Self-care is a term you hear a lot of these days. And it appears that what once was considered a passing trend isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, self-care may be more essential now than ever.
Self-care offers many benefits – mentally, physically and emotionally – but how often do you consider how self-care carries over into our homes? From creating a sanctuary and retreat that inspires to decorating with items that bring you pure joy, here are four ways caring for your home is an act of self-care.
1. Create a Quiet Personal Space to Relax
One of the best ways to create self-care within the home is to create a personal space where you can unwind and relax. Transform a space into a safe haven, quiet and completely free of distractions. If your idea of relaxing is diving into a good book, transform a corner of the living room into a home library complete with a rolling library ladder like the one ones on this site.
You might even consider a home restoration project that can help you carve out a little retreat. If you prefer to pamper yourself by soaking in a bath and applying face masks, the bathroom might be better suited for your self-care routine.
Wherever you choose to create a quiet, personal retreat to relax, make it your own. Add scented candles with fragrances that calm the nerves, such as rosemary, lavender, peppermint or ylang-ylang. You could also add a deep and comfortable chair and throw that shelters you as you reflect or read a book.
It doesn’t have to be indoors, either! In the warmer months, choose a spot in the backyard beneath a tree or pergola where you can go to meditate. While the possibilities are practically endless, dedicate one quiet space for your self-care routine that makes it easier to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
2. Make a Space to Recharge and Feel Inspired
Self-care is about so much more than relaxing and finding quiet time for self-reflection. It’s not all bubble baths and meditations. It’s also about making time to recharge your spirit and feel inspired. Whether you choose a separate space in the home for this self-care routine or decide to combine it with your dedicated retreat, make sure to fill it with items that leave you feeling rejuvenated and activities that you enjoy.
For instance, if you are a craftsmaker or artist, make a small studio nook where you can keep a sketchbook or materials around that inspire creativity. If you find inspiration and get recharged by listening to music, store a playlist or two along with a set of headphones nearby.
If you enjoy physical activities as part of your self-care routine, put together a makeshift home gym or yoga studio in the garage or home office. Whatever passions and interests you have, create a space where you can regularly go to spend quality time for yourself.
3. Declutter and Make Cleaning Utterly Effortless
Another way caring for your home is an act of self-care is by keeping it neat and tidy. And the easiest way to keep your home neat and tidy is by addressing clutter and maintaining its cleanliness. The expression “out of sight, out of mind” could not be truer when it comes to self-care. Studies show that a cluttered home can have many effects on a person’s mental health, such as low subjective well-being.
Essentially, this means that someone who lives in clutter may not see their home as a welcoming retreat at all and, instead, as a source of discontent. So, as you choose a space to retreat or inspire you, be sure to keep it clutter-free and tidy. However, make sure to address the entire home as well. Declutter those problem areas (you know where they are!) and create some organization with extra shelves, cabinets and cubbies to grant more space.
Freeing a room of clutter not only gives you some peace of mind, but, in turn, can actually help you focus on more important things in life. There’s more than one self-care benefit to having a clutter-free home! Once you are done decluttering a space, it will make cleaning and other tasks that much easier to complete.
For instance, when you store away kitchen gadgets and cookware neatly in a designated space, it makes them easier to locate, which in turn makes you more inspired to cook nutritious meals. A clean and tidy bedroom also offers a more restful night’s sleep. If you despise cleaning, keeping a clutter-free home can also make maintaining it a bit more effortless.
A shelf free of knick-knacks is a lot easier to dust than one that’s not. And the same goes for that pile of laundry in the corner of the bedroom. Overall, tidy up and address areas that really unnerve you and frustrate you. At the end of the day, it will make you feel calmer and less anxious.
4. Decorate with Items That Bring You Joy
Look around your home and ask yourself which items bring you joy. It could be something as simple as a sofa that invites midday naps, a cozy wool throw or a lamp that casts a soothing glow. But whatever that piece of furniture or decor is, make it part of your daily life.
On the flip side, if you struggle to find joy in the decor and items surrounding you, it might be time for a makeover. Since you spend lots of time at home, it’s important that you not only feel comfortable and completely at ease, but also take pride in it. It should be welcoming and inviting, evoking your true spirit and becoming a reflection of who you are deep inside.
Consider adding cheerful items such as inspirational artwork, favorite colors and cherished mementos and collections. Keep in mind, too, that you don’t have to spend tons of money upfront to create your dream home.
Instead, have patience and collect items over time to create a more genuine space that suits your decor tastes and style to a T. Plus, the thrill of the hunt is always fun! From one-of-a-kind thrift store finds to keepsakes from your travels, a home should be filled with items that reflect who you are and add character to the home.
