If you’ve been taking the time to nurture your mental health, you’ll know that there are a myriad of outside influences that can make or break your mindset.
Traditional therapy or psychiatrist services are absolutely essential for just about everybody if you’re looking to maintain or attain a positive mindset, or if you’re treating a mental illness.
While we know that having a healthy diet and exercise routine is one of the most important things we can do to promote self-care, what may surprise you is that simple changes you can make at home can also impact your mental health.
Create a home gym
With the Covid pandemic restricting gym use in many areas of the world, many of us have needed to rely on long walks outdoors for exercise. In warmer climates, this is a great idea. Sunlight and fresh air have an immensely positive impact on our general well-being.
However, for those of us in cooler climates this isn’t always a possibility. That’s why it’s incredibly useful to create a home gym in our living spaces.
Even if you live in a small apartment, creating a home gym to rev up your endorphins is fairly easy and cost-effective. Just a few free weights, kettlebells, or resistance bands are all you need to develop an exercise routine that invigorates your mood.
If you have a larger space, consider purchasing a treadmill, elliptical, or other piece of machinery that can further enable your complete exercise routine.
But you don’t necessarily need extra equipment for a great, mood-boosting workout at home. Find a free video on YouTube and move along to a fun dance or walking cardio routine. An added benefit? You’ll feel better physically, too!
Welcome plants into your space
Bringing the great outdoors into your space has a huge impact on your general feeling of well-being. House plants can help us feel more relaxed, creative, and productive.
If you’re worried your thumb isn’t green enough, fear not! Visit a local plant nursery and they’ll be able to help you choose plants whose needs are relatively simple. Some plants require very little water or sunlight, so you can enjoy them even if you forget to water them every day.
Fragrant plants, such as lavender, also have aromatherapy benefits that can help you feel more calm and relaxed at home, especially if your home is currently doubling as your workspace!
Set up a cosy space
Remember when you were a child and you had a pillow fort or treehouse to relax in? Well, just because you’re grown-up doesn’t mean you can’t have your own sacred space.
Find a place in your home that you can outfit with some of the items that bring you the most comfort. Whether it’s a squishy recliner with a book by your side or a nook decked out with candles and salt rock lamps, you can create your own ‘adult pillow fort’ that’s simply a place that is all yours.
Try to find somewhere free of distractions and away from your workspace if you’re currently working from home. Visit your unique oasis whenever you feel like you need a break.
For some people, their bathroom is their cosy space. If you’re one of them, create a luxury spa vibe in your bathroom. Add an aromatherapy diffuser, candles, relaxing artworks, and indoor plants. Consider splurging on a waterfall showerhead and maybe even a new water-efficient toilet with a bidet to achieve the luxury bathroom of your dreams.
Keep your spirits up and creativity flowing
Spending a lot of time in a space that makes you unhappy won’t do your mental well-being any favours. That’s why it’s so helpful to change your space in ways that make you happy!
For more suggestions on how to make your home your happy place, check out Hippo’s blog, as well as the detailed infographic below.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
