Peaceful home: Declutter, bring in plants, create quite zones to transform your home into a sanctuary

Our home environment impacts our overall well-being. Creating a calm and peaceful home is crucial to create a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A busy schedule or a cluttered space can impact your mental health positively as one transforms his home into a peaceful retreat.

Simple habits and mindful practices can be very easy to incorporate into creating a space that induces relaxation and clarity. Here are effective ways to create a calm and peaceful home environment.

• Declutter your space

A messy house can make you feel more anxious, but an organised home can make you feel more relaxed and give a feeling of being in control. Psychology Today notes that decluttering helps improve focus, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm.

How to declutter:

• Start by sorting through one room at a time, discarding items that no longer serve you.
• Organise your belongings using baskets or bins to keep surfaces clean.
• Maintain a regular decluttering schedule to avoid unnecessary items from piling up.

Tip: Give yourself a fixed time to declutter each day to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes.

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• Incorporate soothing colours

Colours can affect your mood or energy level. Calming neutral colours bring a soothing sense of calm, while bright colours energise the space. Creating a soothing colour scheme helps establish a peaceful environment.

How to use colours effectively:

• Choose soft neutrals like whites, creams, light blues, and greens for walls, furniture, and decor. According to Healthline, calming colours like blue and green reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Add accents of natural tones or pastels through pillows, throws, or rugs.
• If repainting isn’t an option, consider smaller changes like changing curtains or cushions to match a calming colour scheme.

Tip: If you feel the need for vibrancy, incorporate colourful elements in smaller doses—think accessories, art pieces, or plants.

• Introduce natural elements

Harvard Health emphasises the role of being exposed to natural elements, even indoors, and highlights that this can reduces stress and boosts mood. Plants and natural light, and other organic elements, can have a soothing effect and help brighten up your mental well-being.

How to incorporate nature:

• Add indoor plants such as succulents, ferns, or peace lilies to your space.
• Maximise natural light by keeping windows clean and open or adding sheer curtains that let the sunlight pour in.
• Use natural materials like wood, bamboo, or stone for furniture and decorations to enhance the earthy vibe.

Tip: Plants not only purify the air but also add beauty and life to any room. If you're new to gardening, start with low-maintenance plants.

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• Create quiet zones

Having quiet rooms around your house will make it easy for you to withdraw from the noise and chaos of the busy world when you need to. As noted by American Psychological Association (APA), quiet spaces are essential for mental restoration.

How to create quiet zones:

• Dedicate a corner or room to relaxation, away from electronics or distractions.
• Invest in soft furniture, like cozy chairs or cushions, where you can unwind.
• Use soothing sounds, such as soft music or nature sounds, to enhance the atmosphere.

Tip: Keep your quiet zone clutter-free to maintain a calm, peaceful environment.

• Incorporate calming scents

According to Cleveland Clinic, “Aromatherapy can reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance well-being.” Various scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood have stress-relieving properties.

How to use scents:

• Use essential oils in a diffuser or add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it near your bed or workspace.
• Light candles in calming scents, such as vanilla, jasmine, or eucalyptus, to create a relaxing ambiance.
• Opt for natural, unscented cleaning products to avoid overpowering artificial smells.

Tip: Scented sachets or dried herbs can be placed in drawers or closets to keep your entire home smelling fresh and inviting.

• Use soft lighting

Lighting can dramatically influence the mood of a room. Overhead harsh lights tend to be overwhelmingly exhausting, as compared to soft and warm, cozy lighting.

How to enhance lighting:

• Switch to soft, warm bulbs instead of harsh white or fluorescent lights.
• Use table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights for a cosy, warm glow.
• Consider installing dimmer switches to adjust the lighting according to your needs.

Tip: Incorporate candles or Himalayan salt lamps to create a calming, zen-like atmosphere in the evenings.

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• Play soothing sounds

Music, white noise, or nature sounds can help create a peaceful ambiance and block out any disruptive sounds from the outside world. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that calming sounds reduce stress levels and improve focus.

How to use sound:

• Play instrumental or classical music in the background while you relax or work.
• Use a white noise machine or a calming sound app to create a soothing environment.
• Try nature sounds, such as rainfall, ocean waves, or birds chirping, to enhance the tranquil atmosphere.

Tip: Keep the volume low to prevent the sounds from becoming distracting.

Practice mindfulness and meditation

A peaceful home is not just about the physical space but also about cultivating a calm state of mind. As per Mindful.org, mindfulness practices reduce anxiety and enhance emotional clarity.

How to practice mindfulness at home:

• Set aside time each day to practice deep breathing or guided meditation.
• Use relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or mindful stretching.
• Create a ritual by lighting a candle or using calming scents during your mindfulness practice.

Tip: Dedicate a corner or space in your home for daily mindfulness practices to make it a part of your routine.

• Limit distractions

Too much noise or constant distractions can hinder your ability to relax and enjoy your space. Creating boundaries around your personal time can help you maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

How to reduce distractions:

• Set limits on screen time, especially before bed, to avoid overstimulation.
• Create tech-free zones or times to help you disconnect from the digital world.
• Practice saying no to events or activities that don't align with your need for peace and quiet.

Tip: Turn off notifications on your phone to avoid constant interruptions.

• Embrace simplicity

Simplicity in your decor and lifestyle can lead to a more peaceful home. Focus on fewer, high-quality items and create a space that feels open and uncluttered.

How to embrace simplicity:

• Choose simple and functional furniture that aligns with your peaceful aesthetic.
• Keep decorations minimal but meaningful, adding only items that bring joy or serve a purpose.
• Practise mindful consumption by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

Tip: Invest in timeless pieces that reflect your personality without overcrowding the space.

Creating a calm and peaceful home environment doesn’t require drastic changes; small, intentional adjustments can make a world of difference. By incorporating elements of nature, calming colours, and mindfulness, you can transform your home into a sanctuary where peace and relaxation abound.