Where we live plays a significant role in our mental health. If our living space is cluttered and unhappy, it can affect our mood and well-being. When your space is cluttered and messy, it can seriously impact your emotional well-being. Studies have shown that living in a disorderly environment can lead to higher levels of anxiety and stress. Not only does it make it difficult to find things when you need them, but it also creates a feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control.

The constant visual reminders of disorder can also trigger feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. In contrast, having a clean and organized space can help you feel calm and in control. It can also boost your self-esteem and confidence. So if you’re struggling with anxiety or stress, one of the best things you can do is take some time to declutter your space and create a peaceful haven for yourself.

But if our living space is peaceful and filled with things we love, it can be a haven that lifts our spirits. Creating a comfortable living space doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some simple tips to get you started.

Get rid of anything that doesn’t make you happy

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your life? If so, you’re not alone. In today’s materialistic world, it’s easy to accumulate things we don’t need and end up feeling bogged down by the sheer volume of stuff we own. Get rid of items in your living space that you no longer use or that no longer bring you joy. Donate, sell, or trash them—whatever you need to do to let them go. This will help clear out physical and mental clutter and make way for something better.

Do you have a favorite color? A particular style that you love? Surround yourself with things that make you happy and that you enjoy looking at. This could be anything from colorful pillows to your favorite art piece.

Your living space should reflect your personality and your interests. Fill it with things that are meaningful to you and that tell your story. This will make your living space more personal and unique—and, therefore, more enjoyable to be in.

Research shows that interacting with plants encourages mindfulness and mental well-being, reducing stress and creating a sense of calm. Greenery can soothe psychological distress, aid in relaxation, and restore clarity of thought. Whether taking care of flowers in your garden or spending time inside while admiring a beautiful terrarium, there are countless ways to leverage the natural therapeutic benefits of plants.

Natural light is essential for our physical and mental health. It helps keep our bodies on track with the sun’s cycle of rising and setting, which is important for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Without enough natural light, our mood can be negatively impacted due to changes in serotonin production. Natural light can also increase energy by increasing alertness and reducing fatigue.

By ensuring adequate exposure to natural sunlight, we can help balance our hormones, improve focus and attention, reduce stress levels, allow for better sleep quality, and create a more optimistic outlook toward life.

Music has the incredible power to change your mood instantly. Whether it is dancing around to an upbeat favorite, calmly listening to something soothing, or singing along with a catchy chorus, music can help reduce stress and increase happiness levels. Listening to music can also give you something positive to focus on in difficult moments.

Plus, research has linked certain types of music with lowered blood pressure and reduced anxiety. Music truly has the potential to be an effective tool for managing our emotions and improving mental health and well-being.

Having some kind of mess and clutter is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Your home doesn’t have to be immaculately clean or perfectly organized, but having a system that helps you quickly and easily put things away will help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by stuff. Take some time to declutter and organize your space. Take it one step at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed—start with one room or area, then move on to the next. This will help keep your space feeling fresh, clean, and inviting.

You can also use storage solutions such as shelves and drawers to help keep clutter out of sight. This will reduce visual distractions and make it easier for you to relax in your living space. A happy living space is important for our mental health and well-being. By removing things that we don’t need or don’t make us happy, incorporating things that do, and making our living space our own, we can create a haven that lifts our spirits and makes us feel good.

If you struggle with anxiety or depression and you’re feeling overwhelmed, or your symptoms are difficult to manage, it may be beneficial to start small. If your symptoms are severe enough to impact your ability to do even basic daily tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talking to a therapist may be the best way to discover coping skills and strategies to improve your mental health.

Serene Heath offers a variety of behavioral health and mental health services and flexible appointments through our telehealth platform so you can speak to a therapist online at a time that is convenient for you. There is no shame in seeking help and support when you need it. We’re here to listen and provide the resources necessary to help you create a healthier, happier life. Call us at 844-737-3638 or visit www.serenehealth.com to book an appointment.