This month, the annual World Mental Health Day was on October 10th, and it got us thinking . . . How can an apartment affect your own mental health? So, we looked deeper and discovered that you could do many things in or around your apartment, that will help you have a better relationship with yourself and the place you call home.
Here are some simple things you can do in your apartment for your own self-care:
Get Organized
One of the first and easiest things you can do in a small apartment (or any apartment) is to make sure you have designated areas to relax and work. It's important to do this, so your brain can separate the two because sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate work from your personal life – especially if you work from home.
By doing this, you will not only be separating the space physically, but mentally too.
Pro tip: If you have an open-concept apartment, try using a room divider. It will help you divide each section of your space while elevating your decor and helping you coordinate what each area is for.
Keep It Clean
Another great thing you can do for your mental health is to try to keep your apartment clean. Researchers have said that having a clean and organized home can have an impact on your mental health. Dr. Dawn Porter stated in an interview with Cleaveland Clinic that for many people, having a clean and organized home can help them feel in control.
“It can help them with their day-to-day routine. They know where everything is. Everything is straightforward. And there is also peace of mind from having an aesthetically pleasing place to wake up and return to at the end of your workday,” Dr. Potter says.
However, cleaning can be difficult for some, so we suggest planning your space accordingly. For instance, you can use a bin for dirty clothes or even designate a closet organizer that holds all the things you don’t want to put away at that moment. By doing these things, you will be able to keep your space organized. So, when you do have time to clean, you only have to tackle one spot and not the whole apartment.
Another great way to upkeep your apartment is to schedule your cleaning days. By taking time out of your day to clean and organize, your mental state will be clearer so you can focus on things you need to do and will be ready for when guests come over.
Pro tip: Try buying items that make cleaning a little easier, like a rumba or a Swiffer. By having these things, you can check more items off your cleaning list without having to do all the hard work.
Take Time for Yourself
Another excellent option for self-care is to make time for yourself. We know that it is common knowledge that taking time for yourself will do wonders for your mental health. But, we want to focus on things that you can do at home to make your me-time more rewarding.
One great option is to indulge in a bath. Baths are a superb way to wind down after a long day and also provide medical well-being. They improve your ability to sleep and are considered a good environment for meditation. So, we suggest taking time out of your day to wind down and take a 30-minute bath break before bed.
Pro tip: Try using Epsom salts in your bath. When you use Epsom salts, the minerals get absorbed into your body and can help relax muscles, reduce swelling and pain.
Decorate for Happiness
One more item that we wanted to touch on is ensuring that your space makes you feel happy, because when you dislike your surroundings, you are bound to experience negative thoughts and feelings.
In order to make your space feel like home, make sure to add some personal touches that make you smile. It can be your favourite book, a knickknack you picked up on your latest vacation, or even an item you have been gifted from a loved one. These things will personalize your apartment and help increase your endorphins from seeing these items every day!
Another suggestion is to try to pick a colour when choosing items to fill your space. A recent study found that changing the colour of the environment can influence your mental well-being.
This doesn't mean painting your whole apartment one colour, but try picking different coloured items that make you feel Zen or more relaxed because, in the end, you're going to have to be looking at it every day.
We also suggest allowing more natural light into your apartment because it has been proven to boost serotonin levels in your brain. Try replacing heavy curtains with lighter ones and strategically place mirrors throughout a room to enhance the amount of light in the space.
Pro tip: Try sticking to simple, lighter colours when decorating your apartment because when you stick to one colour pallet, it makes the environment feel cleaner and more cohesive.
If you found any of these tips helpful or are trying them yourself, make sure to follow us on Instagram or TikTok for more meaningful home ideas! And if you’d like to share them on Instagram, make sure to tag us or use the hashtag #tipswithavenue!