Habits for a Happier Home

Home has never been more important than it is right now. Yet, many people feel anxious and unsatisfied with their current environment, reducing their quality of life. Creating a home that promotes daily satisfaction and moments of joy is key to maintaining our mental health right now.

The good news is that a restful house could be just a few small changes away. Here are 11 ideas for creating a happier home.

Before we get into it, remember that if you have serious concerns about your mental health during quarantine, call your mental health professional right away.  
  1. Make Your Bed
Do you have to make your bed if you just mess it up again the next night? Though it seems like a waste of time, the simple act of making your bed can increase productivity and boost happiness. Making your bed takes no more than a few minutes and can set you up for success from the minute you wake up.

  1. Don’t Let Dishes Pile Up
The sight of a mountain of dirty dishes in the sink can be a huge stressor. The best way to avoid the buildup is to rinse a dish as soon as you use it and stick it in the dishwasher. If you don’t have a dishwasher, wash the dishes by hand and set them on a drying rack. It might feel like a chore in the moment, but a clean kitchen is sure to boost your happiness and protect your family from sickness.


 
  1. Keep Surfaces Clutter Free
Too much stuff can be one of the biggest sources of stress for people. Your home should be a peaceful place. One of the easiest ways to keep your home tidy is to get into the habit of keeping surfaces clean. Though it’s tempting to throw your mail and keys on the table, put those things in designated spots and you won’t have to pick them up later. 

  1. Return Your Room to Its Normal State
One of the best practices to get into is putting a room back to normal before you leave it. After you’ve cooked, put away all the ingredients, empty the sink and wipe down the surfaces. This practice can be difficult to make a habit but the happy feeling you get when you enter a clean room is worth the extra effort.

  1. Decorate with Photos
Identify the memories that make you happy and display them on your wall. Put up your wedding photos, pictures of your grandparents and your kids’ first day of school shots. When you walk by those photos, you’ll remember how happy that moment was, and it will surely brighten your day.


Photo by Alex Otto on Unsplash
  1. Add Some Natural Elements
House plants are not only beautiful, but they also help reduce toxins in the air, boost your mood and improve productivity. If you don’t want the commitment of a houseplant, try adding a bouquet of sunflowers to your counter for an instant mood boost. Greenery makes an excellent addition to any room. Try incorporating plants in your bedroom for better sleep!


Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash
  1. Make a Zen Space
Our homes have become our office, our gm, our movie theater, our restaurants, so having a designated space for unwinding is crucial. The best way to create your personal zen space is to pick a spot that’s comfortable — it could be a small corner or a spare room. Decorate your space with cozy items that make you happy. Set aside time every day to go to your zen space and meditate, practice yoga or read.


Photo by JD Mason on Unsplash
  1. Show Your Personality
It’s empowering to express yourself, and home decor is one of the best ways to do it. Make a list of everything that makes you happy. Look at your list and incorporate those things into your home. Whether it’s paintings of the ocean, tea towels with cat print or the color pink, placing things around your house that reflect your personality will make you happier to live in the space.

  1. Let the Light In
The brightness and color of light directly affects mood. Blue light can increase productivity, bright light can heighten emotions and natural light can boost happiness. Open the windows, pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in. If you live in a dark space, add lamps and dimmers to boost the brightness and your mood.

  1. Choose Mood Boosting Colors
The colors in your home can directly affect your mood. The best way to optimize your space for positivity is to choose what specific mood you want to create and use those colors accordingly. Use yellow for an energizing feel, try blue for a calming space and use green for comfort.


Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
  1. Fill With Fragrance
Smell is the sense that is most closely related to memory. Have you ever smelled an old book and been transported back to your elementary school library? Try filling your home with fragrances that remind you of good memories. Filling your home with pleasant fragrances is sure to lift your spirits.

Photo by Mindaugas Norvilas on Unsplash
 
What have you been doing to make your home a happier place during the COVID-19 pandemic? Let us know in the comments!