Your home should always be the comforting, relaxing place you go to at the end of the day to unwind and feel at ease. But unfortunately, after a long day at work, many of us walk into our homes and are overwhelmed by all of the outstanding things that need to get done. And if we can't at least chill out and feel peaceful in our own homes, where can we? With so many stressors in every aspect of our lives, we sometimes feel like we have little control. But luckily, we can control our homes.
We put together a list of 10 small changes you can make in your home to make it less stressful and more nurturing. So, the next time you're wondering how you're going to get everything done at work, drive the kids to soccer practice, go grocery shopping and do the laundry (all without pulling your hair out), try a few of these tips to reduce your anxiety and bring some sanity back into your hectic life.
10 Easy Ways To De-Stress Your Home
De-clutter Your Space(01 of10)
A clear mind starts with a clear environment. If your home is a mess, how can you expect to keep your thoughts organized? This doesn't mean your home has to be immaculate (just thinking about that stresses us out even more!), but it does mean that you should live in a way in which you would be totally OK if an unannounced guest dropped in to say hi. Put everything back where it belongs and don't be afraid to part with unnecessary items that are just taking up space. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30093219@N03/4957982103/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Disposable Dreams" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30093219@N03/4957982103/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="12" data-vars-position-in-unit="12">Disposable Dreams</a>)
Don't Let Small Chores Build Up(02 of10)
It's easy to put off small chores when you're busy. But when that laundry pile grows so much that your hamper is overflowing and you can barely carry it to the laundry room, getting it done will seem even more daunting. Stay on top of these small tasks so they don't grow into overwhelming jobs that you'll dread. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanfreese/6873738692/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="seanmfreese" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanfreese/6873738692/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">seanmfreese</a>)
Let The Light Shine(03 of10)
Studies have shown that the presence of natural light indoors has overwhelmingly positive effects on health (and stress specifically). This doesn't mean you need to go out and get a skylight installed; simply make a conscious effort to push aside the curtains, roll up the blinds and let the sunlight shine through. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35168673@N03/3260073073/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="libertygrace0" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35168673@N03/3260073073/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="10">libertygrace0</a>)
Stock Up On Healthy Snacks(04 of10)
When you're pressed for time, it's easy to stop and grab something quick (and unhealthy) for dinner instead of making a home-cooked meal. But depriving your body of nutrients, on top of the stress, can take a toll on your immune system. Keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and allow yourself to fuel up on good-for-you food to stay healthy and power through the stressful times. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aedenhensley/5908477121/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Eden Hensley Silverstein" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aedenhensley/5908477121/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="8">Eden Hensley Silverstein</a>)
Decorate With Fresh Flowers(05 of10)
Ah, flowers. There's a reason we give them as a sign of appreciation, gratitude and love: they're beautiful and smell great--what could be better? Throw some fresh flowers in a vase to brighten up your home and calm you down. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/linus_art/5524612076/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="linus_art" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/linus_art/5524612076/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="6" data-vars-position-in-unit="6">linus_art</a>)
Get Rid Of Those Paper Piles(06 of10)
Similarly to de-cluttering, organizing paper piles will help you feel like you've got it all together. When you have a few minutes, go through that big mail pile and toss a few things. File the rest in a safe place, like this mail organizer. Go through your mail every day and get rid of all the junk to avoid paper pile-ups in the first place. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvortygirl/3945189711/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Dvortygirl" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvortygirl/3945189711/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="5">Dvortygirl</a>)
Find Your 'Calm Space'(07 of10)
Pick a place in your home, whether it's a quiet sitting area or the sinfully comfortable recliner in your den, where you can go to relax. Visit this calm space every day and do something that helps you relax, like reading a book. Even if it's just for 20 minutes, you'll be able to unwind and recharge for whatever else the day holds. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisibo/3688361786/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="lisibo" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisibo/3688361786/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="3">lisibo</a>)
Purge What You Don't Wear(08 of10)
No, that ugly sweater won't come back in style in four years. And those jeans will never fit you again. Take a few minutes every couple of days to find a few items you can donate. You'll mull over what to wear a lot less if you don't have a bunch of ill-fitting, worn out clothes staring you in the face every time you go to get dressed. Style should be fun, not stressful! (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sylvar/6176883420/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="sylvar" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sylvar/6176883420/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="2">sylvar</a>)
Power Down(09 of10)
We're so used to being connected at all times, that sometimes we never think to turn off electronics or log out of email or Facebook. Take a little vacation from all of your networks to give yourself time to think without distractions. Chances are, some of your stressors are coming from these outlets, so give yourself a little time to ignore them and organize your thoughts. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitmensch0812/2518815566/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Mitmensch0812" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitmensch0812/2518815566/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="1">Mitmensch0812</a>)
Show The Love(10 of10)
Remind yourself that life isn't that bad by decorating your home with pictures of loved ones. When you're feeling overwhelmed, a glance at the photo of your significant other, parents, kids or even your adorable dog, will help put a smile on your face. And hopefully, whatever's making you want to scream right now might seem a little less important. (credit:Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbisaacs/2815818342/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Travis Isaacs" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5b9c6a44e4b03a1dcc7e772a" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbisaacs/2815818342/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="0">Travis Isaacs</a>)
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