Make Your Albuquerque Home More Relaxing

We are living in more stressful times. Your Albuquerque home should be your haven, but sometimes it’s hard to relax. That’s especially true if your home is chaotic. Use these tips to create a soothing space that is calming regardless of the day’s circumstances.

Add some greenery

Plants have been demonstrated to make your house seem calmer and ease anxiety. Plants like jasmine and English ivy can boost sleep, lavender and rosemary can lower stress, and several other green plants can improve air quality hence you breathe more easily.

Hide the electronics

Nobody wants to stare at cables. Fortunately, we now have more options than ever for hiding our tech devices away. When possible, go for smaller, wireless devices that don’t look intrusive even when left out in the open. Tie up cords in your media center so they’re not visible, and dedicate a drawer to charging cables and small technology when not in use.

Get a pet

Yes, pets are noisy and messy. But, according to studies, they reduce stress. Pet-owning patients with high blood pressure were found to experience lower blood pressure during times of mental stress than patients with pets. Another study indicates pet owners also have more chances of surviving for at least a year after suffering a heart attack.

Clear the clutter

Getting rid of clutter can affect your mental state in ways you wouldn’t imagine. “Clutter can play a significant role in how we feel about our homes, our workplaces, and ourselves,” said psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter in Psychology Today. “Messy homes and work spaces leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed.”

Tone down the harsh colors

Go bold, sure, but some calming shades of soft colors lend a more sincere vibe than, say, bright yellow, orange, or red. And if you want a deeper hue, consider shades of blues and greens. Those two colors have a reputation for being more calming than others.

Clean up your entryway

Your front entry is the first thing guests see upon entering. While you probably do not often pass by or through your front entry if you park in the garage, it may not seem as welcoming when you do.

Soften the lighting

Fluorescent lights and bright overhead lights are known for causing headaches. If you cannot get rid of them due to the space being too dark, a dimmer can at least give you some control over just how bright it is and create a softer mood when the lighting needs to be increased.

Limit the patterns

“Opt for solids and subtle patterns,” said Houzz. “Busy patterns have their place, but if you’re aiming for calm, then solid fabrics are your friends. Don’t be afraid to include subtle patterns, though: herringbone, tone-on-tone stripes, and tiny dots can add textural interest without competing for attention.”

Buy some fresh flowers

According to a study by Rutgers, “The presence of flowers trigger happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive way far beyond what was originally believed.”

Make your master bedroom a zen zone

If you want to get a good night’s sleep, make sure that your bedroom remains serene. A good mattress and soft textures on the bed can also help. “The sensation of touch is often overlooked, but a powerful way to unwind,” said Mass.gov.