5 Tips For The Perfect Mood-Boosting Home

Unfortunately, life is filled with things that cause us anxiety. Deadlines at work, family issues, romantic problems, health concerns, financial worries, and the state of the planet are enough to give you a headache. Not only does it have a harmful effect on our physical health, but it's also terrible for our moods as well. According to the World Health Organization, the rates of anxiety and depression disorders have risen 25% within the last few years.

So now, more than ever, it's important to design a home that is a space where you can feel safe, relaxed, and happy. The world is full of stress and danger, but when you come home, you should be able to relax and feel the weight of the world slipping away. So here are a few tips and tricks you can use to build an oasis away from the world and create your happy place.

Although some people don't mind living in messy homes, most would feel extra stressed when their space is cluttered and unorganized. You can instantly reduce your anxiety by simply decluttering your space and putting everything you don't use away (via At Home with Nikki). If you find it hard to clean up, it might be because not everything has a spot; it might mean you need more storage options, or it could be a sign that you need to purge some stuff.

Over time, we collect items that we don't really need. For example, those extra napkins you're hoarding, the three pairs of scissors in the junk drawer, and too many jackets that don't go with any of your shoes. By going through everything and creating a donation pile, you can clear out space so that everything you own has a spot. This makes cleaning up more manageable and less overwhelming, not to mention that you'll end up with a slicker and neater design around the house. Plus, there's nothing more satisfying than organization videos on YouTube. Turn on a few for inspiration, and then get to work on your own space.

For a few years, the trend for paint colors was gray and white. All white kitchens have been in style for about a decade but now, we're in the midst of a phase where everyone wants neutral colors like browns, creams, and off-whites. While all these are great color pallets to use in your home, they aren't the only options. Not to mention, they might not be hues you even like. Instead, opt for shades that bring you joy, Natural Living Ideas recommends. For example, if your favorite color is pink, paint the room in your house this hue! It will make you feel better even if it's not in style. In fact, trends come and go so you shouldn't really mind them that much. Do what makes you happy.

But for instance, if painting a whole room pink seems too much, then you can use more colors in your decorations. Find colorful décor at thrift stores, paint your own abstract art with your kids, or even buy fun throw pillows and blankets to use on the couch. Finding items to bring life and personality to your space will put a smile on your face and add personality to the overall design.

It's no secret that being out in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health (via Mind). However, with busy schedules and endless to-do lists, finding the proper amount of time to spend outside can be challenging. Instead, bring nature to you by using certain elements to decorate your home. Natural lighting can be a fantastic way to get more sunshine. Open the curtains to allow light to filter in. If you prefer more privacy, find some sheer curtains that still allow light to come in without losing the safe feeling shades give you.

A small indoor fountain can be both pleasing to look at and calming to listen to. If you're lucky enough to work from home, your home office might be the perfect spot. Houseplants are another fantastic way to bring nature into your home (via Bobby Berk). The stunning greens they bring are naturally relaxing and can also clean the air for easier breathing. Not to mention the satisfying feeling of caring for them and watching them thrive and grow in your home.

Art you find at Homegoods and Target can be pretty and an affordable way to fill your walls. However, if the art doesn't mean anything to you, it might be time to consider other options. There are endless Etsy shops with customizable options, including painted portraits of your dogs, outlines of your newborn baby, and personalized shadow boxes of your wedding.

These are the most meaningful ways to decorate your home, and they are far more likely to bring you joy and boost your mood. Of course, maybe none of that appeals to you. Art is subjective, and finding what will make you happy is a journey only you can take. Bustle recommends filling your walls with photos of family, friends, and memories. Another way to do this is by making art with your kids. Buy large canvases, lots of colors and brushes, and go to town by creating your own beautiful works of art. This could even be a fun date night for you and your partner.

Once you've taken the time to purge, organize, and fill your home with the things that make you happy, it's time to make a game plan. Life is busy, and house chores can get put off, and soon your home is a total disaster again. This causes more stress, and you're hard on yourself for not keeping up. So instead of swirling down that hole, sit down and create a cleaning routine you can keep up with. If you have a partner and kids who can help, enlist their help by keeping the home clean and clutter-free.

While you're cleaning, invest in scents that you enjoy. Not only should your cleaner smell good, but your dish soap, laundry detergent, and even the wipes you use to disinfect the door knobs should be pleasant. Additionally, you can use candles, incense, and aromatherapy oils to brighten your home's energy and help reduce anxiety (via At Home with Nikki). Just be sure to keep flames away from pets and kids, and research which oils are safe to use around pets.