10 WAYS TO ADD POSITIVITY TO YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

Whether it’s colder winter temperatures or COVID-19 increasing the time you spend indoors, there’s never been a better time to evaluate your personal space and how it makes you feel! You don’t have to be a feng shui master to create a pleasant and positive atmosphere in your home. With minimal tweaks and adjustments to your surroundings, you can create your own sanctuary. Keep reading to find out what changes you might consider making to your space.

1. Let There Be Light

There is no better light in our lives than natural sunlight! Sunlight stimulates our mood by encouraging the production of Vitamin D. Do what you can to amplify any natural light available within your space. This can mean getting in the habit of opening your window coverings during the day, avoiding decorative window fixtures that obstruct a lot of light, and keeping the glass on your windows clean. These little things go a long way to brightening up your space!

2. Take Time to Declutter

Feel like you’re drowning in stuff? Whether you rent a studio apartment or own a home, somehow the stuff we accumulate can quickly start to feel like it’s dominating whatever space we’re working with. Even if you aren’t the most organized individual, creating a designated spot for your stuff will help you get organized and feel less cluttered and calmer within your space. Find an organization system that suits you, or check out our SheFactor blog on The Art of Organization for added inspiration.

3. Bring in Plants

Bring the outdoors in and infuse your area with literal life by adding some flowers and plants to your space. Plants not only beautify your space but also naturally improve the air quality of their surroundings. You don’t even need a green thumb to make plants possible! There are easy-care options out there, like succulents or ferns, that don’t require a lot of water or trimming. Listen to Live Life In Full Bloom on The SheFactor Podcast to learn more about the healing energy of flowers!

4. Acquire Some Artwork

When we say art, we don’t mean you have to go out and buy yourself a Picasso! Find art and home decor that speaks to you in a calming or inspiring way. Get creative and find pieces that bring you happiness. Meaningful art can bring you a lot of encouragement, even on discouraging days indoors. One way you can get started is by searching through Etsy - with loads of quality art at an affordable price, you can support a small business and find your new favorite decor at once. If you’re into DIY, hit up your local Goodwill and give some books, art, or trinkets new life!

5. Find Your Color

Do you know how your space’s color palette influences your mood? Color palettes and their combinations have a high impact on the ambiance of our surroundings. For example, reds and violets are said to stimulate energy, while shades of blue are more likely to induce a sense of calm. Be thoughtful about the colors you add to your space, and consider the way they’ll make you feel before making a commitment.

6. Add Some Subtle Scents

Scent has a huge influence on how we experience our surroundings. As far as first impressions go, a space’s smell sets the stage and sticks with us in our memory of that place. Essential oil diffusers are the perfect way to subtly add scent to your space, and there is an endless array of essential oil blends out there to combat stress or anxiety, increase focus, or even help you feel more grounded. Curious about your options? Check out the dozens of essential oil blends available by Young Living, here.

7. Move with the Music

Let your music set the mood! Hear it, feel it, live it. When you put music in your space, it infuses positivity and inspiration whether we’re working or taking a well-deserved dance break. For girl power vibes that will keep you bobbing your head all day, check out the SheFactor Girl Power Playlist by our friends @atimeandaplaylist.

8. Light the Way With Lamps

Artificial lighting doesn’t do a lot for us, beyond lighting up dark spaces. So instead, we encourage you to opt for lighting options that bring more natural lighting effects to your space. For example, seek out lights like Himalayan salt lamps or light therapy lamps, which are said to be a solid solution to seasonal affective disorder (a drop in serotonin levels due to a lack of sunlight during the winter months). The softer glow of these lamps look and feel warmer and more comforting. Bonus--Himalayan salt lamps naturally purify the air in your environment. PRO TIP: If you struggle with pushing the snooze button in the AM, check out Hatch for a natural artificial sunset to make for easy rising!

9. Keep it Clean

We would argue, in this instance, that organization and cleanliness are two separate things. Beyond getting organized to reduce the clutter in your space, it’s also important to clean your space. We’re talking disinfecting, dusting, scrubbing… the works. If we don’t stay on top of cleaning our spaces, it’s like laying out a welcome mat for harmful bacteria to enter the scene. Those pesky dust bunnies can evolve into air-borne dust particles that will clog your pores and your airways. You deserve better than that!

10. Tend to Textures

From your furniture to your bed linens, you may like the way these items look, but how do your home furnishings feel? Say goodbye to that itchy, scratchy throw blanket. Don’t bother buying that stiff armchair that makes you squirm when you sit. Only welcome into your space materials that are soft and comfortable. Bring more bliss into your life with comfy, cozy pieces you can’t wait to curl up in after a long day. It’s worth investing in quality, comfortable pieces for your happy place!