Make Your Environment work for Your Mental Health
By Susan Austin
Your environment can influence your mood in significant ways.
Light can help lift your spirits, and a clean home can be more motivating. But a messy or uncomfortable home can make it tough to invite guests over, or an overwhelming environment can create stress.
Creating an environment that supports mental health can make you feel better both physically and mentally.
It can support healthy emotions, encourage interaction, and may reduce stress and anxiety. Your home’s design, cleanliness, upkeep, and how you use your space matters. Learn how you can make your environment work for your mental health.
Encourage family interactions
Have a comfortable space where your family can gather, such as your living room and kitchen.
A common area where you can spend time together encourages interaction and family closeness, which can offer emotional support.
But keep your personal space private
At the same time, you should have a space where you can retreat for privacy.
We all need our own space sometimes, so it’s important to define where your private area is and remind family members that you expect to be left alone when you’re in your space.
Take care of your home
Poor living conditions can lead to stress and anxiety. You should feel safe and clean.
Manage major repairs and upkeep so that the safety and function of your home aren’t a concern hanging over your head.
Pay attention to design
Colors, how you use space, and the function of your home can influence how comfortable you feel. For example, a light blue wall can be comforting, while red can be bold or energizing.
Red might be a good choice for your dining room or kitchen, but not a good fit for your bedroom.
Open up natural light during the day and turn on lights if needed
Don’t sit in the dark. Bright light can boost your mood, whether it’s natural or artificial.
Open up shades during the daytime to get the most natural light, but if you’re not getting enough light, turn on overhead lights, too. Just keep in mind your home should be fairly dark when it’s time for you to start winding down and going to sleep, so light doesn’t interfere with your ability to get rest.
Manage noise levels
A noisy home can be stressful and especially tough to sleep in. Ask family members to keep the noise down, but take steps to manage noise on your own, too.
Use ear plugs, headphones, or white noise to block out sounds that bother you or cause stress.
Clear the air
We can’t see the air, but it makes a difference in how you feel physically and mentally.
Odors, allergens, and other nuisances can bring down your mental and physical state.
Consider bringing in an air filter, or indoor plants that can help clean your air and pull out unhealthy substances.
Make it easy to relax
Set up relaxation spaces for yourself, such as a reading nook, yoga zone, or just a bathtub where you enjoy taking in a soak.
Support sleep
Good sleep is essential to mental health. It makes it easier to deal with the stresses of daily life and puts you in a better mental space.
Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, quiet, and comfortable so you have an easier time getting the rest you need each night.
Cut back on clutter
A messy home can decrease your mental well being. Stress can become a factor when clutter piles up and feels difficult to manage.
Stay on top of clutter with organization and a commitment to banishing messes for your mental health.
Your can help support your mental health with a functional home environment that’s reasonably clean and well maintained.
Remember that caring for your environment is self care, and where you live can make you feel better, or worse.
Author Bio
Susan Austin is a family research specialist with Family Living Today. A mother of three and small business owner in Texas, Austin spends her days juggling work and family life — sometimes expertly, sometimes not.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy. Any links on this page does not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.
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