The environment you live in plays a major role in shaping your mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. In fact, research has shown that a cluttered, disorganised, or poorly designed living space can increase feelings of anxiety, depression, and even affect your ability to focus. On the other hand, creating a space that promotes calm, comfort, and positivity can have a transformative effect on your mental health.
The good news is, you don’t need a total home makeover to feel the benefits. Small changes can lead to big improvements in your emotional and psychological well-being.
1. Clutter Can Increase Anxiety
A cluttered home can create visual chaos, which in turn can overwhelm your mind. Studies suggest that when our surroundings are disorganised, it can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression. The constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks or things out of place can leave us feeling mentally drained and unable to focus.
Small Change - Declutter One Area at a Time:
Start with small, manageable steps. Declutter one area or room, like a kitchen counter or your desk. As you clear physical clutter, you may notice your mental clarity improving. A tidy space can give you a sense of accomplishment and help create a calmer, more focused mind. You can also implement a "one in, one out" rule to prevent new clutter from accumulating.
2. Natural Light Boosts Mood and Energy
The amount of natural light in your home has a direct impact on your mental health. Exposure to sunlight is known to increase serotonin levels, the brain's “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Conversely, low levels of sunlight can lead to symptoms of depression, particularly in the colder months.
Small Change - Maximise Natural Light:
If possible, arrange your furniture to take advantage of the natural light available. Open your blinds during the day and consider using light-coloured curtains to allow more light into the room. If you don’t have access to much natural light, consider adding a few strategically placed mirrors to reflect light, or use a light therapy lamp to simulate sunlight during the darker months. Even simpler, spend time outside each day and get some direct sunlight.
3. Colours Can Influence Emotions
The colours in your home don’t just add aesthetic appeal—they can also affect your emotions. For example, warm tones like red, orange, and yellow can be energising but may also be overwhelming in large doses. On the other hand, cool tones such as blue and green are known to promote relaxation and tranquility.
Small Change - Introduce Calming Colours:
Consider painting your walls in soothing shades or incorporating calming colours into your decor. Soft blues, greens, and neutrals can help create a peaceful atmosphere. If painting isn’t an option, you can use colourful accessories such as throw pillows, rugs, or curtains to bring in the hues that align with the mood you want to create.
4. Air Quality Affects Cognitive Function
Air quality has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Poor air quality in the home, whether it’s due to dust, mould, or lack of ventilation, can lead to headaches, fatigue, and irritability. It can also negatively affect cognitive function, making it harder to concentrate or focus.
Small Change - Improve Ventilation & Test Your Air
Open your windows regularly to allow fresh air in, and consider using an air purifier to help clean the air. Adding indoor plants is another great way to boost air quality, as many plants naturally filter out toxins. You can also check the presence of any mould in your home using our kit, which can be found here.
