Home. What does that mean to you? For me, home is my sanctuary and a place I can relax with my loved ones, be myself, and best of all catch up on my rest. For some people, home is not so welcoming or loving and sometimes is the last place they want to be. Home should be a safe and comfortable oasis to unwind and renew our energy.
Your Home Environment
The fourth aspect of health that I talked about in my last post is the Environmental component. Again, there are many ways to interpret this aspect. We talked a little about the external environment as far as weather and other factors that can affect our health. Today, I would like to talk about our home environment.
Do you dream of going home, putting your pajamas on, and snuggling up with a cozy blanket to watch a movie or maybe your favorite Netflix show? I have to admit I am somewhat of a homebody and sometimes need an extra push to go out because, after all, I am an Introvert. That being said, I cherish time with my friends and family and I love experiencing new things and traveling to different places.
As I get older, I find myself wanting more and more to just come home to relax. There’s nothing wrong with needing some time alone to recover from the stress of the day. Even if it is just a few stolen moments in the bathroom before you have to cook for your family and take care of everyone else! 😉
Your Home’s Role in Your Health
What makes a home so comfortable that you can’t wait to get there? Is it that you can just unwind and be yourself and not worry about having to be “on” for others? Why is it so important to feel safe, secure, comfortable, and happy in our homes? Our home environment plays a huge role in health and disease. Think about it… we spend a lot of time at home so it is hopefully a place with less stress. If it isn’t, then the stress you feel at home will eventually add up and possibly harm your health unless you can manage it well. Let’s talk about a couple of simple ways you can make your home a little less stressful.
2 Ways to Feel Great About Your Home
There are so many ways we can foster a healthy home environment. I don’t know about you but cleanliness and organization are my top 2.
Having a Clean Home
For me, having an organized and clean space to live in makes me feel good and a lot less anxious. Cleaning is one of my top ways to deal with anxiety. If you are focused on some other activity it will give your brain a break from the anxious thoughts. It is different for everyone what exactly makes a healthy home environment. Cleaning is tiring but can be very therapeutic.
I can tell you this…if you are living in a cluttered and unclean home you are adding unnecessary stress to your life and it will eventually affect you. Do me a favor and watch an episode of Hoarders. It is so sad how some people live but it does give you some idea of how living in a dirty and cluttered home can affect your health and relationships.
Being Organized at Home
Having some organization at home is my second way to deal with stress. I love looking through websites for ideas on creative ways to organize. Two of my favorites are Real Simple and HGTV. Check out their article- 20 Habits of People with Really Clean Houses. Both websites have some really interesting and simple ideas for organization.
Organizing doesn’t have to be expensive. You can stay on a budget by picking up items at the dollar store or Walmart. Pick up some baskets and those cool bins to organize stuff in your closet or pantry. It’s best to start with one project at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself! Ask for help from a friend or look into hiring a professional organizer if you really are into it.
Just know that when you are done it feels so great and I guarantee you will think about other areas in your house to move onto next! The winter is the perfect season to take a look around your house and identify what may need a little organizing and clean up. Make those snow days a little productive after some time on the couch with a good book or TV show.
Today is a great day to start 🙂
xoxo
Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage Stress, Chronic Pain, and Anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.
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