The modern world is full of stress and anxiety, even without the burden of a global pandemic. Lots of us wish that we could relax more and shut out our anxiety when we want to, but these can often feel like unattainable goals. However, the reality is that we all have a lot more control over how we feel than we might realize.
The link between the physical space that we live in and our emotional wellbeing is now well-established. Creating a special space in your home that is there exclusively to enable you to relax is an excellent way of reducing stress for many people.
Find the Scent That Helps You Relax
Lots of people are skeptical of aromatherapy, and who can blame them? There are an enormous number of outlandish claims made about aromatherapy and the supposed health benefits of certain oils, and very few of them are backed up by science. However, one of the claims made about aromatherapy that we now know to be true, and which is backed up by science, is that it can help people to relax and reduce anxiety.
There are some scents – lavender and vanilla are two of the big ones – that are widely held to have more pronounced calming effects than other options. However, while there might be some minor differences in efficacy, most research seems to suggest that the most relaxing aroma for you is the one that you enjoy the most.
You don’t need any serious kit to get started with aromatherapy. A simple oil burner and a couple of bottles of aromatherapy scents shouldn’t cost you very much at all.
Fill It with Comfy Furniture
A key component of any relaxation room has got to be comfortable furniture. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as being able to sink into your favorite chair with a glass of wine and a good book. Whether you play video games, sew, or even just flick through your phone when you want to relax, having comfortable furniture to melt into while you do it makes it even more effective at helping you to unwind.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that comfortable furniture has to look less formal than the rest of your home. You can find comfortable furniture at every price point and in every style. If the thought of putting down a beanbag or massive cushions gives you heart palpitations, there is plenty of smart, formal furniture with a cath kidston oilcloth tablecloth that is designed for added comfort.
Of course, if throwing a big beanbag down sounds perfect for your home, then that’s always an option. In fact, businesses like Comfy Sacks offer super comfortable bean bags in a variety of styles. The shredded foam filling used in Comfy Sacks makes them among the most comfortable seating options around.
Shop around and you should have no trouble finding furniture that is comfortable and attractive, like a special spotty tablecloth. You don’t have to choose one or the other.
Keep It Free from Sources of Stress
It would obviously be hugely counterproductive to fill your relaxation room with potential sources of stress. For some people, their computer or laptop is an important source of entertainment and escape from the real world. However, there are also plenty of people who see their computers as a teacher that keeps them firmly attached to their jobs, even when they don’t want to be. It is up to you to decide what things will help you to relax and which are going to be problematic for you.
If you want your relaxation room to be as effective as possible, then you will need to make sure that you keep it a stress-free environment at all times. Don’t be tempted to bring your laptop into your relaxation room when you are working from home, for example. As soon as you do this, you create an association between your relaxation room and work. Before you know it, this will have become a habit and your relaxation room is now just a very laid-back home office.
You can set up your room to double as an office if you choose. However, if you take this approach, then you should give yourself a way of packing up the office and clearing the room so it is just for you when you are finished with your work for the day.
Keep It Tidy and Uncluttered
If you are naturally quite an untidy person, then you might not have yet discovered the joys of uncluttered space. However, once you have felt the benefits of decluttering your home for yourself, you will find it hard to go back to your lazy carefree ways. Maintaining a tidy and uncluttered home will help to declutter your mind and lots of people hugely underestimate how strong the link between the two really is. One way to do this is to rent a storage unit in Essex that will greatly help make your home be more spacious and tidy.
If you regularly feel stressed and claustrophobic, then it’s worth considering whether taking a new approach to your home maintenance might make a difference. Embracing the notion of, ‘a tidy house equals a tidy mind’, could be just the change in thinking that you need to start leading a more relaxed life.
Add Some Plants
Being surrounded by nature is good for us. There is plenty of evidence showing that people who don’t spend much of their time outside surrounded by green spaces pay a price for it. Spending more time outside is great, but it isn’t always possible to do so. A good compromise is to bring the outside into your home.
Decorating your relaxation room with plants of your liking is an easy way of making it more special and more relaxing. You can find plants that require little to no maintenance or you can choose plants that will need to be tended to – it’s up to you to decide.