For This House
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
Walking through the door of my home, I long for a sanctuary of tranquility and comfort—a place where stress melts away and peace fills the air.
As life’s demands continue to escalate, the need for a stress-free haven becomes increasingly essential. I am not an expert in achieving this serene scene, nor am I always succeeding in my attempts to leave stress at the doorstep. But I hope the steps I take in striving for this final goal can be helpful to some, even if only providing a fraction of the peace that is the goal.
Just remember, life is a journey, not a destination—none of these steps can be done once and forgotten about; they require constant revisiting.
A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind, amplifying stress levels. Begin the journey to a stress-free living space by decluttering with intention. Donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose, making room for only the things that bring joy and meaning to your life (read Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” for more, or watch the Netflix series adaptation). A tidy and organized home fosters a sense of calm and clarity.
Take this tip as seriously as you’d like. I’ve seen some take this decluttering to the extreme and only stock cupboards with one of each type of dish/cup/utensil for each family member they have. In my family, that model doesn’t work. But we do strive to keep surfaces (counters, open shelves, tables, etc.) as clear as possible to promote the feeling of a clear mind. My husband and I both struggle with anxiety, and cluttered surfaces amplify our anxious feelings.
Nature has a remarkable ability to soothe our souls. Infuse your home with natural elements like potted plants or fresh flowers, and try to open those curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.
Greenery and natural light can instill a serene ambiance, inviting relaxation and peace.
In my home, we have a large bay window in our living room with beautiful, lush greenery outside during spring, summer, and fall. Within my home, I feel the most peaceful when I sit in the chair directly in front of that window. The combination of natural light and greenery inside my home and out fills my soul with an intense feeling of calm, even when my toddler is playing and screaming right beside me.
The touch of soft and cozy textiles can instantly create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Add plush throw blankets, fluffy pillows, and soft rugs to your living spaces. Surrounding yourself with these comforts enhances the feeling of coziness and helps alleviate stress.
Depending on your personality, how this looks will differ. In my home, we are relatively frugal and don’t buy things just for buying’s sake, so our home does not conform to the clean, modern aesthetic plastered all over social media.
I purchased the plush pillows we have nearly five years ago to decorate the first couch my husband and I owned (a hand-me-down from his parents) in the first apartment we ever lived in (approximately 700 square feet). Were I to go shopping today, they certainly are not what I would pick out anymore, but they still serve their purpose of being cozy and plush, so they have not been replaced.
The same goes for our blankets—currently, our living room has a winter-themed blanket hanging over the recliner and a blanket bearing the name and mascot of my high school. They are not exactly ‘aesthetic,’ but both keep us warm and cozy, so again, they have not been replaced.
Suffice it to say, softening your home with soft and cozy textiles doesn’t mean you need to go and purchase the cream or beige pillows and blankets you see on social media adorning the couches of influencers. Use what you have available to you. Use what brings YOU joy & peace.
Aromatherapy is a powerful tool for stress relief. Experiment with calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus to create a serene atmosphere in your home. Use essential oils in a diffuser or indulge in scented candles to evoke a sense of tranquility. When choosing a candle, look for one with soy, bee, or coconut wax. These materials generally have longer burn times, are made from natural, renewable resources, and won’t fill your home with harmful pollutants or smoke.
The scents I burn in my house tend to relate to the specific time of year we are in or one I am longing for, like my absolute favorite go-to scent of Frasier fir, which instantly transports me into the warmth of Christmastime. However, during this time of year, the scent I have burning is always something apple-related. This scent reminds me of the rainy days of my childhood spent cozied around a table at Stoney Ridge Farm with my mom and sisters, drinking hot cider and eating apple pie. The scent of apples in the air is the epitome of fall, and every time I smell it, I’m transported right back into those happy memories.
In pursuing a stress-free home, I have discovered that thoughtful details can transform a living space into a haven of serenity. By decluttering with intention, embracing natural elements, and incorporating calming scents, I’m always working our home toward a calm and stress-free environment, with the occasional toddler tantrum mixed in.
By sharing these tips, I hope your home might also become a sanctuary of peace and serenity, where stress is gently nudged aside, and a sense of calmness embraces you each day.
