Most people don’t realize that their home has a major impact on their overall sense of well-being. Did you know that your home affects your sense of calm and harmony, your health and your outlook on life? It actually has the power to influence your moods, hormones and body chemistry and that plays a big role on your level of satisfaction in life, ability to find calm in the midst of chaos and whether you enjoy great health!
Every room is important but the mudroom plays a key role in your level of calm and harmony. It is the last impression you have of your home when you leave & it is the first area you see when you enter. You either walk in and with a sigh of relief, think, “Ah, I’m home”. Or you see the all-consuming clutter (meaning it consumes your physical & mental space) and that drains your energy. This sets the tone for a good portion of your day. Many people have confided that it makes them feel cranky to walk into a disorganized clutter filled mudroom or entryway. If you are one of the many it is time to make changes. You want to create a space that nurtures you instead of depleting your vitality.
Let’s look at a few simple solutions to help this space be great:
The first simple solution is to make it a clutter free zone. Everything in the space should have a place. Everything (period). If it doesn’t have a spot, either remove it or find a designated destination. This is actually easier than it sounds! Let me explain…
Studies have shown that more than 85% of our behavior is habitual. That means that much of our daily activity is repetitive, going-through-the-motion type of behavior. When we take a morning shower, you aren’t thinking about each step in the process. Rather, you move through the shower in a habitual daze that allows you to plan the day ahead. This is the brain’s innate ability to shift into an autopilot mode when mindless tasks are at hand. This helps to conserve your brain’s energy and need to focus on more important stimuli (like making sure you are safe). You can use this natural mechanism to your advantage to clear clutter and create an organized space where everything ends up in it’s place.
If you create an organized space where everything has a place there’s no need to put effort into thinking about where to put something or where to find it when you are rushing out the door. Unfortunately, on the days that you become stressed from misplaced items, your cortisol levels increase, which can create a whole myriad of health issues if not kept in check. When you begin your day off-quilter a negative momentum can spiral out of control effecting all other parts of your day. So, let’s look at ways you can train your brain to help create organized outer and inner calm.
Labels are a great reminder of where specific items go. They help to train your subconscious to put things in their designated place and create a habitual autopilot response. Color-coding baskets has the same outcome. Each color can have a particular item associated with it or a specific person who is assigned that color. This is especially great for children!
The second solution is bringing beauty into your space. Creating an aesthetically pleasing environment effects how much you smile. Studies have shown that when we are surrounded by beauty it triggers our happy hormones. Making your mudroom beautiful will leave you smiling as you exit or enter.
One way to bring beauty into your space is the use of color. We are all unique individuals and the colors you love might be different from the colors that make me happy. Begin to notice which colors make you smile. Different ways to add color include fabric for pillows or window treatments or using rugs. Find fun colors, textures and patterns that make your heart sing!
The third solution is including something inspiring or uplifting in your mudroom. This is going to be different for everyone. Remember, it is the last space you see before you go out into the world and the first place you see when you return home. An inspiring saying, picture or object can help you focus on what you want out of life. It can be a family motto or slogan, a piece of art that reminds you of something special in your life. It works on a conscious and unconscious level to help you set an intention for your day and your life.
These simple Home in Harmony Lifestyle Solutions will help you create a home that supports and nurtures your mind, body & spirit. What one thing on this list are you going to do today to begin designing your inspired life?
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Happy Soaring!
XOXO
