfort in times that are harder. It should be a haven of memories and togetherness with the people who mean the most to you, even if they aren’t with you at a given time. As such, make sure that you always have an image or memento from a happy moment in plain view. Don’t be afraid to blow up those happy family moments and see them writ large on your walls or shelves.
Put your house phone in plain view
Yes, we all have a mobile in our back pocket. Yes, we have more ways to stay in touch with one another than ever before. But in an era of texting and DMs it can feel as though we’re missing something vital in our communications. That’s why you should keep your home phones in plain view. When you start to feel lonely or even just wonder how your best friends from uni are getting on, you’ll be more inclined to pick up the phone and indulge in a good old natter!
Clear out clutter for clarity
Mess and clutter are anathema for a happy and relaxed mind. That’s why you should invest not only in furniture and flooring that are easy to keep clean but in smart storage solutions that will help you keep clutter at bay. At best, clutter is a visual distraction. At worst, it can seriously impinge on your mental health, elevate your stress levels and prevent you from feeling relaxed at home.
Paint your home with happiness
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance that colour plays in determining your mood. While subdues blues and greens can help us feel calm and serene after a stressful day, yellows and yellow greens can help to encourage happiness, hope and optimism. Try experimenting with different colours in feature walls and soft furnishing accents. You may be surprised by how effective some simple colour changes can be!
