“Not having a space you can call your own is dangerous. Everyone needs a sanctuary.”

Marie Kondo, Japanese Organizing Consultant

As Marie Kondo states, “Everyone needs a sanctuary”. When in the grasp of everyday life, returning to a stress-free space is exactly what we crave. Take a look at these 5 ways to turn a home into a sanctuary.

1. Natural Light

Allowing natural light to enter the home is a perfect way to set the tone for the day. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D have been linked with depression. Winter depressions have also been shown to be responsive to light therapy. Allow light to enter your home by swapping out dark bulky curtains for lighter colors with permeable fabric. Some choose to get rid of curtains all together for a modern and open design. Inviting light into a home creates the perfect environment for a more breathable and balanced space.

2. Plants

Plants not only look great in a home, they serve as natural filters and humidifiers to aid in the quality of air around us. In creating a proper sanctuary, having these purifiers around are sure to boost our moods and health. Popular indoor plants for air filtration include english ivy, bamboo, peace lilies, philodendron, aloe vera, snake plants, and many more. Sprinkle a few of these plants around your home in efforts of creating your perfect sanctuary.

3. Aromatherapy 

A study from the Department of Nursing at Keukdong College in South Korea conducted a 4-week aromatherapy experiment on 42 college students who suffered from depression and irregular sleep patterns. The study found that students experienced decreased levels of depression and their sleep patterns improved (Lee, Inn Sook, and Gyung Joo Lee). When we first step into a space, scent is naturally one of the first things our senses take hold of. There is either a neutral smell, odd smell, or surprisingly pleasant aroma. Easy and cost-efficient ways to invite aromatherapy into a home include using diffusers or incense. You will be amazed at how adding a touch of aroma to your home can make all the difference. 

4. Music

Set the mood by adding some tunes in your home. Hearing your favorite song or a song that resonates with how you’re feeling at the moment is a sure way to boost your mood. Invest in some decent speakers to connect your phone to, or a record player and hunt for some records starring your favorite artists. Speakers run as low as $13 on Amazon, and record players, $39.

5. Declutter

Stress thrives in cluttered spaces. When coming home from a long and possibly stressful day at work, the last thing we want to be greeted by are the dishes from last night’s dinner or laundry that hasn’t been put away for days. By decluttering your home, you create a clean environment where everything has a place. Dedicate a day for a room in your home to declutter to rid yourself of stress and unnecessary clutter.

Works Cited

Lee, Inn Sook, and Gyung Joo Lee. “Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy on Insomnia and Depression in Women College Students.” Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, vol. 36, no. 1, 2006, p. 136., doi:10.4040/jkan.2006.36.1.136.