World Mental Health Day: 7 Tips For Creating A Positive Home

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a chance for us all to pause, reflect, and understand the importance of caring for our mental well-being. While many aspects contribute to mental health, our environment plays a critical role. We spend a significant amount of time in our homes, which can greatly influence our mood and stress levels. In this blog, we’re looking at a few tips for designing a positive space.

Creating a positive home environment doesn't require a complete renovation. From decluttering to incorporating calming elements, there are small steps you can take to achieve a sanctuary that supports your mental well-being.

1. Maximise Natural Light

Natural light has been shown to significantly boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Maximizing the amount of sunlight that enters your home, can create a brighter, more uplifting atmosphere. Start by keeping windows free from obstructions. Avoid blocking the light with bulky furniture, or decorative items. Try to opt for light-filtering window treatments such as sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to flow in while maintaining privacy. Strategically placing mirrors near windows can reflect natural light into your space, making rooms feel larger, warmer, and more inviting.

2. Personalise Your Space

Your home should bring you comfort and security. You can achieve this by decorating with artwork, photographs, and keepsakes that hold special meaning to you. Personal touches can include showcasing travel souvenirs, and adding your favourite scented candle or artwork that resonates with you. 

By thoughtfully placing items that spark familiarity, you create a space that not only feels welcoming but also adds feelings of contentment when you walk through the door.

3. Add Natural Fragrances

Scents and smells are powerful enough to impact our emotions. In particular, fragrances linked to nature have been proven to uplift your mood. Floral fragrances like lavender and jasmine are especially effective, as they have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

Lavender is renowned for its ability to enhance sleep quality and decrease anxiety, making it a perfect choice for bedrooms or relaxation areas. Jasmine, with its sweet and delicate aroma, is known to improve mood and promote a sense of well-being.

Infuse these fragrances into your home with diffusers, floral arrangements, or candles. By incorporating these natural fragrances, you create a space that not only smells wonderful but also helps you feel more connected to nature – boosting your overall sense of happiness and tranquility.

4. Accentuate Comfort

Creating a comfortable home environment is essential for fostering relaxation. One of the simplest ways to do this is by incorporating soft furnishings like throws, cushions, and blankets throughout your living space. You can transform any corner into a welcoming nook where you can unwind, read, or simply take a moment to breathe. Soft textures encourage a sense of calm and warmth, making it easier to relax and feel at ease in your surroundings.

5. Incorporate Plants 

Houseplants not only add life to any space, but they also come with a host of mental health benefits. Studies have shown that having plants in your home can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase productivity. Many plants such as snake and rubber plants are also effective at improving indoor air quality by filtering out toxins, which can lead to a healthier living environment.

6. Introduce More Colour

Colour can significantly influence our emotions and overall mood. By incorporating different colours into our homes, we can set the tone for a space that feels more uplifting. Blues and greens are known for their calming effects, helping to create a space that encourages relaxation and tranquility. Use these colour palettes in spaces where you want to unwind like bedrooms or bathrooms. Pops of yellow or pink can add an instant feeling of happiness to your space. This can be introduced with home decor or accent walls. 

Consider your personal style and colours that you know make you feel good to create a space which will positively impact your mental health.

7. Create An Exercise Space

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining positive mental health and overall well-being. Creating a dedicated exercise space in your home can help you establish a routine and make it easier to prioritize physical activity in your daily life. This space doesn’t need to be large; it just needs to be functional and inviting. Consider incorporating a yoga mat for stretching and floor exercises. If you prefer more dynamic workouts, a fold-out walking treadmill or an exercise bike can be great additions. If you enjoy strength training, consider investing in some free weights, resistance bands, or even a small set of kettlebells. To make the space more appealing, keep it organised and well-lit.