If you are one of the many Australians working from home, home schooling, just spending more time indoors or all of the above, you may have experienced a range of emotions by now. The recent launch of a new mental health and wellbeing campaign by our state government clearly demonstrates that they appreciate the fact that the current health crisis can take a significant toll on more than just our physical health and financial wellbeing.

Much of how we feel about staying home comes down to our attitude. For instance, while some people might feel ‘stuck’ at home, others feel ‘safe’ at home. Have you ever stopped to consider how your home is making you feel? If you are surrounded by clutter and disorganisation, of course this is going to rub off on your mood.

Fortunately, you don’t have to just accept it and pray for a swift solution to the crisis and the green light to go back to normal. There are a number of simple things you can do to transform your home into a haven of calm and positivity to help you and your family get through this time.

Let there be light

Natural light is scientifically proven to help combat anxiety and depression and boost happiness because it increases our serotonin levels, known as the happiness hormone. So open those curtains and blinds first thing every morning. For those of you working from home, consider taking your laptop outside from time to time and don’t forget to take regular short breaks and exercise.

Green up your interior

Having indoor plants in your home is another mood and health-enhancing strategy that’s backed by science. Not only do plants look great and purify the air inside your home, but they can also have a calming effect and improve concentration. If you doubt your ability to keep one alive, there is hope. Many attractive plants don’t need too much attention. Some just need the occasional drink and a bit of light to thrive like the Ficus Elastica, which is also known as the ‘rubber plant’. It likes moderate to bright indirect light and to be watered sparingly when the soil is dry. Other hardy low maintenance options include succulents and air plants.

Aromatherapy

Our sense of smell is one of our strongest memory-evoking senses. That’s why the right scent can be extremely uplifting and trigger-happy memories, such as a holiday by the sea or Christmas, instantly putting you in a good state of mind. Experiment with scented candles, oils and diffusers to find the right scent for you and your family and make your home smell wonderful and inviting. There are even aromatherapy oil blends for enhancing different moods and helping you focus. Opt for quality pure essential oils for the best results.

Declutter

There is no doubt that having a tidy home over a messy cluttered one will put you in a better frame of mind and leave you less likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Tackle one room at a time, beginning with your home office/workspace if working from home. Click here for more tips on setting up the perfect productivity enhancing home office/workspace.

Make your bed daily and opt for good quality linen

Now more than ever your bedroom should be your ultimate haven, a place of comfort, serenity and security. While it can be tempting to get and leave the bed unmade (after all, who’s going to see it?), get into the habit of making it each day as that simple act will put you in the right mindset to tackle your to-do list for the day. And if you ever needed an excuse to splurge on good quality bed linen, now is the time to order your favourite set online. Last but not least, don’t be tempted to use your bedroom as a home office. It is the one room in the house that should be considered sacred (well, perhaps also the bathroom) and used for sleeping, intimacy and relaxation only.