Our homes are meant to be a respite: A place where you walk through the door and your shoulders relax, your breathing eases, and you feel like you’re in a cozy bubble protected from all the world’s noise. Try as we might, though, some things can inadvertently stress us out and create a sort of uneasiness as we move about. .
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Work-Related Items in Relaxation Zones
It may seem negligible, but if your laptop, backpack, schoolwork, or anything relating to work is sitting right next to your bed or on the couch, your brain subconsciously thinks about your to-do’s and any stress related to those non-home environments.
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Mail and Paperwork
There’s no getting around it: Piles of mail and documents will always feel like you’ve got some unfinished business. They hint at bills, deadlines, and decisions you’ve still got on your plate, which lead to a constant undercurrent of stress.
Basically, these documents don’t have to be “in sight” to get done. Having a scheduled window can ease anxiety and keep paperwork organized and under control.
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Dinging Digital Devices
The stress we experience from digital devices is probably grossly misunderstood. But one thing we do know is that notifications, pings, and constant dinging can really take you out of the moment.
He says that even something simple—like putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ or charging it away from your bed—can help your body actually wind down instead of staying half-alert.
The ‘Unseen’ Unclean
You may be great at keeping large surfaces cleared and have an established routine to tackle deep cleaning to-do’s, but a common mistake is forgetting about all the little, out-of-sight spots that require a regular once-over.
These are areas that you forget about, but still need to be cleaned: your walls, the baseboards, and door handles, for example. It also includes around appliances, behind the couch, and under the bed. Dust, grime, and dirt accumulate here, and whether you actually see it or not, your brain remains subtly aware that the gunk is stacking up.
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Harsh Overhead Lighting
If you haven’t adopted the rule of layered lighting, this is your sign to go for it. Sure, a bright overhead light may feel functional, but if it’s the only source you’ve got in your home, it can start to weigh on you. This harsh light keeps your brain in alert mode, making it harder to wind down.
The designer rule of thumb is to have three layers of lighting: overhead lights for general illumination, task lighting for focused activities such as reading or cooking, and soft, ambient lighting (a la table lamps or sconces) that create a more relaxed vibe.
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Piles of Stuff
Any professional organizer will tell you that keeping a tidy home comes down to efficient organizational systems that ensure every item has a home. Also, keeping a “put it away” mindset versus a “set it down” approach is key. All that said, a huge source of stress in the house is piles of stuff where they shouldn’t be. Think haphazard clothes in the bedroom corner chair, desks overrun with paper, and a kitchen sink filled with dirty dishes.
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Bedside Clutter
Your bedroom is a place for rest, so anything that works against the cause must be addressed pronto. One of the biggest culprits of stress is a cluttered nightstand, which can house everything from last week’s water cup to a stack of books you intend to read to random papers and wrappers.
Take time to clear this space and fill it only with items that bring peace or benefit your sleep. And in the same vein as “unseen” unclean, tackle any drawers or lower compartments of the nightstand, too. Even knowing it’s filled with stuff can low-key stress you out.
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