During the pandemic, we’ve spent a lot of time at home or in our bedrooms, so it’s understandable that we might be feeling a bit sick of the same four walls.
But does the way we decorate our spaces make a difference?
The effects of sunlight, spaciousness, plants and flowers, colour, and artwork have been extensively studied and, according to Psychology Tomorrow magazine, these techniques have been shown to reduce stress and evoke positive emotional responses in people.
But it doesn’t mean we have to KonMari everything we own until we’re left with no photos, a single pillow and half of our wardrobe. There are plenty of easy, budget-friendly ways we can decorate without being so drastic, that will still have a positive effect on our mental health.
Caring for your home is self-care
Though it can often feel like a chore, keeping your space clean, tidy and clutter free can help you feel calmer and more at ease within your space.
In a 2011 study, researchers found that a cluttered environment makes it more difficult to focus on a specific task due to a person’s visual cortex being overwhelmed by all the task-irrelevant objects in the room.
I’m by no means a minimalist, but I have found that reducing the amount of stuff I can physically see has made me less anxious. I am currently living, sleeping and working from a very small bedroom, so I can definitely see the benefits to not being confronted by huge piles of stuff as soon as you wake up.
As far as decoration goes, as someone renting I can’t go crazy on the walls with bright paint as I wish. Instead, I’ve had to decorate temporarily – with posters and Polaroids of my favourite memories, which have also been a great visual reminder of much better times throughout the lockdowns.
Plants reduce stress
In great news for plant hoarders everywhere, various studies have concluded that the presence of plants improved concentration and memory retention and reduced stress.
Not only are houseplants natural air filters that increase air quality and reduce allergens, they can also provide mood-lifting benefits. Flowers, whether fresh or faux add beauty and colour to any space.
But there are no real rules
As with everything to do with mental health, there is no one size fits all. The way you design and decorate your space should reinforce your personality and the things you love. Whether you like colour coding and displaying your books, or hanging memorabilia from the films you love, when you look around you should be affirmed by what you see.