Tips to Create an Indoor Wellness Space Suitable for Work
By Guest Author: Megan Cooper
There’s no place like home. But what if your home isn’t helping you relax? People often equate wellness with fitness and nutrition, but wellness also includes how your surroundings support you, both mentally and physically. If you’re working from home, you need a space designed for productivity. You need an aesthetically pleasing and calming area for health and performance. Here are some suggestions as you design your home office.
Renovate Your Basement
The basement is one of the most under-used areas in houses. At the very least, it’s storage space. But you can also transform it into a home office, workshop, yoga studio, or play area for the kids.
Skip the DIY path, and hire a contractor to do the work. It’s less stressful and saves you time. The cost varies depending on the specific changes you’re making, materials required, and location. If you decide to install carpeting in the basement, make sure the contractor uses an underlayment. Basements are prone to excess moisture. A subfloor can prevent water from seeping through and causing mold and mildew growth.
When working on your basement, it’s a good idea to get in touch with qualified technicians for water heater and leaking pipe repair to have your water heater inspected. You’re likely making a significant investment into renovating your basement, and you don’t want to see your work and expenses be spoiled by a major leak. Though the average water heater repair typically costs near $600, this can be much cheaper than replacing water damaged drywall and carpeting.
Declutter
Clutter is distracting and can create negative feelings. In fact, it has been shown to increase anxiety and decrease mood. Take the time to remove anything that doesn’t inspire you or bring you joy, and that includes cleaning out the excess paper from your home office.
Marie Kondo, known for her organizational techniques, recommends discarding anything that doesn’t bring you joy. If you’re not sure where to start, use the KonMari Method. If the process is too overwhelming, hire a professional organizer to help.
Add More Natural Light
Most people feel more awake and alive with sunlight streaming through the windows. While you don’t want to sit in direct sun, you want more natural light in your office. If that’s not possible, then opt for more artificial lighting.
Winter can be long, dark, and cold. If you’re not getting enough natural light, consider installing windows that let in more sunlight. The installation of new windows can also give your home an updated look.
Add More Greenery
You can transform your office into a working wellness space by incorporating indoor plants. Studies show that indoor greenery provides health benefits. It can reduce stress, increase focus and awareness, encourage creativity, and promote overall well-being. It’s essential to choose the right plants for small spaces and those that thrive indoors. For example, you might use a cactus or succulent that requires little maintenance.
Update Your Bedroom
The bedroom isn’t just a space for rest and sleep. It’s one of the essential wellness spaces in your house. To transform your bedroom into a restful haven, start with paint. A fresh coat of cool color, such as blue or pale yellow, may help you sleep better.
Add a comfortable duvet to your bed. Opt for one that’s super-soft. Surround yourself with natural textures and soft materials, such as soft cotton, cashmere, and silk. Not only are these materials luxurious, but they also promote relaxation.
Make Your Home More Inviting
There are plenty of ways to improve your house’s atmosphere and make it suitable for work and relaxation without undertaking a complete makeover. Consider adding more plants, updating your bedroom, decluttering, or moving your home office to the basement.
About the Author:
Megan Cooper thinks there’s nothing more satisfying than a well-executed DIY project. For her, it all started a few years ago when she built a bookshelf out of reclaimed wood. She hasn’t looked back since. Today, she regularly tackles home decor DIY projects big and small. She created reallifehome.net to share all of the tips, advice, and resources that she has found most useful as she’s learned the ins and outs of DIY.
