“A home is the place where we choose to live, not just a beautiful, complex formula of colors, shapes, and symmetry. Why not allow it to nurture us as well?” ~ Wendy E. Wrzos
We lived in the Chicago area for five years before moving back to NC in 2004. The winter weather was brutal. Our first January there, we had 33” of snow. Thanks to LL Bean, we had coats and boots to keep us warm. The winters were long and had us longing for spring, warmer weather, and yes, green grass to mow.
Like the summer of 2019, winter can hang around way too long and you may start feeling a little ‘blue.’ There are several things you can do physically to help beat the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that is sometimes referred to as “winter blues.” Exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting some vitamin D from the sun can help, but did you know that there are things you can do around your home to lift your mood as well? The ideas below just might be an inexpensive form of therapy and may work any time you need a lift:
- Feeling Bored: Reorganize your bookshelves. Start by taking everything off the shelves and wipe them clean. Go through the books, pictures, and accessories; decide which ones you want to keep. Trash, give away, or consign those items you no longer want and arrange what is left on the shelves. Check out Pinterest for tips on how to arrange.
- Stressed Out: Light a candle. Just the simple act of striking a match and lighting a candle relieves stress. Choose the scent wisely as some may help to change your mood: lavender helps you relax, citrus…… be more energized, vanilla….will elevate your mood and jasmine may ease depression. If the weather warms and it’s a sunny day, open a window or door and let in some fresh air to help flush out the stale air inside.
- Tired: Make a space in your home where you can go to read a book, take a nap, sit and look out the window, or meditate. Try to keep this space clutter-free. A blanket, book, pillow, a few favorite photos, and a green plant or two can help make this a happy place to be. My sunroom is that place for me….a favorite place for a Sunday afternoon nap.
- Overwhelmed: Make a list of the things that need to be done. Start with something small and accomplish one task at a time. Then move to the next task. It will feel good to mark these things off your list.
- Cranky: This mood takes a little more effort to overcome. Distract yourself with something physical that takes thought, effort, and energy. Paint a room. Rearrange your furniture and accessories. Organize a closet, pantry, or garage.
- Feeling Down: Start a gratitude journal and every day write down at least three things for which you are thankful. Once you start, you’ll be surprised how that list will grow, and before you know it, so will your mood.
Spring and warmer weather are coming! Need a little ‘Home Therapy’ help? ReDESIGNS by Ava is available to help you make decisions for kitchen and bath updates, choose new paint colors and furniture, or to do an Interior Redesign using the best of what you have. Call soon for an appointment. You’ll be surprised how a change in your home can lift your emotional well-being.