How to Take a Holistic Approach to Creating a Positive Home Environment

On a normal day, we spend a substantial amount of time in our homes. From getting ready in the morning to relaxing after a long day of work, our home is a safe place. With the recent quarantines, we are now confined to this space. 

For those dealing with addiction such as alcoholism or gambling, you may be left to your own devices. Being confined to one space with limited (if any) interaction with others can create feelings of loneliness, boredom, anxiety and depression. These are common triggers for addiction, making this time especially difficult. 

Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can restructure your home to create a more supportive environment. To help, Apartment Guide created a guide on how to increase happiness and peace in your home. 

Some tips include: 

• Making your bed daily – a study showed that 71% of people who make their bed reported being happy. 
• Try journaling – The American Psychological Association found that expressive writing can lead to improved health and psychological well being. 
• Display meaningful photos – this can be a positive reminder of the people we care about and need to recover for. 
• Let natural light into your home – those that don’t get enough sun can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 
• Reduce the clutter – a cluttered space can cause the release of cortisol, which increases tension and anxiety in the body. 
• Embrace a no-screen time – too much screen time has been linked to depression, increased anxiety and poor sleep. 
• Set work boundaries – working too much can lead to burnout so create time boundaries when working from home. 
• Gather with loved ones – make time to gather with friends and family (even if it’s a virtual meetup). 
• Create a relaxing bedroom routine – getting enough sleep can improve heart health, reduce stress and boost memory. 

For more details on how you can improve your space, check out their full blog post on increasing happiness in the home.