8 Ways to Lower Stress in Your House
Guest Post by Cherie Mclaughlin
Though the situation has improved, some parts of the world are still dealing with the pandemic – not to mention all the stress and hardship it has caused. That means we need to find practical ways to deal with that stress. So today, Nest Home Organizing explores some quick and easy ways to make your house a sanctuary for happiness and relaxation.
1. Add Some Greenery
Placing plants and flowers throughout your home can help lower stress levels. Many people find bringing a piece of nature to their space is very soothing. More greenery in your home also makes it look more welcoming to guests. But pay attention to the care instructions for each plant. Dying plants can add stress rather than take it away.
Also, if you need to make some renovations to give your home the gardening space it needs, good news – those kinds of home improvements have the added bonus of raising your home’s value, should you decide to sell down the road.
2. Do Away With Clutter In Your Living Space and Home Office
According to Mayo Clinic, clutter has also been linked to a decline in mood and source of stress. It makes sense that the more stuff you have in your space, the more stressed you may feel. Keeping your living space clutter-free can help you feel less anxious and improve productivity.
As you pick up, also clean; but make sure you are being efficient so you don’t feel like you wasted time. For instance, always dust before you vacuum so that you are able to vacuum what settles from the air after dusting. And learn how to clean your vacuum’s filter to make sure the sucking capacity is maximized.
It’s also important to declutter your working area by organizing your paperwork by filing it away and freeing up some floor space by storing items on shelves. It’s all about being as productive and stress-free as possible in your home office. Keep ergonomics in mind when it comes to items like your chair, desk setup, and keyboard, as well as keeping the space at a comfortable temperature (setting the thermostat at between 72 and 74 degrees is advised).
3. Make Space for Exercise Equipment
Fitness is an excellent way to relieve stress. If you have workout equipment at home, you'll be more likely to use it. Having a treadmill or elliptical machine readily available can motivate you to get those endorphins going every day.
4. Update Your Home's Lighting
Lighting is vital for many reasons, but it also impacts the mood of a room. If you want to reduce stress in your house, update your lighting. Indirect or dim lighting can promote relaxation and lower the anxiety level in a space. With dimmer switches and lamps, you can adjust your lighting for specific times of the day.
If you want to install new lighting or even have a window installed for more natural light, call a professional. It can be hard to find a contractor you trust, which is why you should learn about Frontdoor, the home management app! You can get customized recommendations for each project and arrange a video chat with your potential contractor before anyone even steps foot on your property.
5. Maximize Your Storage Space
Depending on your family's storage needs, you may need to invest in additional shelving or storage options. By maximizing your usable area and removing clutter, Calendar.com points out that you can make room for the things you enjoy. More storage space can help you reduce clutter and relieve stress. It also gives you more room to entertain guests.
Start by digitizing your records to reduce paper clutter. Invest in a small scanner or smartphone scanning app. Both are inexpensive choices. If you need to merge your PDF files to make it easier to stay organized, look for a free online tool that allows you to update your records accordingly. With a little effort, you can create an effective digital storage system that frees up office and home space.
If you aren’t sure where to start on your organization projects, work with Malinda from Nest Home Organizing. She can establish an organizational system for anything from your kitchen pantry to your home office!
6. Renovate Your Bedroom
There's nothing more valuable than a good night of sleep. If you want to lower stress within your own home, consider starting with your bedroom. Replace your mattress, add room-darkening curtains or blinds, and make sure your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation.
7. Replace Your HVAC System
The HVAC system in your house is an important factor for indoor air quality. If your system is old and inefficient, consider replacing it. As with other updates like replacing the front door or installing new windows, this update can improve your home's value and get you more money for homeowners looking to sell. Be sure to keep receipts of your purchases to show how much you invested.
8. Prepare Your Fireplace for the Winter
Winter is here, so if you haven’t done so already, it's time to make sure your fireplace is safe. It’s ideal to have the chimney inspected and swept once a year before using it the first time. A clogged fireplace can contribute to poor indoor air quality and damage the chimney structure.
Lower Stress and Update Your Home
Taking all these tips into consideration and applying them is sure to boost happiness and reduce stress. You can start today by rearranging your work and home space to be less cluttered, and to include greenery along with plenty of lighting. A few home improvement projects (and some expert advice on cleaning) can help you to feel more relaxed at home. You’ll agree that it’s worth the investment!