8 Ways to improve your mood
Feel better with some Interior Design tips for your home
Happiness begins at home, so when it comes to mental health, although there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, here are some useful Interior Design tips to help you regain a calming and relaxing space where you feel happy, safe and comfortable.
Firstly, your mental health is number one priority. Many things will affect your mood from feeling stressed at work to feeling isolated or lonely, so it’s important to find ways to improve your well being wherever you can. It’s important to get outside and be close to nature whenever possible as it’s our best friend. However, many of us spend far too much time indoors so whilst we are inside, we can certainly do things to create a positive effect on the mind.
Let the Sun shine in
There is nothing better than natural daylight, it’s an instant mood booster! Not only does it make a space feel less confined, the sun works wonders to improve your general mood. When in direct sunlight, the skin absorbs Vitamin D which reduces depression and sunlight also increases the amount of serotonin your brain releases, helping us feel calm and focused. If you have dark heavy curtains, open them wide to let the daylight in or better still, change them for a lighter shade, or a different solution such as blinds to minimise the amount of light they block out during the daytime and maximise natural daylight. Also try moving your furniture to face an open window or door allowing the sun to penetrate the room.
2. Declutter your space
Now you have opened the curtains, take a look at your space. It’s time to declutter any items that are taking up any unnecessary space in your home. Whether that’s a pile of magazines, a broken piece of furniture or an ornament you had as a present but don’t really like. Take the plunge and grab a couple of boxes - one for recycling and one for charity. Think of this clear out as clearing your mind - you are embarking on a new stress free lifestyle!
3. Go with Minimalist design
There are five key elements to Minimalist designs which are based on ‘less is more’:-
Minimalism creates a decluttered home.
They are easy to maintain.
Every piece of furniture has a purpose.
Minimalism is a timeless style.
It’s great for furnishing on a budget.
4. Introduce elements of nature
Many studies have shown how plant help reduce stress levels and anxiety. Our longing for plant life and natural elements of Interior Design taps into the primitive aspects of our DNA as we want to be in tune with nature. Studies into ‘Biophilic design’ show that plants help reduce stress levels and anxiety and improve cognitive ability, which is why they are so popular in offices. Making small changes to include a few houseplants or to install a window box can significantly improve mental health as well as adding colour and life to your space. You can also pick up some great ‘belly baskets’ for faux plants which look great mixed between real plants, you can hardly tell the difference!
5. Think about the colour scheme
Whilst you may be enjoying the minimalist look and neutral shades, it’s still great to add a pop of colour to improve our mood. Different shades conjure various emotions, so when debating on which to choose for your home, it’s key to think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create, how you want to feel when you enter that space and then which colours will help you to achieve this. Blues and greens are calming, friendly and natural whilst yellows and oranges are youthful, happy and confident. You can opt for earthy colours for a natural feel, or daring and flamboyant colours such as purples and reds for more energy although these would be best kept to accents rather than a bright red wall but if you need advice, I provide my clients with some information around colours when deciding on schemes for their room.
6. Make room for company
Now we can start having visitors which is great news for those who have been feeling lonely. It’s a great idea to open up lounges and kitchens to be more inclusive but if you want to make less dramatic changes, then arrange your seating so that people feel more inclined to talk to each-other rather than focussing on objects such as TV’s and toys that distract away from communication.
7. Mindful exercises
A walk is as good as a run, connecting with nature, breathing fresh air and getting your vitamin D. Exercise releases endorphins which make people happy, but if the weather isn’t great, why not bring in the ability to exercise at home by making space for a yoga mat and weights? These can be stored away when not in use so you don’t clutter up your space. Alternatively if you’re missing the gym then turn an unused room into a mini gym dedicated to fitness equipment.
8. Treat yourself
Old furniture that isn’t your style or is uncomfortable or low quality can affect your mood. If you don’t like the vibe it creates, you will not be happy until it’s replaced. New furniture doesn’t have to be expensive, you can find something you like online and shop around for something similar at a price you can afford, plus you deserve something nice after all that decluttering and exercising! Now that’s what I call a Win, Win!