Home is where the heart is. It’s where we rest, it’s where we spend quality time with loved ones and it’s where we can socialise with friends. It’s a constant in our lives, strong and reliable, where we can relax and take time for ourselves.
The home is therefore an obvious place to centre your plans to create an escape from the stresses and strains of the outdoor world and to promote our health and wellbeing.
It’s a sign of the times that nearly 15 million people in the UK are seeking advice annually on their mental wellbeing. It’s hard to ascertain whether it’s the stress and strain of being constantly connected to the wider world, or it’s just the sheer pace of life that sees us falter, but one thing is for sure, it’s a brilliant outcome that people are more aware and are finding a number of sources are becoming more readily available to them to address it.
We at The Lighting Company, value people and have introduced an in-house app, to help staff deal with life’s moments. We understand that our customers have to be reliant on creating a positive wellbeing for themselves. Let us share some of the mindfulness we’ve learned on our journey.
Mindfulness; what is it?
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
There are many things that you can tweak in your home to create little pockets of peace that will lift your spirits. Don’t be overwhelmed, just tackle one job, one decision or thought at a time.
So, what are the changes you can make in your home to increase your wellbeing?
Let’s start in the bedroom… Keep those thoughts clean; we’re talking sleep! Bedrooms need to be a sanctuary where you can retreat to relax and have good quality, healthy sleep. In order to achieve this, you need to have ample storage for clothes – nothing is more jarring than gaping drawers and open wardrobe doors. If you can’t get enough storage in the room, consider bagging up seasonal items and storing them in the loft until you need them again.
Choose suitable window dressings for the light levels you feel most comfortable with; some people like total darkness whereas others may like natural light in the room to keep in touch with their circadian rhythm.
Try a lavender, vanilla or chamomile air scent to soothe away the troubles of the day. Consider writing a list of all the tasks you need to undertake the next day so that they won’t wake you in the early hours.
Choose luxury bedding that makes you feel relaxed and cosseted – it’s not a one-shoe-fits-all approach, this is for you to select what makes you feel good.
Lighting a bedroom needs to be convenient. You don’t want to get out of bed every time you need light – that’s not relaxing at all! Always have a light at arm’s reach from the bed; wall lights and table lamps are ideal for this and many come with a reading light for added comfort.
Whilst we’re on the subject of reading, it’s much better to read a book or magazine at this time, then straining your eyes on the screen of a device. If you feel you must look at a screen, many feature night-time ‘blue screen’ which is kinder to the eyes; or you can simply darken it for less glare.
Try and stick to the same bedtime and waking up routine and you’ll soon be bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning!