While self-care is different for every person, it’s usually more than just face masks, bubble baths, and teeth whitening sessions. At its core, self-care is about reflecting on your well-being in all aspects—from physical to mental and spiritual. As you spend a lot of time at home, you might not realise that some elements within your home could affect your well-being. Fortunately, there are various ways to ensure your home is a haven where you can practise self-care and recharge physically, mentally & spiritually.
Declutter to boost self-care practices.
A messy space can easily add stress to your everyday life. So whenever you have time, get rid of those unused items that add nothing but clutter to your home—and life. You can pull off a Marie Kondo by asking yourself, “does this spark joy?” as you sift through those items. If not, it’s time to let go of them and clear some space in both your home and mind.
Let natural light into your home.
Natural light can boost your mood and make you feel energised throughout the day. Look at your home’s current layout and see whether you need to optimise the window areas. If not, consider rearranging your seating areas or bedframes so you can absorb more natural light when lounging at home. If you lack windows at home, consider installing skylights to let more natural light in—and make your home more relaxing whenever you need to take a breather.
Create a welcoming entryway.
First impressions matter even when you’re home. A stunning, organised and welcoming entryway can quickly signal that you’re entering a safe & relaxing space—and that you can leave your worries about work and other things by the door. You can improve your entryway by adding a large mirror to give the illusion of more space. Manage clutter in this area by utilising designated storage containers for shoes, jackets or umbrellas. Also, place some rugs to create a cosier atmosphere every time you step inside your home.
Add plants to make your home self-care-friendly.
Add life to your home by adding indoor plants. The presence of greenery can make your space easy on the eyes and relaxing. But keep in mind that not every plant is suitable for indoors. Make sure to pick plants that don’t need a lot of upkeep and can thrive in minimal sunlight. You can start with a snake plant, ZZ plant, monstera or fiddle-leaf fig tree.
Create a spot for journaling.
Your daily life is probably consumed with technology, from phones & tablets to laptops and smartwatches. Sometimes, too much screen time can take a toll on your mental health. So try spending your weekends screenless and focus on a hobby like journaling. You can even create a technology-free zone in your home, where you can disconnect from group texts and work emails and merely focus on reflecting on your thoughts and writing them down. An hour or a day of digital detox can help calm your mind and allow you to recharge mentally.
Ensure your kitchen aligns with your morning routine.
Have you had those mornings when you feel like you started on the wrong foot? Maybe, you couldn’t find your new batch of coffee beans or spent too much time fumbling through the cabinet looking for your new batch of cereals. An important part of self-care is setting yourself up for productivity & positivity at the start of your day. So consider having a section of your kitchen or specific cabinets organised specifically for your morning routine. You can arrange your coffee supplies in one area or have all your breakfast items easy to reach. That way, you can start your day feeling like the universe has aligned to make your day great.
Increase the air quality of your home.
Another way to ensure your home is a haven for relaxation is to boost its air quality. With healthy & clean indoor air, you can inhale, meditate and exercise peacefully. And even if you’re not working out or meditating, having good indoor air makes your everyday life healthier and more comfortable. You can improve the air quality in your home by adding indoor plants and ensuring your air conditioning unit is clean, functional & well-maintained.