6 Interior Styling Tips That Will Ease Anxiety
See how you can arrange your home to help keep your nervous feelings at bay
Pauline Morrissey
8 May 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Being a self-confessed homebody, home truly is where my heart is. Having fresh linen on the bed and fresh flowers on my desk makes me happy. I believe there's a story to tell under every roof and I'm so delighted to make a living out of telling them.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Being a self-confessed homebody, home truly is where... More
Uncontrollable worry, lack of sleep, pounding heart and trembling hands. These are just some of the debilitating symptoms that come with anxiety. I have struggled with this chronic worry for some time, and while there are many ways to keep anxiety somewhat in control, for me it all starts at home. Home is where I can take deep breaths and clock off from my triggers. It’s where I don’t have to act calm on the surface, while paddling away furiously like a duck. In fact, for most anxiety sufferers, there really is no place like home. With this in mind, I’ve listed some tried and tested tips I have implemented around my home to help, along with some professional advice from experts who specialise in anxiety and wellbeing.
1. Welcome open spaces
I have found spaces that feel small, cramped and messy are breeding grounds for my stress and anxiety. “It’s easy for people with anxiety to feel pressured and on edge if there are piles of clothes, books and general household mess all around them,” Angus Munro says. “Having rooms that feel open around the home has a powerful stress-reduction effect.”
Tip: If you have a modestly sized home, do your research on creative small space solutions.
I have found spaces that feel small, cramped and messy are breeding grounds for my stress and anxiety. “It’s easy for people with anxiety to feel pressured and on edge if there are piles of clothes, books and general household mess all around them,” Angus Munro says. “Having rooms that feel open around the home has a powerful stress-reduction effect.”
Tip: If you have a modestly sized home, do your research on creative small space solutions.
2. Eliminate clutter
Objects that are out of place are another thing that people with anxiety tend to add to their mental to-do list. “The brain is agitated by mess and busyness, while order, patterns and symmetry help it to relax,” Munro says. “Not only does having a tidy home make it easier to stay organised, it gives a sense of satisfaction, which becomes a powerful antidote to anxiety.
Tip: Adopt the habits of people who always have clean homes.
Objects that are out of place are another thing that people with anxiety tend to add to their mental to-do list. “The brain is agitated by mess and busyness, while order, patterns and symmetry help it to relax,” Munro says. “Not only does having a tidy home make it easier to stay organised, it gives a sense of satisfaction, which becomes a powerful antidote to anxiety.
Tip: Adopt the habits of people who always have clean homes.
3. Let there be natural light
According to the book The Stress-Free Home by Jackie Craven, the lighting you choose will have an enormous impact on both your physical and emotional wellbeing. “Artificial lighting is very different from the light generated by the sun, so try and capitalise from the amount of sunlight that enters your home,” Craven says. I have come to find that this is most important during the winter months when we tend to spend less time outside.
Tip: Be mindful to place furnishings near windows to make the most of natural light.
See more inspiring living rooms
According to the book The Stress-Free Home by Jackie Craven, the lighting you choose will have an enormous impact on both your physical and emotional wellbeing. “Artificial lighting is very different from the light generated by the sun, so try and capitalise from the amount of sunlight that enters your home,” Craven says. I have come to find that this is most important during the winter months when we tend to spend less time outside.
Tip: Be mindful to place furnishings near windows to make the most of natural light.
See more inspiring living rooms
4. Bring the outdoors in
“Flourishing indoor plant life reflects ties with the natural world,” Craven says. “They have a greater purpose than just being aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, the residual effects of indoor plants will overflow into a calm and centred wellbeing.”
Research by a Dutch study found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms reported lower stress levels than patients without them.
Tip: Opt for the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), it’s renowned for improving indoor air quality.
“Flourishing indoor plant life reflects ties with the natural world,” Craven says. “They have a greater purpose than just being aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, the residual effects of indoor plants will overflow into a calm and centred wellbeing.”
Research by a Dutch study found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms reported lower stress levels than patients without them.
Tip: Opt for the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), it’s renowned for improving indoor air quality.
5. Dedicate space for solitude
One of the main things people with anxiety tend to worry about is how they are coming across to others; this is why it’s crucial to have space at home to spend time alone in. “Solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind,” says American author and psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter. “Constantly being ‘on’ doesn’t give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself.” Create a reading .corner, or a room with a specific relaxation purpose or simply close the door.
Tip: Create a nook where you can spend some quality ‘me time’.
One of the main things people with anxiety tend to worry about is how they are coming across to others; this is why it’s crucial to have space at home to spend time alone in. “Solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind,” says American author and psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter. “Constantly being ‘on’ doesn’t give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself.” Create a reading .corner, or a room with a specific relaxation purpose or simply close the door.
Tip: Create a nook where you can spend some quality ‘me time’.
6. Create an inviting bedroom
After a particularly anxious day, I find that my bedroom acts as a safe haven where I can more easily wind down and recharge. “An organised and attractive resting space is ideal for starting and ending the day in a calm frame of mind,” Munro says. “People with anxiety need somewhere they can unwind and totally switch off from the worries of the world around them.”
Tip: Studies show that spraying lavender scent on your bedding can help ease anxiety and insomnia.
Tell us
How have you arranged your home so it’s a more relaxing, nurturing space? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Read more lifestyle stories
After a particularly anxious day, I find that my bedroom acts as a safe haven where I can more easily wind down and recharge. “An organised and attractive resting space is ideal for starting and ending the day in a calm frame of mind,” Munro says. “People with anxiety need somewhere they can unwind and totally switch off from the worries of the world around them.”
Tip: Studies show that spraying lavender scent on your bedding can help ease anxiety and insomnia.
Tell us
How have you arranged your home so it’s a more relaxing, nurturing space? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Read more lifestyle stories
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Great article and well thought out. A warm and cosy home gives an immediate sense of wellbeing and security, especially during these troubling times.
Open spaces make a world of difference, right? Clutter can be a real stress inducer, and tidying up not only eases your mind but also brings that satisfying sense of order. And natural light, especially during the gloomy winter months, is a game-changer.
I've found that bringing a bit of nature indoors, like having some indoor plants, can really boost your mood. They add a touch of tranquility to your space, and the weeping fig sounds like a great choice.
Oh, and speaking of ways to improve your overall well-being, have you ever considered trying HHC Gummies? They might be a nice addition to your journey toward a calmer you.