How to use your home as a way to hit your resolutions 

With the fifth wave of this pandemic well on it’s way, now is the time to really focus on self-healing and focus on your well being. The less stressed we are, the better our immune systems are, and we really need to care for ourselves in this current climate, more than ever before.

The line between work and play is blurring as we try to work from home yet still have boundaries in place to ensure we have our personal down time. We’ve spent a lot of time over the past 2 years at home but attending work related zoom meetings. And we have been spending more time dining at home and less time out socialising and having fun with friends as restaurants and bars are limited with staff and operating hours, many reduced to only providing takeaway. There is still so much more uncertainty around this whole situation and we need to just slow down, take a breath and relax, and be kind to ourselves and to one another.

We need to keep our immune systems fighting fit, and focus on overall health. By choosing to stay active while at home, we are giving ourselves the best chance of fighting this virus and staying healthy. And by focusing more on mindfulness and relaxation by creating a peaceful sanctuary at home we will enjoy life a lot more as it will be far less stressful.

Move more, within your home. 

A really easy way to start is to simply start moving more. You could make movement within your home more frequent in a few ways. Add some beautiful artwork along your staircase or at the end of your hallway so the journey is a little nicer and encourages you to walk further around your home. Or for those who are really keen, why not invest in a couple of fitness video games to replace some of your TV time, and really work up a sweat in your living space?

There are a lot of classes available online, you can set up your TV and create a workout space in your living space and make it part of your morning routine to get up, and complete a quick workout class before breakfast. Creating good habits will make you feel productive, and the endorphins from exercising will set you up for a good day from the beginning.

Create a dedicated workout space.

If you have the space, a dedicated exercise area will make it easier for you to stick to these habits too. And if you can, set it up in such a way that makes working out at home more enjoyable for you. Think about the acoustics, what might you need to incorporate in the room to provide great sound, if you need some motivating music, is it worth investing in a good sound system? Or if you just want to hear soothing and calming sounds for a yoga session is surround sound going to be more practical? Candles, and a diffuser with a calming scent are also great for meditation and yoga areas.

Working, and working out. 

Active workstations are also good to help to keep on track, and get fit while you work. Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular in both corporate and home offices. If you have a sitting desk, set a timer to stand up every half hour or so and have a quick stretch. You’ll feel more productive, and it is often just what you need for a very quick break, before moving on to the next task.

Having a nice mix between relaxation areas, and ways to stay active at home is key as we focus on really looking after ourselves. If you have places within your home that encourage you to do things other than just sit and scroll, this will help you to reconnect with yourself and feel less stressed.

Disconnect to feel more connected. 

Reduce media consumption, and avoid spending too much time on electronic devices in a bid to reduce mental fatigue. Create more spaces that encourage you to enjoy things other than just looking at a screen. Having a comfortable area set up as a reading nook will encourage more reading. A cosy corner for a morning coffee, or even a space set up for meditation are great ways to spend more time connecting with yourself, enjoying your own company and not having to resort to simply scrolling for the sake of it.

Spending time outside connecting with nature also helps you to de-stress. Watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset can really make you appreciate the simple things in life. You don’t need to rely on getting all of your entertainment from a screen.

Evening rituals and sleep. 

Quality sleep is fundamental to your physical and mental wellness, and can be achieved by creating a calm and peaceful bedroom, as well as having an evening sleep ritual. Avoid activities before bedtime that are likely to over stimulate your brain and nervous system. Turning your computer off and avoiding using your smartphone at least 2 hours before bed is recommended. Moving your device chargers or outlets away from the bedside makes it easier to stick to this. The blue light on your phone can confuse the pineal gland in your brain into thinking it is day time, which can negatively affect your natural sleep rhythms.

Sleep also follows the body’s cooling temperature cycle; a warm bath before bed helps you relax and encourages sleep. Making sure your bedroom is cool and quiet will ensure a restful night’s sleep regularly. To keep you in sync with your circadian rhythm, full ambient lighting schemes can be created within your home using lighting design to harness technology. Using warm, dim lighting in the evenings enhances sleep and increases energy levels for the following day; wake up lights can also help with maintaining health. Circadian lighting can maximize and improve our sleep quality as well as making us feel more energized, improving mood, cognitive processing speed, concentration, memory and behaviour!

Investing in a quality mattress and luxurious linen along with one or two other smart storage space-savers for the room will mean less clutter, and more tranquillity.

An evening meditation, or spending some time journaling or reading in bed can help you to wind down before the lights go out. And ensuring the room is nice and dark will keep you relaxed and make it easier to get back to sleep if you do wake during the night.

Make your home your sanctuary. 

We are most relaxed when we are close to nature, and when we simplify things. Including biophilic design in your home – connecting nature to us within our built environments – gives a sense of serenity felt by being outside in nature. Green spaces can leave you feeling less stressed and more focused. And having leafy green plants around your home promotes good air quality inside (coupled with professional-grade air purifiers) and flowers like jasmine and lavender that have a calming fragrance can turn your home into a tranquil paradise.

This year if we focus on our overall well being, including our mental health this is what will help us get through without feeling overworked and stressed. Everyone has had a tough few years, and we all need a break! Create a home that encourages rest and relaxation, and make your home your sanctuary.