In your quest for happiness and well-being, you might get so busy with work, life, and other things that you can overlook one aspect that plays a major role: your living space. Your home is more than just a place to sleep and eat. It’s a container of memories, experiences and loved ones that you can design on a grand scale, and it can have a major impact on your mental health. Think about it—it’s the first thing you see when you wake up and go to bed. Here’s how you can optimize your space to support your mental health.

1. The Power of Color Psychology on Your Mental Health

Numerous research studies, anecdotes and marketing dollars in the billions all point to just how much color can impact your well-being. Whether it’s the entire color scheme of your home or just one room you can retreat to, you might want to keep soft blues, muted greens, or calming neutrals in mind.

Blue is associated with calmness and tranquility. It can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms. Green symbolizes nature and growth. It can promote feelings of balance and harmony, making it ideal for spaces where you want to relax and unwind. Neutral colors like beige and gray provide a sense of simplicity and elegance. They’re a popular choice for a blank canvas since they can create a versatile backdrop for various decor styles.

2. Decluttering for Mental Health and Clarity

A tidy space equals a clear mind. When you’re surrounded by disorganization and chaos, it can be challenging to find mental peace. It’s time to restore order! Combat this by making use of effective storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, and baskets. It also helps to not look at organizing as a chore, but more of an effort of self-care. Decluttering can evolve into a therapeutic process, allowing you to let go of the unnecessary and create a clean slate for a more relaxed and focused mind.

3. Natural Light and Mental Well-being

Sunlight is a natural mood enhancer. Exposure to natural light can boost the production of serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. To maximize the benefits of natural light, find ways to bring that sunshine in! If you have blackout curtains in your bedroom, go for sheer curtains in your living room that allow sunlight to filter through. Or, install double rods with sheer and heavy curtains so you can control the light in your space. Strategically placing mirrors can also help bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more cheerful. If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural sunlight, you can find smart bulbs that you can control via an app and set to a timer to mimic natural sunlight and twilight.

4. Incorporating Nature Indoors

If you can’t bring the sunshine in, you can take nature into your own hands. Nature has just as much of a calming effect on your mind. To harness the benefits of nature in your home, add indoor plants to your decor. The presence of greenery does more than boost your mood—it also purifies the air and adds depth to your space.

If you’re worried you don’t have a green thumb or are struggling with sunlight, you can choose plants that are easy to care for and thrive in dark spaces, such as snake plants and pothos.

5. Creating Cozy Corners for Relaxation

In today’s busy world, everyone needs a quiet place to escape the noise and find inner peace. If you don’t have a whole room, claim just a corner to make yours. For example, you could design a reading nook with a comfortable chair, soft blankets, and a small bookshelf. Or, you might dedicate a corner to meditation with plush cushions and soothing decor. This space can help you practice mindfulness and reduce stress.

6. Personalizing Your Space

Your home should be an extension of your personality and interests. Personalizing your space can create a strong sense of connection and happiness to it. Liven up those walls by putting up art and decor that resonates with you. It could be your own DIY creations, pieces that hold sentimental value, photos capturing happy memories or art that brings a smile to your face every time you walk by.

Make your space something you look forward to coming home to by carving out an area—even if it’s just a corner—for your hobbies. It could be a crafting corner, a home gym, or a music room.