With so many stressors in our lives we all need a retreat, a nurturing environment where we can chill out and relax.
When you come in at the end of the day do you feel that your home is your sanctuary? Or do you feel overwhelmed by all the outstanding things you need to attend to? Is your home a place to truly relax and unwind? If it isn’t, maybe now is the time to make some changes.
Start by having a good look around you. Is your home an oasis of calm, or is it untidy and makes you feel stressed when you look at it? Living in a messy, cluttered environment is a sure way to feel stressed. Try to keep on top of small chores, and not to let things build up. Put things away as you go along, instead of making one task into two.
Pay attention to lighting. This time of the year it’s important to get as much light as we can to stave off the “winter blues.” Studies have shown that the presence of natural light indoors has a really positive effect on health, and stress in particular. In the evenings, a calm environment with mood lighting can help us relax and ultimately prepare for sleep.
I often suggest to my clients that they create a personal ”sanctuary.” It may be a quiet sitting area or a corner that you can make your own. A Buddha, incense burner and candle can create the ambience of a sacred place. Some photos of loved ones or a favourite pet might also make you feel good. Visit this calm space every day and meditate or sit quietly. Allow yourself time to unwind, reflect and recharge.
Brighten up and calm your environment by arranging some fresh flowers in a vase, and enjoying the colour and scent. Why not treat your loved one to a bunch of flowers as a token of appreciation, gratitude and love?
Until next time. Steve
You may wish to know that Steve is now offering therapy sessions via Skype Please contact us through our website @ www.stevecliffordcbt.com
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Steve Clifford Senior Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist. Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHome_Sweet_Home_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_21566.png
Ref: Marturana, A (2012) “10 Small Changes You Can Make Today To De-Stress Your Home.” The Huffington Post : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/16/10-small-changes-de-stress-home_n_1970796.html [Accessed 20/10/15]
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