When you walk through your door after a long day, how do you feel? Embraced and welcomed by the comfort of home, or are you stressed because there is clutter everywhere? Your home and how you live significantly affects your mental health. There are ways to make your home feel so sacred, so unique, that every time you walk in, you immediately feel relief.
Many of us have our own ways of speaking to our spiritual side. We pray, meditate, take walks in nature, listen to our thoughts, and surround ourselves with good people. Even if you’re not spiritual, you can still do certain things to make your home feel like a sacred temple. No matter your religion or spirituality, keeping peace in your home helps keep your heart at ease. And who doesn’t want a little soul time during these especially trying months?
The Entryway
As I asked before, how does it feel to walk through the door every day? Do you feel immediate relief as you enter, or are you already worrying about the bills on the counter or shoes all over the floor? Clutter is a big anxiety trigger. Try to keep your entryway as clean and clutter-free as possible. Keep that space open and perhaps hang up photos that make you feel happy. Many years ago, my therapist told me that having photos around that genuinely bring you good feelings helps relax the mind immediately. In times of stress, all I have to do is look in front of me to remember some of the best memories of my life. The same applies to every other room in your home.
Incorporating Nature
According to spiritual leader & global humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
“Our connection with the environment is our first level of experience and one of the most important. If our environment is clean and positive, it positively impacts all the other layers of our existence. As a result, they come into balance, and we experience a greater sense of peace and connection within ourselves and with others around us. An intimate relationship with the environment is built into the human psyche. Historically, nature, mountains, rivers, trees, the sun, the moon have always been honored in ancient cultures. It’s only when we start moving away from our connection to nature and ourselves that we begin polluting and destroying the environment. We need to revive these attitudes that foster our connection with nature.”
By incorporating nature in the home, you’re inviting the Earth to live in harmony with you. Even if you don’t know much about spirituality, nature satisfies our soul like water satisfies our thirst. We need nature as humans to survive. It only feels natural that our home, no matter where you might be (a high rise in New York City, perhaps?), has nature flowing through our space. You can find some great indoor plants in our article here.
Calming Colors
Cream, Grey, Pale Green, Blue
Science has proven that colors significantly impact our emotional and psychological state. Neutral colors have calming effects on us and subconsciously remind us of nature. Are we noticing just how much nature affects us? It enters every area of our life. Just some food for thought! Anyways, try incorporating only neutrals in the home. Adding harsh colors can be distracting and doesn’t help the psyche. If anything, it can make us uncomfortable at times.
Spiritual Elements
In terms of spiritual elements, this one is up to you. Most of us believe in a higher power. Whether we worship, meditate, or pray, many incorporate physical elements into their daily rituals. If you want to make your own altar or corner, go for it! If you’re going to incorporate Feng Shui, which we discuss here, place your items accordingly. Setting spiritual reminders around the home is an excellent tool for easing your mind. Some common spiritual elements include:
Less is More
This one is relatively simple. The more clutter we keep on the outside, the more chaos we have on the inside. Less clutter opens your space and leaves no room for stress or distraction. If you have a small home that can get messy, make sure to have an area set aside that is always clean and never cluttered. This will be your go-to spot when you want to clear your mind and become centered.
Setting the Ambiance
If you live in a loud home, I would suggest seriously finding that spot I mentioned above where you can fully reach calm. Living with other people, especially loud kids, can do a lot of damage to your mental health if you’re not relaxing. When trying to set the ambiance, think about your five senses.
What should you see?
Neutral colors and nature.
What should you hear?
The trickling of water, soft meditation music, or merely the sound of your breath.
What should you smell?
Incense, candles, essential oils, and or plants.
What should you feel?
At peace with yourself and your surroundings.
What should you taste?
Well, that one is up to you.
Some products that help set the scene include:
Trickling Indoor Water Fountain
White Noise & Nature Sound Machine
Always remember where your real home is, your head and heart. When you are at peace, the world around you becomes a much happier place to live in. By making your physical home a spiritual haven, you feed your soul with the necessary ingredients to live your best life.