Simple, Meaningful Changes

What we do within the walls of our homes, and how we experience them, shapes our mood affects our productivity and influences our outlook on life. Scientific studies have shown we can have an impact on our happiness, and sense of well-being by adjusting our space and routines in our daily lives.

It’s amazing how a few tweaks can become a catalyst for meaningful, positive change. Here are a few simple things you can do to feel happier and have a greater sense of well-being at home.

1. Make your bed every day. 

Gretchen Rubin, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Project, explains in her book, “this three-minute task is one of the simplest habits you can adopt to positively impact your happiness.” Try it, it’s true!

2. Bring every room back to “ready.”

 I discovered this trick from Marilyn Paul’s clever book, It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys. It’s a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take about three minutes to bring each room back to “ready” before you depart it.  When you re-enter you will be so glad you did.

3. Take care of easy interior decorating fixes. 

Often, a new coat of paint on the walls can make a room more comfortable. Same with some fresh pillows on the couch or a new throw. Look for things that are obviously worn out or outdated and replace them.  A few little things can make your home feel fresh.

4. Let the daylight in.

Your problems might evaporate in the sunlight if you open those blinds/drapes and let it in. Daylight boosts our mood and helps us think great thoughts.  It also helps our bodies stay in tune with our biological time clocks which will help with sleeping sound at night.

5. Build a library.

Reading educates you inspires you, and transports you to calming or thrilling far-away places. Build a library in your home and make reading a habit.  Reading is also great for decompressing at the end of a day and preparing your body to sleep.

6. Look around.

Get quiet and take a good, hard look around. Remove anything that bothers or agitates you, even if it was a gift from your Grandma Rosey!  If it doesn't produce a sense of joy when you gaze upon it, get rid of it.

7. Create a special place to relax.

Find a cozy corner to call your own; a place to read, meditate, pray or journal. Be sure to make it cozy and comfortable!

The above is a short list to get you started.  Just begin, and create meaningful change in your home one step at a time. Once you become more mindful of the environment of your home, additional changes may present themselves.  You can make a list and work through the items as you have time. It is an investment of time you will not regret!