From Home To Haven: How Your Space Can Be Transformed Into One
Society has instilled us with a sense of urgency about life in the last few decades. Our schedules have double bookings, in case of cancellations and we have a 'Sorry, running late' message template ready. This fast-paced lifestyle has us wired to believe that getting tired is not an option anymore - studies suggest that Indians now care about their phones and connectivity instead of connecting with people.
Taking a break from this hectic life has metamorphosed into more of a chore than a relaxing activity because people find it hard to stay away from their phones for long. While on one hand, people prefer quick weekend getaways, an indulgence which comes with a heavy cost, they are also opting to spend money on wellness retreats and spas to revitalize themselves. However, I believe our own homes play a crucial part in helping us unwind and ease up because we have the liberty to customize them according to our own needs and sensibilities, into a haven where one can rejuvenate and relax after a hectic day.
Here are some quick tips that will help you transform your home into a space to refresh your body and mind:
A Meditation room: Meditation plays an important role in reducing stress and stimulating emotional health. It is essential to have a space in your home that not only manifests good vibes, but also enables healing after a tough day. A quiet airy corner within the house, not cluttered by furniture, is a perfect place to recharge your body both physically and mentally, and keep you balanced. Studies also suggest how meditation can positively impact the treatment of pain, anxiety and depression while aiding brain function. However, it is important to keep the area technology free as the whole purpose of meditation will be lost if your phone keeps ringing!
Mother Nature to the rescue: Nothing breathes positivity like plants! Not only do they make for a good aesthetic addition to one's house, they also help in improving health by boosting air quality, reducing carbon dioxide levels and reducing the risk of illnesses. Plants such as Peace Lilies, Azaleas or the Purple Shamrock not only add to the ambience through their colorful hues, but also help in improving your sleep quality and mental focus.
Breath better: It is common knowledge that the air quality in urban areas is borderline hazardous. Noxious air is not something that the body can adapt to and it has long-term effects detrimental to one's well-being. We often overlook the fact that indoor air is considered to be 10 times worse when compared to outdoor air. To combat this toxic atmosphere, air purifiers are no longer an option, but a necessity. One can install room air purifiers which improve the indoor air quality. An efficient air purifier should have features like HEPA filter, Activated Carbon filter, UV lamp and Formaldehyde filter to eliminate airborne contaminants.
Healthy kitchen: Cooker hoods or chimneys have become critical part of urban Indian households. Indian cooking habits are such that along with delectable, aromatic smells we also release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and suspended particles that can cause coughing, breathing issues and eye-irritation. In order to avoid these problems and promote ventilation, it has become crucial to install chimneys with a large cubic capacity in Indian kitchens.
'Light' up your mood: Ideally, lighting should be tailored, based on the utility of the room in question. Getting the right light positively impacts our mood and efficiency, thus promoting an innate happiness. During daytime, nothing can be better than exposure to natural light, as it increases energy and also enhances one's health. At night, it is recommended to abstain from using bright white lights since they are known to interfere with body's ability to produce melatonin and may end up disturbing the natural sleeping pattern.
Taking care of your emotional, mental and physical well-being should always be a top priority, and self-care need not always involve heavy investments. It is critical to focus on the little things that make the most difference.
