Most of our days begin and end at home. Having an inspiring place to wake up to and a soothing place to come home to is important for a sense of wellbeing. One of the most effective strategies to manage stress is to create a peaceful home.
Elements of a peaceful home
Listed below are certain peace-promoting elements that you can use to create a calming and relaxing home environment:
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- Create views. Open shades and curtains to view the garden beyond. Choose calming colours in you décor such as soft earth-like colours. Select landscape paintings for artwork that offer depth and perspective. A visually restful home creates a soothing atmosphere.
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- Decorate your home with natural elements. Wood, stone and plants are excellent additions and can be used regardless of the style of the house. These elements create a relaxing and natural atmosphere, effectively bringing the “outside” in.
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- Create an audibly soothing atmosphere. Relaxing background music contributes to a peaceful home environment. The sound of water is also extremely relaxing: install a tabletop fountain or a water feature near the front door. Avoid having the TV on unless you are watching a programme.
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- Try aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can help create a peaceful home that offers passive stress relief. There are many products on the market that can provide a soothing aroma for a room.
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- Keep the bedrooms free from computers, exercise equipment and desks. A bedroom should be a place for rest and relaxation and should not be used for work after working hours.
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- Avoid clutter. Clutter drains us of time and energy. Get organised and have a place for everything. Designate one space for essentials such as keys and wallets. Get rid of stuff you don’t need any more.
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- Keep the house tidy. Order creates calm. Family and friends can relax in a tidy house with the added stress-relieving benefits of having fun with friends. If you do not have time to clean, hire someone for cleaning.
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- Raise your energy levels. The eastern practice of Feng Shui (the ancient art of placement) is gaining popularity as people notice that their surroundings can influence the way they feel and the energy they have. Whether you are interested in Feng Shui or not, maintaining an uncluttered peaceful home can make you and your family feel more energetic and relaxed.
Sources
Feng Shui for real life. Retrieved from http://fengshuiforreallife.com/basics/
Indoor gardening: bringing nature into your home. Retrieved from https://www.lovethegarden.com/community/ideas-inspiration/indoor-gardening-bringing-nature-your-home
Simple guide to a clutter-free home. Retrieved from http://www.becomingminimalist.com/the-simple-guide-to-a-clutter-free-home/
(Revised by M van Deventer)