How to Create a Calm Home

Plants are known to help you relax and boost your mood, but they also have air-cleansing properties. They absorb carbon dioxide that you breathe out and release oxygen to help you breathe easier. Plants also help increase the humidity inside your home by taking up water in their roots then releasing water vapor through pores on the underside of their leaves. Some of the best air cleaning houseplants that are also easy to grow include pothos and peace lilies. Take a deep breath, and relax.

Aromatherapy can reduce agitation and ease headaches, among other benefits. Bring some fragrance into your home with scented candles and essential oils (used in humidifiers, homemade soaps and lotions). Get those scents direct from the source by growing fresh herbs on a sunny windowsill, balcony or porch. There are many fragrant herbs to choose from including lavender, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, basil, mint, lemongrass, and others. Fresh herbs can be used in meals and beverages, while dried herbs can make fragrant potpourri or sachets. Boil some fresh herbs on the stove to fill your home with soothing scent.

Natural light and fresh air can do wonders to lessen depression, raise your spirits and help you relax. Exposure to sunlight triggers your body to create vitamin D and T cells which can boost your immune system and help you fight off sickness. Plus, your family, pets and plants will benefit, too. Open the curtains and raise the windows to let in the sunshine and a nice breeze.

Extend your living space into the great outdoors. Whether you have a huge backyard or a small patio, you can create an outdoor oasis where you can meditate, relax, and entertain the family. Be sure to add seating like comfy patio furniture and an outdoor dining set. Bring out the grill to whip up delicious meals and dine al fresco. Add solar lighting to extend your time outside after the sun goes down. And remember to protect your skin with sunscreen and keep the pests away with insect-repelling candles and other products.

If you've ever been to a spa, you know that soothing sounds can help you unwind. Add some relaxing sounds to your space with a water fountain. The sound of running water has a psychological cooling affect that is welcomed on a warm day, so add a small fountain to your patio or a large multi-tiered fountain to your garden for a sophisticated focal point. And try a set of windchimes on your porch to enjoy a comforting melody floating in the breeze.

Invite a plethora of winged wildlife to your outdoor oasis with a birdfeeder and a birdbath. Relax and enjoy their pretty colors, cheerful songs, and playful antics. Birds are beneficial, too! They eat pesky insects and can help pollinate plants as well.