Research has shown that your environment can have a strong impact on your mental health. So, it’s important to make sure your home is a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

But, that can often be easier said than done. A cluttered home can cause stress, but cleaning is time-consuming and it’s expensive to hire a service. Natural light can reduce anxiety, but rearranging things in a room might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re already struggling with your mental health.

So, what can you do to improve your mental state by making some changes in your home? The more you understand the connection, the easier it can be to make your environment a priority so you can take care of your mental wellbeing.

What’s the Connection?

Your mental health can be influenced by many things, including where you live. Some of the things in your own home that could be affecting your mental state every day include:

• The amount of light
• The colours of your rooms
• Clutter/organisation
• A lack of space

When those factors don’t line up with what makes you comfortable, they could lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression. Things like clutter can even cause confusion and tension, which could lower your motivation to get things organised.

Even your neighbourhood could impact your mental health, especially if you don’t live in a safe and secure location. Simply put, the things you surround yourself with the most are going to have the biggest influence on how you feel. You can start by making changes to your home, but it’s also a good idea to take steps to feel safer in your community. Some of the ways to improve the safety in your community are to get to know your neighbours, develop a safety plan, and invest in security devices.

How to Create a Space That Works for You

There is no “ideal” space or one-size-fits-all option for making sure your environment is good for your mental health. Everyone has different styles, tastes, and personalities. But, there are general rules that can help you get started.

One of the most important factors in a stress-free home environment is to make sure it’s clean. Yes, it can be hard to get motivated or even know where to start. But, by decluttering (even one room at a time), you can enjoy benefits like:

• Better physical health
• A sense of control and accomplishment
• A better mood
• Improved focus

To start incorporating cleaning into your life, begin with the little things. Pick up a few items each day. Or, focus on a room and set a timer for yourself to get things done. You’ll quickly see that it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task.

Another way to boost your mental health at home is to use light and shade to your advantage. Natural light is a natural mood-booster. So, open the windows and let in some fresh air. Accentuate the light by painting your rooms according to your needs. Neutral colours can provide a sense of peace and calm. Brighter colours can help you to feel more energetic.

Setting the mood in your home to improve your mental health can be as simple as reorganizing a room. Put some Feng Shui principles into practice by being mindful of how everything is organized and positioned. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try different things until you find what works for you.

Your home should always be a safe haven – a place that provides an “escape” from the real world. Whether you’re currently in a mental health crisis and understand how important these changes are, or you want to be proactive about your mental wellbeing, take a look at your environment and do what you can to make it a place of peace.

About the Author

Jori Hamilton is an experienced writer residing in the Northwestern U.S.

She covers a wide range of topics but takes a particular interest in covering topics related to health and wellness, including mental health awareness and addiction education.

You can follow Jori and learn more about her on Twitter and LinkedIn.