Mental Health Starts At Home

When most of us are looking for the best strategies to improve our health, it’s easy to forget an essential element of how you feel: your mental health. Indeed, while you’re investing in a better mattress to get better sleep, or choosing a balanced diet, you might have forgotten that you can use your home as part of establishing a strong and happy mental outlook too.  Your home is your sanctuary, and as such it’s the place where you feel safe and comfortable. What better place to improve your mood and protect yourself from the risks of poor mental health than in the comfort of your own home?


Build you happy home

Setting your stylish foundation

Your home reflects your personality and tastes. However, as this article explains, it’s important to understand that defining your style is about finding what works best for you, when it comes to terms of comfortable surroundings and peace of mind. Consequently, don't just go with the flow when it comes to furnishing and decorating your home.  Find things that appeal to you, that help you to feel comfortable in your home.  Start out with the basic furnishings and slowly add touches that you enjoy.


Use your decor to be happy

According to a Dutch study, the color yellow evokes feelings of happiness. However, it doesn’t mean that you should instantly repaint all your walls in yellow. However, what you can do, is add a bright yellow accent to a room, such as using yellow cushions in the living room, or maybe placing a yellow chair in your home office. You don’t need much to sense its effect! Additionally, the presence of happy memories, such as your favorite holiday photos, can immediately help change the mood, even in a dark room that doesn’t receive much direct sunlight.


There’s no denying it: Food can make you happy. However, instead of thinking of snack type foods, which can be unhealthy, you could consider healthy options that are good for your mood and your body. Walnuts, for instance, are a good source of magnesium, which can help to fight off the risk of depression.  Did you know that oysters zinc content can help to regulate your mood and improve your memory? Finally, for everyone who starts the day with a good cup of coffee, you need to know that caffeine consumption doesn't only boost alertness and concentration, but it also makes you less sensitive to depressive disorders.

Use your home to make the most of your senses, to boost your mood, assuming you know how to stimulate each sense. A bright and smooth decor will take care of your sight and your touch; a healthy kitchen pantry can care for your taste. Music playing in the background can help to spread joy through sound, especially if you choose light and happy tunes. Additionally, the use of fragrances can enhance your mood. The smell of vanilla, for instance, is an automatic mood lifter. Citrus scents can give you a rush of energy when you’re feeling a little down.


Vanilla makes you feel happy

Have a list of people near your phone that you can call to talk to.  Sometimes just having a friend on the other end of the phone helps.  You may need more help than a friend can give, so explore other options.  Try to talk to a counselor who can help.  Or if necessary set up an appoinment to meet with a counselor.

So, it’s time to create a home helps care for your mental health. Happiness starts at home!