Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do. Your body sustains you and carries you through life every day, and you should appreciate it for all its hard work. This can often be easier said than done, though, as your mood and mental state can be affected by factors outside your control.
Fortunately, we can design environments that help us feel at peace. Practicing effective self-care techniques helps with learning to appreciate yourself, and you can do many of them in the comfort of your apartment. Read on for seven renter-friendly tips for creating a self-care routine.
It's not always simple to remove distractions from your life. They're everywhere! But you can make the process simpler by carving out a no-distractions-allowed section of your apartment.
With no electronic devices and no loud roommates, it'll be your unique area for introspection. You can add some belongings — like novels or adult coloring books — as long as whatever you implement aids in cultivating peace.
If you meditate, this distraction-free section of your apartment is the best location to do it. Ease into a clear mind with no external factors to disturb your concentration. If the inside of your apartment is truly too busy to sustain a quiet place, you can create this peaceful area on your balcony if you have one.
Harsh lighting not only makes taking decent photos difficult, but it also affects your mood. Bright light heightens both negative and positive emotions, which may not be beneficial if you're trying to combat feelings of depression or anger.
The sun's natural light is the best kind, which is why so many lighting companies try to emulate it. You may find it a good idea to follow their steps and switch out your yellowed or fluorescent bulbs for more natural ones. You can do this for any room in your apartment and put the old bulbs back once you move out.
Various scents have proven physiological effects on the body, most of which are beneficial. Pleasant fragrances interact with the central nervous system and produce changes in pulse rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Lavender and peppermint scents dampen anxiety and stress. Lavender is especially useful for encouraging sleep, which you may need if you have insomnia.
They can even trigger nostalgia and past memories. Have a favorite scented candle that reminds you of a happy time in your life? Break it out and put a flame to it. Stay away from anything that reminds you of an ex, though — even if you're still on good terms with them!
Biophilic design isn't just making waves in the home decor space because it's beautiful. Studies show greenery actually benefits your health by purifying the air, removing up to 87 percent of air toxins in just 24 hours. Beyond that, houseplants can reportedly improve your productivity, reduce stress levels and boost your mood.
Plants and flowers are the perfect addition to any self-care space. After all, there are few things more refreshing than surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature. Renters can opt for herbs to refresh their cooking, flowers for a splash of color or low-maintenance succulents and cacti.
Some greenery has extra benefits. You can supercharge your self-care efforts by growing:
Sometimes, you just need a fresh start. Some ambitious people may move to a new country on a journey of self-discovery, while others stick to cutting their hair when they want to start anew. Tuck away your scissors and passport, though, because you have options beyond moving away or doing a full makeover.
Get the feeling of a fresh start and revamp your apartment space. A quick way to refresh your rental is to start rearranging your furniture. Think about the flow of space in your home and set up enough walkways that you can feel like your space is open and easy to navigate.
You can also focus on adopting minimalist design techniques, which aim to keep your focus off of stressful tasks and clutter. These strategies are most impactful in high-traffic areas, like your home office or kitchen.
Set a peaceful foundation by decorating walls with neutral tones and bright accents. Then, clear your countertops and add storage where necessary to keep your daily tasks out of sight and out of mind. At the end of the day, even your most action-packed spaces can be optimized for self-care.
People frequent their bedrooms and bathrooms more often than other rooms, and these spaces need to encourage relaxation with all the time you spend in them.
Keep the color scheme relatively neutral with whites and blues. Wind down after work with a bath, some essential oils and fragrant body lotion. Buy a fancy multi-setting shower head if you don't have a tub to take baths in. These small investments will be worth it.
Some people find it relaxing to bathe in complete darkness, although you may want to light at least one or two candles. It's a bit hard to relax when you're too worried about becoming a recreation of the shower scene in "Psycho."
With the chaos of work and school, you may neglect things you love, such as writing, creating art or producing music. Sure, you may indulge in these hobbies a couple of weekends a month, but is that really enough to make you feel happy?
Consider dedicating a section of your apartment to your craft. Create a workstation for writing, a mini studio for painting, or a small home gym for hitting the weights. Our activities help us feel centered and productive, and making space for them is an excellent step toward self-care at home.
Turning your apartment into a self-care heaven is relatively simple. All it requires is motivation and willingness to improve your health. With a few decor tricks, a little decluttering and some small investments, your apartment will feel like the calmest place on Earth in no time.
Holly Welles is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update, where she shares tips on making the most of any space. Her work can be found on Homes.com, Porch and other places around the web.