Everyone needs a little bit of joy. And these days, finding joy has become a big business. There are gratitude journals, exercise programmes, spiritual practices and much, much more to help you achieve happiness, but what about finding joy in your surroundings?
Your home environment is essential to your happiness and wellbeing. And now that summer has come to an end, it’s the perfect time to work some magic as those darker days roll in.
In this quick read, we look at some ways to bring joy to your home.
Create a ‘You’ corner
Having an area that you can retreat to is a great way to give yourself a sense of wellbeing and escape. You might not have a whole room to yourself, but if you can, give yourself a small area in your home for an activity that brings you joy. For example, make yourself a reading corner. Add some comfy pillows, a light and a cosy blanket so you can curl up and read. If you’re not a bookworm, make yourself a hobby chair where you can sew, knit or do whatever it is that makes you happy.
Add some colour
An easy way to make your space brighter and more inviting is to add some art prints to your décor. Choose whatever gives you a good feeling, and go as bright and bold as you can. A splash of colour can lift the mood and give you something to focus on. If you feel adventurous, consider painting a feature wall to add a pop of joyful colour to your home.
Plants
Whilst vases of flowers don’t last for long, houseplants do. With the correct care and right positioning, houseplants add warmth and a sense of homeliness to your space. There are lots of health benefits to being surrounded by plants, and seeing them flourish will give you a sense of joy and accomplishment. You could also take some time to plant some seeds either in your garden or a window box to see them grow and flower over time.
Water feature
Whilst this isn’t possible for everyone, if you’ve got the outside space, how about welcoming some wildlife by building a pond? It might seem like a lot of work at first, but you’ll reap the benefits when you see tadpoles or frogs make themselves at home. For smaller properties, add a water feature like a tabletop fountain. Running water is a great way to reduce stress and increase joy.
Tidy up
This might not be a popular option, but there’s nothing like colour-coordinated cupboards or neatly stacked cans and packets of food to add a sense of order and stillness to a busy home. You don’t need to have a huge clear-out, but tackling one small space at a time will help you feel more relaxed and happier every time you see the results.
