Creating Your Sanctuary: 10 Ways to Nurture Your Relationship with Your Home
This post is all about creating a haven by learning to nurture your relationship with your home.
Have you ever avoided going home because, for whatever reason, it is a stressful place to be? I definitely have.
I remember once hearing the idea that every item in your home has a voice and realizing I had created a space that is mean to me! Every dirty dish and unorganized drawer in my home was telling me I was a slacker.
How could those constant voices not affect your mental health?
Our homes are more than just spaces; they’re sanctuaries where we weave dreams, create memories, and find solace. So, let’s start chatting about ten ways to nurture this invaluable relationship and to make our homes vibrant centers of inspiration that fuel our aspirations.
This post is all about learning to nurture your relationship with your home to create a loving space.
Nurture Your Relationship with Your Home
1. Recognize How Your Space Affects Your Mood
Have you ever noticed how stepping into a clutter-free space instantly lifts a weight off your shoulders? It’s not just a coincidence; there’s science behind it. Our environment plays a significant role in shaping our emotions, and research suggests that a clean and organized home can positively impact our mood and reduce stress. Imagine the power of walking into a room and feeling an immediate sense of calm – that’s the magic our homes can weave. So, let’s start by recognizing this profound connection and embrace the potential it holds.
2. Embrace Imperfection
As moms aiming to empower others, we often find ourselves caught in the trap of pursuing perfection. But here’s the truth: perfection is overrated. In fact, embracing the imperfections in our homes can be so liberating! Think about it – those sticky fingerprints, the cozy chaos of toys – they’re not flaws, they’re part of the unique tapestry that is your home. It is extremely difficult to keep a spotless home 24/7 with kids in the house, so don’t put that pressure on yourself! If most areas are getting deep cleaned once a month, that is awesome! If it’s not perfectly tidy, relish in the authenticity and warmth that imperfections bring.
3. Create a Stress-Free Oasis
I’m a big fan of the “recharge retreat spot”: a cozy nook of your home where you can unwind and let go of the daily chaos. Scientifically, these spaces are known as “restorative environments,” and they hold the power to significantly reduce stress levels. It’s a place where you feel like you can let the stress melt away and just breathe. Creating such an oasis doesn’t require a massive overhaul; it could just be a comfy chair facing a window. I know, I know. Ideally we would like our entire home to feel this way, but just having one spot to sit to start can drastically improve your relationship with your home.
4. Declutter Your Mind by Decluttering Your Space
Our physical environment has a remarkable influence on our mental state. Research indicates that a cluttered space can lead to cognitive overload and increased anxiety. To declutter your mind, embark on a journey of decluttering your space. Go through your house and fill it with everything that potentially doesn’t serve you anymore. After six months to a year, donate those boxes without looking inside! If you haven’t use it in nearly a year, you probably don’t need it. As you clear away the physical clutter, you’ll likely find mental clarity following suit – a feeling of lightness that paves the way for fresh perspectives.
5. Look at Your Home’s Practicality
Our homes should be our allies, not obstacles, in our daily lives. Consider this: what’s one change that would make your routine easier? Maybe you need to find other homes for the appliances sitting on your counter so you can actually clean it, or a shoe basket would make it easier to sweep. These seemingly small changes can translate into big shifts in our overall experience, making daily life smoother and more enjoyable.
6. Respect Your Home, Nurture Your Soul
A home isn’t just a live-in storage container! It is a living space that holds our dreams. Just as we respect and care for our bodies, let’s extend that respect to our homes. Your home is your temple. By treating your home with care, you show that you respect the life you are trying to build and infuse positivity into the foundation of your aspirations. Every effort to maintain and enhance our homes is a testament to our commitment to our dreams and well-being.
7. Know the Needs of Your Home
We’ve all experienced the whirlwind of mom life, where endless chores seem to be the norm. But what if we approached these tasks differently? By creating a list of essentials that keep our houses functioning without overwhelming us, we bring a sense of order to the chaos. If used properly, lists let us trust that everything will get done and allow us to focus on the bigger picture – our dreams and aspirations.
8. Use Words to Create Your World
Close your eyes and imagine your home. What word comes to mind? Whether it’s “tranquility,” “adventure,” “cozy,” or any other emotion, that single word can become the cornerstone of your home transformation journey. Envision the feeling you want your home to exude, and let that word guide your decisions, from décor choices to the overall ambiance you create.
9. Groove while Cleaning
The hard fact is that every home requires some maintenance, so why not enjoy it? Gather some of your favorite toons to create a cleaning playlist that transforms mundane tasks into a dance party! Music has the power to elevate mood and even make cleaning actually feel like fun. So, put on your favorite beats and let the rhythm infuse a sense of enthusiasm into your cleaning routine.
10. Unravel the Challenges
One of the fun things about your home is that, unlike your relationship with people, you can change your partner! Take a moment to reflect on how your home might inadvertently be making life more difficult. Is there a layout that disrupts the flow of your day? Are there spaces that cause frustration? Identifying these challenges opens the door to finding creative solutions. By addressing these issues head-on, we forge a more harmonious relationship with our space, paving the way for smoother days and brighter moments.
Our homes are extensions of ourselves – reflections of our dreams and aspirations. By nurturing this relationship, we can create an environment that empowers us to chase our goals, embrace our imperfections, and find peace in the journey. So, let’s embark on this transformative path together, painting our homes with the vibrant hues of purpose and joy. Remember, your dreams deserve a nurturing home – and you deserve it too!
In case you were wondering…
Nurturing your relationship with your home isn’t a destination, it is a journey. Frankly, for us recovering perfectionists, that can be a hard thing to accept! If you would like weekly emails about how finding joy in the journey, click HERE.
If you want to learn more about… then check out these posts!
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– NURTURING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF: 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE THE EXTRAORDINARY YOU