Recently, people have started to acknowledge the critical role mental health plays in our everyday lives. With that has come the realization of the importance of self-care, which is any activity we deliberately engage in to better our emotional, mental, and physical health.
The average human spends one-third of their life sleeping, meaning we spend at least that much time in our bedroom. For most of us, the number is even higher since bedrooms aren’t just for sleeping – we spend time there working, reading, or relaxing. The spaces around us affect our mood, so why wouldn’t we want to create a relaxing bedroom sanctuary promoting peacefulness and positivity?
The first step is to declutter and organize. Other tips won’t be as effective if you wake up to clutter on your nightstand every morning. Get rid of anything you feel just takes up space, find a home for everything else, and put things back where they belong when you’re done using them.
Studies reveal the beneficial impact of aromatherapy on stress levels and our brain’s emotion center. Scents like lavender, bergamot, lemongrass, and rosemary effectively reduce stress and increase feelings of contentment. Candles, wax melts, and essential oil diffusers also serve as decor to easily spruce up any space.
Colors have the amazing capability to invoke physiological reactions, convey emotions, and set moods within us. Vision is the primary source that affects most people’s experiences, and color addresses one of the most basic neurological needs for stimulation. The color of your bedroom can influence how your brain reacts and processes the space around you. If you feel it could use a fresh coat of paint, consider how you react to paint hues and shades.
Indoor plants can do wonders for our physical and mental health as plants filter out toxins and release oxygen into the air. Nature and greenery help us feel calmer and more relaxed, and caring for a living thing is a rewarding experience that gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment – especially when we get to see our plants grow and bloom! Studies have also shown plants can improve productivity and concentration levels by up to 15 percent.
Do bright lights leave you with the desire to sit in the dark? Create a cozy space by switching to warm-toned light fixture bulbs. Consider adding dimmers, which allow you to adjust brightness according to your needs.
Don’t neglect natural light from windows, either. A nice set of blinds allows you to utilize light during the day while blocking distracting glare at night. Window coverings can brighten an area and take your bedroom decor to the next level.
Nothing beats sinking into a soft comforter after a long, hard day. Adding plush bedding is one of the easiest ways to provide that cozy and protected feeling. If you want to go the extra mile, invest in a weighted blanket, which many people find to be an extremely effective sleep aid. W