Five ways your home could be negatively impacting your mental health
Could your home be making you unhappy? Discover five ways your living space can be impacting your mental health – and what changes you need to make.
According to recent reports, 73% of people who are happy with their home are also happy in life – with our home environment accounting for 15% of our total happiness.
The experts at Reviva Coffee have spilled the beans on five quick fixes for your home that can work wonders for your mind.
1) Not having a dedicated, personalised space
A study completed by The National Library of Medicine reported that mental health worsens when homes are overcrowded and there is insufficient personal space.
Therefore, tailored environments such as a cosy hygge coffee corner within your home, are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they offer a sanctuary from daily stresses of life.
Recent reports found that one in eight adults feel stressed by their home environment – finding lack of space, poor natural lighting and lack of decoration leaving people unable to relax in their safe space. Having a designated area for relaxation and self-care within the home reinforces the importance of setting boundaries between work, chores, socialising, and allowing a space in the home to recharge.
Adding a hygge to your home brings in the Danish concept of cosiness and contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. It’s all about creating a personalised space for you that brings comfort. Brewing and enjoying a cup of coffee in a dedicated space allows you the privacy to pause, reflect and foster your own emotional well-being away from others.
2) Not optimising your layout with feng shui
According to MQ Mental Health, an open and flexible layout can encourage movement and interaction, whilst a more structured layout can promote focus and concentration.
As a homeowner or even a renter, simple tricks and rearranging furniture can create more inviting space. Common mistakes that can hinder the calming feng shui of your home include not having a well lit entrance, having a TV in your bedroom, leaving clutter around doors, leaving dead or drying plants around, and not being mindful of your mirror placements.
According to Emma Cottrell, expert at luxury furniture company BoConcept, whether or not you practise feng shui, the ideas behind bed placement make so much sense. For example, you position your bed with a full view of the room (calming, able to see everything) but out of line with the door (distraction). Your bed should be the focal point in the room, with the headboard backing the centre of the main wall, leaving space for bedside tables on each side.
3) Having too much clutter
The Journal of Environmental Psychology reports that clutter has a significant impact on mental health, reducing both psychological well-being and the sense of belonging associated with one’s living space.
If needed, handle one task at a time, evaluating what needs to go and keeping things simple as possible. Going for a more minimalist approach to your home can reduce stress, uplift your spirits and improve your overall quality of life.
Clutter often contributes to stress and anxiety, so clearing it out or moving it to storage can create a more tranquil home environment, allowing you a more restful sleep knowing there’s nothing to tidy.
Beds with built-in storage are also ideal for stashing items you want to keep out of sight. Additionally, try to keep electronics out of the bedroom whenever possible, as well as being extra clutter they emit blue light that can interfere with your sleep.
4) Not incorporating enough nature
Access to green space has been linked with improved mental well-being, overall health and cognitive development, and even within the confines of indoor spaces, elements of nature such as indoor plants can help decrease anxiety and depression.
Findings show that more than half of people feel more productive when surrounded by greenery and 60% claimed they felt happier in general. More than two thirds also said plants had a positive impact on their mental health.
Even incorporating nature-inspired colours into your home can help soothe the mind. Sage green offers a calming effect, while light blue promotes serenity with its connection to the sea and sky. Neutral shades like beige provide warmth without being as stark as white, offering a peaceful and unobtrusive backdrop.
Slowing down to sip a cup of coffee in a tranquil, plant-filled space can further enhance relaxation, creating a comforting atmosphere to enjoy moments of calm and boost your mood.
5) Poor lighting
Studies show that increasing natural light can improve mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Increased daylight exposure can help to regulate the circadian rhythm, which in turn enhances sleep quality and reduces stress. Homes designed to maximise natural light can decrease stress levels by up to 30%.
Light plays a crucial role in regulating your biological clock and circadian rhythm, which in turn helps manage sleep. You can opt to layer different types of lighting, such as bedside lamps, ceiling lights, wall fixtures, and standing lamps. In addition to layered lighting, blackout curtains can help create a dark environment, making it easier to fall asleep.
