Home Sweet Home

For me home is a sanctuary. The place we can feel safe and comforted by both the physical space and perhaps, the people inside of it. But don't start adding throw cushions to your shopping cart or planning that trip to IKEA just yet…

By Michael James Wong

I believe creating a space you feel happy in can be the foundation for your mental and physical health. But, this process is actually more about creating little moments of happiness rather than painting walls or making extravagant purchases. So whether you live in a studio flat, or you’re lucky enough to have something more substantial there are plenty of ways to transform the place you call home into an environment where you can restore, recoup and re-balance. 

Create No Tech Areas

For my own mind and mental health it’s essential to have some allocated ‘No-Tech’ areas within the home. This not only helps to create some boundaries, but it also allows for some dedicated space away from the overt stimulus of the internet and TV. This includes the sounds of the TV in the background. 

Find A Quiet Corner

I like to create, or find an area in the house that I can call my very own ‘quiet corner’,  this is a place where I can regularly sit and spend time doing things that I enjoy. When creating a sense of calmness for yourself in this space, you should do whatever helps you to feel your best. I don’t think it need to be fancy or grand at all, it can simply be a nice chair or cushion on the floor, maybe even facing the sun, where you can sit down and read, meditate, have a tea, paint, work on a puzzle or take a nap. By establishing this space, it helps to signify to the body and brain that it’s time to be at ease and take a moment to Just Breathe. 

No Work In The Bedroom

Don’t bring your day job into your ultimate sanctuary. For me, the bedroom is a sacred space, one that embodies the opportunity to rest and recharge. Leave your office and work somewhere else in the house and ensure that when you step into the bedroom you have the space to feel at home. As much as possible try to create a separate area or environment outside of the bedroom dedicated to your work where you can feel both calm and productive. Once you start replying to those emails in bed, you can find it quickly becomes a habit and that little space where you rest your head has now become just another place to think about your do to list.  

Add Colour,  Add Life,  Add Light

Allow yourself to be inspired to add colour and plant life into your home. For me natural living things like plants and flowers are great to keep my mind and mental health fit and engaged. The addition of plants and vibrant colours can elevate the mood and create a sense of joy in our sensibilities. If you already have a lot of greenery in the house, try to move them around and make an indoor green area, then spend some time taking in the sights and smells. It seems a given, but working under artificial or dim light does little for the body and mind. Where possible, give yourself access to natural light and fresh air. Open the window even if only for five minutes every morning to invite fresh air into your space.  

Stand Up, Sit Down

Spend significant time in your day standing up in order to keep the body active and moving, build a taller desk, have conversations on the phone or have your online meetings in the upright position, if all else fails simply walk up and down stairs just for the sake of it. Not only will this keep the body moving, it’ll also allow you to appreciate sitting down later in the day. Small changes like this can keep the body healthy, and create the opportunity for the mind to feel a sense of joy in the simple things, like taking a moment sitting in your favourite armchair.

Michael james wong

Michael is a community activist, writer, educator and meditation teacher, he is regarded as a leading voice in the global movement for modern mindfulness. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, raised in Los Angeles, California and is now living in London, his greatest joy in life is building and celebrating strong and meaningful communities. Michael is also the Founder of Just Breathe.

@michaeljameswong

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