Whether it’s bringing natural light into your kitchen or creating the perfect cosy nook, your home environment can make a huge difference to your well-being.
It can make you feel relaxed, safe, and well, at home.
During the pandemic, much focus turned towards making our homes into a sanctuary and spending on home improvement projects rose by 36% in 2020. The continued popularity of remote working has meant a lot of people are still spending much more time in their homes than before the pandemic.
Whether it’s creating an office space to work from or a relaxing place to come back to after a busy day, a bit of home improvement is a great way to transform your home into a comforting haven.
If you’re planning on redecorating, these simple methods will spruce up your home and help to lift your mood.
Repaint
If the paint on your walls is starting to look tired, it might deserve a refresh. It’s a relatively simple and inexpensive way of improving the overall look of your home and a new coat of paint can also benefit your well-being in a few different ways.
It allows you to add a splash of your personality into a room and can even be used to divide different areas if you’re short on space, helping you to feel more comfortable.
When it comes to repainting, colour is also an important choice to make. Different shades can impact your mood in different ways – even alter your perception of temperatures. For example, warm tones such as reds, oranges, and yellows can evoke feelings of happiness and cosiness. Whereas cooler tones such as blues, purples, and greens are calming and perfect for areas designed for relaxation, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
Before you take out the paintbrushes, take time to think about what mood you want to create in each room and choose your colour accordingly.
More light
It’s well known that sunshine is a great mood booster – and the science backs it up too. Exposure to sunlight is thought to encourage the release of serotonin which helps you feel happy and alert.
Choosing windows with slim frames can maximise the amount of light they let in, and white sills will brighten the whole room up. Lighter colours are best for reflecting light, so adding other features such as furniture, cushions, or throws can make any space feel lighter and airier.
When the sun goes down, warm-toned lightbulbs and shades will help to create a soft, soothing ambience which is better suited to relaxation and sleep.
Doors
Doors help to add privacy and keep spaces separate for when you’re looking for some quiet time to yourself. External doors are also the first thing you see when you come home and can add visual appeal, boosting your mood before you’ve even walked through them.
Practically speaking, your doors can make a huge difference to the way you live in your home. A draughty door can sap the warmth out of rooms, and one that squeaks is an annoyance that can impact the overall atmosphere.
So, when you’re redecorating or renovating, don’t forget to make sure your doors are in good shape too.
Install an indoor gym
It’s no surprise that exercising has a huge range of health benefits. On top of improving your physical health, it can also positively impact your mental well-being. For example, exercising helps to stimulate the production of endorphins, the mood-boosting chemical that helps you to feel relaxed and optimistic. It also reduces stress hormones, which reduces your stress levels and helps you sleep better.
If you find yourself with a space to spare, such as an unused attic, garage, or spare room, consider transforming it into a home gym. All you need to get started is some simple gym equipment, like jump ropes, weights, exercise steps, or yoga mats.
Greenery
Filling your home with life in the form of flowers and foliage is another great way to boost your well-being. Greenery can come in all shapes and sizes, is lovely to look at, and adds a burst of colour to any room. If you don’t fancy yourself as green-thumbed, many indoor plants are also extremely hardy and will survive even if you forget to water them now and again.
Plants in the home can also boost your connection to nature, which can result in feelings of creativity and serenity. They also help to purify the air, reducing indoor pollution that can affect your concentration, cause headaches, or even irritate your throat.
However you choose to improve your home, remember that the changes you make can have a significant impact on your mood. With the right adjustments, you can help to turn your home into a haven that makes you feel energised and happy from the moment you wake up.