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Your Home, Your Sanctuary: REAL SIMPLE Discusses Mental Health and Living Space

User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 September 29th, 2022

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Your House Does Not Have to Look Like a Magazine


The interior of homes online and in magazines are the epitome of perfection. But, the experts say this is likely not the best for your stress and mental health.

The panelists discussed how often people become tied to the appearance of their homes. They discussed how this can become an emotional burden on those who are responsible for the cleaning and decorating of the house. A responsibility that has historically fallen on women.

Making Your House a Mental Health Haven

“Whatever makes your home feel like a sanctuary to you, that is the answer there,” she said. “There is no rule.”

One main suggestion was a change of lighting. Yokota said natural lighting is great for mood as it increases levels of serotonin and dopamine. Bringing the natural world into your space is a great way to improve your concentration and focus, Yokota said.

“Plants have a wonderful effect on us,” she said.

Finally, the panelist discussed the importance of a functional house. They said someone's sanctuary space may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it may be the one that works best for you and your family. And through improving its function, you rid yourself of any anxieties surrounding it. “I think (functionality) is always the base level for your home being a sanctuary,” Davis said. “And making a home that functions for you might look different than the way other people's homes look.”

Read the complete article available at Very Well Mind!

Reflection:

Is your living space functional to you? How does it influence your mental health?

#Home #Functionality #MentalHealth
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User Profile: innateJoy9602
innateJoy9602 September 29th, 2022

@comfortableNight4463

Yes! Making our living space functional and comfortable is very important to our mental health!

I like to keep my window blinds open and have lots of plants around!🌱 :)💛💫

User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP October 17th, 2022

@innateJoy9602 That's wonderful! Plants are beneficial for mental health too! Thank for sharing.

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User Profile: calmDew1576
calmDew1576 September 30th, 2022

@comfortableNight4463 That's so true! Home doesn't have to be perfect as its imperfections reflect its history. I think the most important is to have a home that expresses you and of course add plenty of "opportunities" to so self care as you very well mentioned! Aromatherapy and color therapy can be so relaxing and effective in relieving people from stress. Thank you for the amazing post!

User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP October 17th, 2022

@calmDew1576 I agree, a home should be whatever you make it. Thanks for sharing!

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