Your house ought to be a tranquil haven from the stresses of the outer world. A tidy, organized, and well-maintained home promotes mental peace, but a messy one might raise anxiety. Fortunately, there are simple actions you can take to bring tranquility back into your house. Here are some of the biggest sources of stress in the home, along with suggestions for resolving them.
Clutter
What is the primary source of stress in most homes? Clutter! A collection of stuff lying about in an untidy manner causes most people discomfort. Everything you possess is disorganized, with bits and pieces scattered around your home, making it look tiny and messy. In this setting, it’s no wonder people get anxious and stressed. But what is the solution? You can start making room in your home with thorough decluttering. Sort all your belongings and eliminate what you don’t find helpful or essential for your home. The golden rule is that you will probably never use it if you didn’t use it in the past two years. So get rid of it, whatever it is. Donate what is still in good condition and sell what can’t be donated. That way, you will also make some money while you make some space in your home.
The task list
The accumulation of tasks may cause real worry, whether it's the laundry in the corner, the dishes in the sink, or simply the general "to-do" list hanging on the refrigerator. The bigger the task list, the longer you put off the small tasks. Therefore, make a detailed calendar to refer to each day of the week and set out time to cross things off your list. Don't overthink it, and don’t let it intimidate you. As experts in addiction treatment at harmonyridgerecovery.com advise, take it one task at a time since you have to start somewhere. As you move through your list, you will see how your stress level will decrease.
Your pets can be among the biggest sources of stress in the home
Pets may be a subtle anxiety trigger, which is hard to believe for many. However, you may consider sleeping alone in your bedroom if a cat strolls on your face while you sleep. Or if your dog barks whenever something moves outside. Therefore, if you want a pet, pick an animal that complements your way of life. If going for walks or runs helps you manage your stress, you could adopt a dog. A less active animal like a hamster would be better if you are introverted and manage your anxiety by staying isolated.
Leaking faucets
These are another one of the biggest sources of stress in the home. Anybody can quickly go insane from the sound of a dripping faucet, but fortunately, the problem is simple to solve. You likely need to change the cartridge beneath your faucet handles. Therefore, you may fix leaky faucets by turning off the water, removing the handles, and replacing the cartridges. To ensure the issue has been resolved, reattach the handles and turn on the water. To avoid ending up in the same situation again, you can do some preventive maintenance now and then.
Bad lighting
Technology has brought us a long way regarding lighting, so why not take advantage of it? Don't let bad lighting make your house dark and gloomy. Instead, replace your light bulbs and consider making a few lamp purchases. Furthermore, if you have windows, use them! Your happy, healthy existence depends on natural light, which can instantly improve your mood and give you more energy.
On the other hand, darkness can increase your stress levels, which will cause you anxiety and result in even more stress. Unfortunately, stress can then drive people to fall into addictive behaviors. As experts in mental health say, a connection exists here, and it’s better to avoid it at all costs. So embrace the light and make room for it in your home.
Your work
With so many people working from home, it's crucial to separate personal and professional lives. Things that remind us of our jobs might instantly provoke anxiety and work-related thoughts. Thus, figuring out how to effectively divide the two is essential. For instance, simple measures like having a separate user account on your laptop for personal and professional time can be effective. Or try locking the door to your home office after the workday. Alternatively, uninstall your phone's app for work emails. These solutions have the potential to help you mentally set a barrier between work and personal time.
Unfit colors
What if the colors in your home are stressing you out without you knowing it? Bright, exciting colors, such as powerful reds or yellows, may negatively affect your mood if your home is full of them. Surprisingly, the lack of color diversity in all-white rooms might also stress people. As a result, consider using relaxing paint and furniture hues like cream, light blue, beige, and lavender. If these colors are not among your favorites, pick the perfect colors for your home based on how they make you feel when you look at them. Your gut feeling should help you choose what is right for you.
Odors
While trying to relax, all your senses should be active. Unfortunately, an unpleasant smell might prevent that. Therefore, check your refrigerator and pantry for rotten food, clean trash cans, empty cat litter boxes, and scrub your toilets. You can also get some fresh flowers or a scented candle, or simply open a window to let fresh air into your house to add enticing fragrances.
In conclusion
As you can see, it can be easy to handle the biggest sources of stress in the home. However, you must first detect them. Therefore, sit in your home, look at it, smell it, and listen to it. The more carefully you listen and watch, the more your home will tell you about itself and you.
