There are a lot of things that cause stress at home. Here are some tips on how to use home decor to reduce stress levels:
1. Avoid an excess of straight edges
Modern decor is all about well-defined straight lines. It looks great, but the downside is that these edges can make you feel edgy. The human brain prefers curves and rounded edges because they are interpreted as ‘non-threatening’. On the other hand, straight edges are ‘threatening’ and trigger an alert in the brain. Continuously being on alert evidently causes stress build-up.
Quick tip: Soften the edges. Add rounded accents, like vases, or a round coffee table. Break the monotony of the rectilinear shapes.
2. De-clutter
Clutter is a common cause of psychological issues. Clutter visually triggers the brain into thinking about inefficiency and guilt, and makes a person feel overwhelmed and stressed. So, de-cluttering is crucial for mental health.
Quick tip: Get down to smart storage. Put stuff away, if you cannot sort and discard it. Find an effective way to control the tangle of TV and gadget cords. A hidden TV lift cabinet is fantastic for the TV mess while storage ottomans are a practical storage option.
3. Bring nature in
As hard as we try, humans have default nature settings. Nature is calming, which is why we need natural elements indoors too. Nature doesn’t only have to do with plants; it also means having a liberal dash of natural materials at home.
Quick tip: Get some plants to keep indoors. Real plants are a great idea, but if you are great at killing plants, get fake ones. Surprisingly, they are equally therapeutic! Also, an occasional floral arrangement on the table is awesome. Use natural materials, like a wooden dining table, a wooden hidden TV lift cabinet, wicker chairs, jute rugs, linen sheets, and so on.
4. Let there be light
Natural light is known to be a mood elevator. However, getting natural light inside depends on many factors, and it is not always possible to get as much sunlight indoors as you’d ideally want. So, compensate with artificial lighting.
Quick tip: Though you will need to use artificial light to handle the lack of sunlight in your space, make sure that you get sufficient warm light. White light looks chic, but can be harsh, unlike warm light, which is closer to sunlight. Table lamps and floor lamps are the perfect fixes, especially if you are in a rented apartment.
5. Create a screen-free zone/time slot
It’s common knowledge that modern gadgets are a big source of stress. There is a continuous influx of information from one gadget or another, to the point that the brain starts sending out signals of anxiety. That is why we need to unplug for some time each day.
Quick tip: Set aside a specific time slot when no screens or gadgets will be used. You could use a hidden TV lift cabinet to put away your TV too. The lesser the temptation to watch TV, the better. You could also set up a screen-free space in a corner of your home. The idea is to ensure that you work digital detox into your daily routine.
All these points are scientifically proven causes of stress. These changes can make a considerable difference in the quality of your life. So go ahead, and kick stress out of your home. More power to you!