Our homes should be our sanctuaries, a place to unwind and feel at peace. However, often our homes become a source of stress and anxiety. Over time, we develop habits that contribute to a chaotic environment. I was once in the same boat, but I managed to turn things around by simply giving up on certain habits. Here are the 14 things I stopped doing that made my home feel calmer and more peaceful.
1. Hoarding Unnecessary Items
Getting rid of the unnecessary clutter was the first step I took towards a calmer home. I’d been holding onto items I didn’t really need or use. These items were not only taking up physical space but were also contributing to mental clutter.
I began by decluttering one room at a time, sorting items into keep, donate, or throw away piles. This made the process less overwhelming. I was amazed at how much more peaceful my home felt after getting rid of all the unnecessary items.
2. Ignoring Natural Light
I used to keep my curtains and blinds closed most of the time, relying on artificial light instead. This made my home feel confined and gloomy.
I started opening my curtains and blinds during the day to let in as much natural light as possible. This simple change made a significant difference to the atmosphere in my home. Natural light not only brightened up the space but also improved my mood.
3. Overdoing Decorations
My home was filled with decorations. While these items were pretty, they made the space feel crowded and chaotic.
I decided to adopt a ‘less is more’ approach to decorating. This doesn’t mean that I got rid of all my decorations, but I became more selective about what I displayed. I kept only the items that had sentimental value or truly enhanced the beauty of my home.
4. Neglecting Indoor Plants
I used to think that indoor plants were just for decoration and didn’t pay much attention to them. However, I later learned that they can actually contribute to a calmer home environment.
Indoor plants not only add a touch of nature to your home, but they also help to purify the air. I started caring for my indoor plants more and even added a few more to my collection. They bring a sense of peace and tranquility to my home.
5. Keeping Electronics in the Bedroom
I used to have a TV and laptop in my bedroom, which often tempted me to work late or watch TV until late at night. This made it harder for me to unwind and get a good night’s sleep.
I decided to remove all electronics from my bedroom and make it a technology-free zone. I noticed that I started sleeping better and waking up feeling more refreshed.
6. Ignoring the Power of Scents
I never paid much attention to how my home smelled. But I learned that certain scents can actually help to create a calming atmosphere.
I started using essential oils and scented candles with calming scents like lavender and chamomile. These scents helped to create a soothing environment in my home.
7. Not Having a Cleaning Routine
I used to clean my home whenever I had time, which often led to a buildup of dirt and clutter.
I decided to establish a regular cleaning routine. I started dedicating a few minutes each day to cleaning different areas of my home. This prevented clutter from building up and kept my home clean and peaceful.
8. Keeping Unfinished Projects Around
I had a habit of starting projects and not finishing them, which led to half-done tasks lying around my home.
I made a rule to not start a new project until I had finished the current one. This reduced the number of unfinished projects in my home and gave me a sense of accomplishment.
9. Not Having a Place for Everything
I used to place items wherever there was space, without having a designated spot for each item. This led to a disorganized home.
I started assigning a specific place for each item and made sure to put things back in their place after using them. This kept my home organized and made it easier to find things.
10. Ignoring the Entryway
My entryway was usually cluttered with shoes, coats, and bags. This didn’t create a good first impression when entering my home.
I started keeping my entryway clean and organized. I added storage solutions like a shoe rack and coat hooks to keep things neat and tidy.
11. Not Setting Boundaries
I used to let work and other activities invade my personal space at home.
I started setting boundaries for different areas of my home. For instance, I designated a specific area for work and did not let work-related items invade other areas. This helped to create a more peaceful and balanced home environment.
12. Keeping Loud Appliances
I had several appliances that made a lot of noise, which added to the chaos in my home.
I started replacing these appliances with quieter alternatives. This significantly reduced the noise level in my home and made it a more peaceful place.
13. Using Harsh Lighting
I used to use bright, harsh lighting in my home. This didn’t create a calming atmosphere.
I started using softer, warmer lighting. This made my home feel more cozy and relaxing.
14. Not Taking Time to Relax
I used to be always busy with chores and activities, without taking time to relax and enjoy my home.
I started setting aside time each day to relax and unwind. Whether it was reading a book, listening to music, or just sitting quietly, this ‘me time’ made my home feel like a true sanctuary.
These are the things I stopped doing to create a calmer home. It wasn’t easy to break these habits, but the result was worth the effort. My home is now a place where I can truly relax and unwind.
