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Stress Busters: How to Create a Bedroom Sanctuary

 

Stress affects all Americans in some way, but when it leads to anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, it’s time to rethink the way your environment is impacting how you feel. Whether it’s work, relationships, or family life, there may be aspects of your daily routine that are overwhelming, and it can be difficult to learn how to cope with those feelings in a healthy way.

Fortunately, one of the best ways to beat stress is to turn your environment into a sanctuary. Your home is a great place to start since you likely spend the most time there; your bedroom, in fact, is the perfect area to eliminate stresses because it allows for more restful sleep and can boost your mood. Not only does your physical environment need to change, but it’s also important to remember that your activities and habits may need to be altered as well. Big changes may not be necessary; it could be something as small as limiting your screen time so you’ll have a better quality of sleep.

Read on for the best tips on how to create the perfect bedroom sanctuary.

Incorporate Some Nature

Many studies over the years have shown that spending time outdoors is hugely beneficial to both your physical and mental health, so it stands to reason that bringing in a little bit of nature could give you a boost when you need it the most. Placing plants around your bedroom is a great way to help reduce stress and keep you feeling good at the end of a long day. Look for small hanging window planters — great for succulents — or place a plant stand near the window and fill it with small pots of violets.

Get the Lighting Right

The lighting in your house is important, especially if you work from home or spend a lot of time in your bedroom. Slight changes in the lighting and temperature of your home can have a huge impact on the way you feel, so let in some natural light during the day and use bulbs that mimic daylight when necessary. It’s also imperative to make sure the temperature is comfortable. Click here for more information on how light and temperature can affect you.

Turn Off the Screens

Screen time has become more and more popular over the past several years as everyone acquires smartphones and tablets, and while these devices can be helpful and fun, they can also wreak havoc on your productivity and ability to get good rest. Studies have shown that the blue light these devices emit can keep you awake and interfere with the quality of your sleep if used before bedtime, so it’s a good idea to turn everything off at least an hour beforehand.

Declutter

For your bedroom to truly become a sanctuary, it’s imperative to declutter and clean it up. When a room has too many items in it, both your mental and physical health are affected, and you may find that it’s hard to relax in a space where every surface is covered. Look for storage solutions and pull out things you don’t use anymore; make piles for items that can be thrown away, donated, or sold. Remember that you don’t have to get rid of the things that hold sentimental value; this can be a stressful process in itself. Instead, consider re-homing them with a family member, or store them carefully rather than leaving them out.

Creating a stress-free space in your home to rest and relax is so important. It’s a place for you to retreat after a long day, or maybe it’s a spot for you to work comfortably. Whatever you use it for, make sure it allows you to feel good and won’t contribute to anxiety. With some small changes, you can beat stress for good.

Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net