Imagine this: you’re tired from a long day’s work. You head home after your long commute, and nothing changes. Your home doesn’t bring that sense of relaxation that it should. Instead, it seems to bring more stress than anything else. If this is something that sounds familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Stress is something that many Americans experience throughout their lives. However, many Americans also experience that their home isn’t the oasis it should be. So what are some reasons why your home might be stressing you out? Keep reading to find out the four most common sources of stress inside the home.
Clutter
Clutter is one of the most common reasons for stress. But why? A messy and cluttered home can make you feel like you’re not in control of your life. It can be hard to relax when your environment is chaotic.
Additionally, there’s the unconscious thought that if your home is messy, what does that say about you? This can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. If you’re struggling with clutter, start fixing it today.
The Fix
KonMari Method
The KonMari Method is a great way to declutter your home. Marie Kondo created this method, and it’s all about decluttering by category, not by location.
Start with your clothes. Marie Kondo says that you should hold each item of clothing in your hands and ask yourself, “Does this bring me joy?“ If the answer is no, get rid of it. This method can also be applied to other items in your home, such as books, papers, and knick-knacks.
One Room at a Time
If the KonMari Method feels like too much, start small. Choose one room in your house to declutter. Once that room is clean and organized, move on to the next. This method is all about taking small steps and not feeling overwhelmed.
Uncomfortable Furniture
Your furniture should be comfortable. It should also be functional and fit your lifestyle. But often, people hold onto furniture that they don’t use or that doesn’t fit their needs. Maybe you have a couch that’s too big for your space or an end table that’s always in the way.
The Fix
Measure Your Space
Before you go furniture shopping, measure your space. This will help you know what size furniture to look for. You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough room to walk around and that there’s not too much clutter in the room.
Choose Functional Furniture
When choosing new furniture, think about how you’ll use it. Choose pieces that are both comfortable and functional. Additionally, you can never go wrong with ottoman upholstery. This kind of upholstery is known to be durable and easy to clean, which is perfect for homes with kids and pets. They are also multi-purpose which can give you a lot more space inside your home. They are also far more resilient, which means they can last longer, making them an excellent home investment.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can also be a source of stress. It can cause eye strain and headaches. Additionally, bad lighting can make a space feel smaller.
The Fix
Natural Light
One of the best ways to improve your home’s lighting is to let in more natural light. If you have window coverings, open them up during the day to let in as much light as possible. You can also rearrange your furniture to make the most of the natural light in your home.
Consider Task Lighting
In addition to letting in more natural light, you’ll also want to consider task lighting. This is lighting specifically designed for a certain activity, such as reading or cooking. Task lighting can help reduce eye strain and make it easier to complete specific tasks.
Unfinished Projects
Another source of stress in the home is unfinished projects. It can be anything from a half-painted room to a mound of laundry that needs to be folded. Unfinished projects can make you feel like you’re not good enough or lazy.
The Fix
Set Small Goals
When you have an unfinished project, it can feel daunting. However, if you break it down into small goals, it will be much easier to accomplish. For example, if you have a room that needs to be painted, set a goal to paint one wall per day.
Or, if you have a pile of laundry, set a goal to fold one load per day. Small goals are much easier to accomplish and will help you feel less overwhelmed.
One Day at a Time
When it comes to stress, it’s essential to take things one day at a time. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Instead, focus on one task and one day at a time. This will help you feel more in control and less stressed.
Your home should be a place where you can relax and feel comfortable. However, for many people, their home is a source of stress. If this is the case for you, try using the fixes above and see how they help reduce stress levels. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy your home again.
