Last updated on February 13th, 2024 at 06:21 am
Mental health can be affected by many factors, including your home and the daily spaces you inhabit. Creating a space that promotes positive mental health can help keep your stress levels down, lift your spirits, and strengthen your relationships with friends and family.
Using light, incorporating color schemes and even specific architectural elements can all impact your mental health.
1. Assisting Your Recovery Process
An unexpected illness or injury can hugely impact your life and a well-designed space can assist you in your recovery journey. If you have a spinal injury or a problem with mobility, you may need to make some changes to your home.
Avoid lifting heavy objects and ensure you have adequate storage space to keep heavy items out of reach. Consider installing ramps if you have a disability that affects the lower limbs.
Make sure your bathroom has ample space to allow wheelchairs to fit and that your kitchen has sturdy, accessible surfaces. Make sure your bedroom has ample space and is set up to allow you to use any necessary equipment.
If you have any major renovation work to do or equipment to install, it may be worth considering if you are eligible for any benefits, to make the alterations more affordable for you. As an example, veterans injured in the line of duty can get disability benefits and compensation (see the VA calculator here) which can help to pay for medical care, equipment, and treatment of the disability.
2. Helping You to Relax and Unwind
Home design can help you unwind and relax, impacting your mental health. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using plants in your home. Plants can help to lower carbon dioxide levels in the air, which can help you to get a better night’s sleep and be more productive during the day.
Incorporating natural materials, like wood, stone, and plants, into your home design can help you unwind and feel more connected to nature. You can also use lighting to your advantage.
Natural sunlight can help you feel more relaxed, but it’s essential to have adequate shading during the day if you want to get any rest. Avoid harsh artificial lighting during the day and use warm, natural tones at night to encourage relaxation.
3. Boosting Your Confidence
If you’re feeling down, you may be tempted to surround yourself with things that make you feel better. However, you may not be aware that you’re doing this, which can negatively impact your mental health. Instead, try to create a home that boosts your confidence.
If you’re feeling insecure about your identity, try to avoid decorating in your favorite colors or with your favorite things. Instead, try to use your home design as a way to express your identity. Use colors, words, and imagery that communicate who you are.
You can also use your home design to express your creativity. Modern house plans are great and can help boost your confidence and the aesthetic look of your home.
4. Improving Your Diet
Home design can help you to improve your diet by making it easier to eat healthily. If your home is small, try to avoid cramming it full of furniture, so you have plenty of room to move around. You should also try to avoid having sharp corners to prevent injury.
Create ample storage space for food and ensure plenty of hooks for your groceries, so you don’t have to keep them on the floor. Try to have a well-equipped kitchen area with plenty of drawers, cabinets, and shelving to store your food. It can make it easier to eat healthily.
5. Enabling Better Sleep
If you’re having issues with sleep, this can significantly impact your mental health, making you feel more stressed and anxious. A clean and tidy space is an important part of enabling better sleep. Make sure your bedroom is clutter-free, as any excess can impact your sleep quality.
You may also want to look into soundproofing, as a lack of silence can impact your sleep. Ensure your bedroom is dark and free of noise and light pollution.
Create a suitable temperature for your bedroom and ensure you’re not too hot or cold. A comfortable mattress and pillows are also essential for a good night’s sleep.
Bottom Line
Your home is a place of safety, security, and comfort. It should be somewhere you feel happy, relaxed, and at ease. Designing your home with these five elements in mind can help you to create the perfect environment to suit your needs.
It may take time and effort, but it will pay off. You should design your home to suit your physical needs, but also your mental health.
