Written by Farris Wu, Founder, and CEO at DecorMatters.
Improvements to Try Around the House
First things first: The simplest and easiest way to reduce negative energy in a room is to remove unnecessary clutter. This includes clothes, kitchen appliances, wall photos, small decor touches, technology, toiletries, and other small items that are either unused or don’t contribute to the overall design. You’ll feel more relaxed and in control if you clean your personal space. Next up: sunlight. Open up windows and—if you can—walls to bring in as much natural light as possible. This will create a lively, joyful environment that will work as an instant mood booster. Letting sunlight into your house will positively affect your energy levels as it helps release serotonin, a neurotransmitter and hormone associated with feelings of satisfaction and calmness.
Another way to uplift a space is by changing the wall colors. Tones that are highly saturated and bold will evoke feelings of intensity and energy, whereas softer and brighter hues will create a relaxed and calming effect. Both can work, depending on the function of the room. For people chasing a minimalistic vibe, I recommend neutral and muted colors such as white, blush pink, beige, soft yellow, etc. If painting feels like a hassle, switch up the wall art instead. It is a fantastic way to express your creativity by arranging a layout that fits your mood, values, and personal life. Choosing pieces that mean something to you or that you’ve collected over the years infuse your home with personality, which can help you feel more at home. Finally, remember that adding plants, flowers, and other natural elements provides numerous benefits, not just for your mental health but also for your physical health. They promote better air quality, improve the energy flow, and bring the outdoors’ nature in to help us connect with our environment.
Build a Productive ‘Work From Home’ Setup
Besides curating a space to help your overall well-being, work-from-home setups have also become a significant concern for people whose return-to-office dates keep getting pushed back because of Covid. To put together a place that allows you to focus and channels your productivity, follow these tips:
- Use curved and round furniture because these are more visually appealing and soothing to our brains, boosting our effectiveness.
- Make sure your desk is not arranged to have your back against the window. A well-lit workspace is fundamental and bonus points if it has natural lighting.
- Keep in mind your furnishings. Purchase and use an ergonomic chair that supports your back. Office workers spend most of their time sitting down, and having proper posture will benefit your productivity and protect your physical health.
- Personalize and decorate your desk with photos, notes, or artwork. Having breaks and distractions is also healthy. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as clutter can be overwhelming.
- Try to be comfortable. If you are working from home, you might as well take advantage of it. Add a blanket, coffee maker, or other cozy items to feel rested while fulfilling your duties.
Try as many (or all) of these tips to improve your environment, which will trickle down to your mental wellbeing and productivity. The amount of time we spend at home has increased drastically over the past two months, and even the slightest changes can have significant effects. Give it a try!
