By Victoria Baeker

Considering how we’re all spending more time at home than ever, this space should be as positive and uplifting as possible. When you’ve had a long workday (especially if your home is also your office), you’ll want to unwind, destress and get rid of burdensome thoughts and worries. You can turn your home into a sanctuary that instantly puts you in a better mood.

Here are some must-do home upgrades to enhance the positive vibes in your home.

Bring in More Greenery!

If there is one thing that can transform a home, it is an indoor garden. If you have well-lit rooms and windows, place pots on the windowsills or set up racks to hold indoor plants. You can cultivate a kitchen garden full of herbs that nourish your body and soul.

You don’t have to fret if the gorgeous indoor jungles aren’t feasible for you. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and a few others do well in low light conditions and brighten up any room. They’re small enough to care for and don’t attract insects while purifying the air—it’s an all-around win.

Another simple upgrade that can instantly raise the energy of your home is to have vases with fresh flowers and leaves.

Declutter Your Space and Your Mind

The idea that your home can reflect the state of your mind is now popular among the self-help community. The more you collect items that aren’t used and form clutter, the more likely you feel stressed out and anxious. By getting rid of clutter, you not only free up physical space and make your home brighter and airier, but you also have less to worry about.

So, take stock of things you don’t need and find new homes for them, with people who will appreciate them! For things you can’t give away, there is always the option of recycling or disposal.

Improve the Lighting

The interplay between natural and artificial lighting has important implications for your circadian rhythm. It has been proven that poor lighting worsens eye problems, headaches, fatigue, etc., causing stress. It’s best to bring in as much natural lighting as possible.

Choose light colors for your walls to maximize the reflection of light around the home. Use strategically placed mirrors to brighten up the space. You can use LED smart lighting if you want advanced mood-altering functions in the artificial lighting system. Soft, warm fairy lights are inexpensive and brighten up a tiny room or studio apartment.

Make Home Maintenance Less Stressful

One of the annoying things about owning a home is that it needs maintenance. Over time, home systems and appliances will break down, pipes and woodwork will need touching up or replacement, and there is, of course, lawn maintenance and other activities if you have a bigger property. If you look around your home and only see a lengthy task list, it will bring down the vibe.

You can get a home warranty to cover the expensive repairs and replacements of aging home systems and appliances. You can also schedule seasonal maintenance jobs in your calendar so that they get done without hanging heavy on your mind.

Make a Happiness Corner

What if you designate one area of your home as a “zen zone” or “happiness central’? All you’re allowed to do here is think happy thoughts and do something fun and relaxing. You’ll find very quickly that going anywhere near that area puts you in a good mood, and your mind associates it with relaxation.

Pick a spare room or a corner of your home and put in cozy and comforting things, like a nice bean bag or some floor cushions. Add some warm lighting, a couple of plants, anything that brings a smile to your face. You can also light some aroma candles when you hang out here and watch TV shows. Whatever makes you happy.

Try a More Sustainable Lifestyle

The lifestyle changes you make to be more sustainable can bring a more positive vibe into your home. Going zero waste or low waste, using renewable energy (that reduces your utility bills), choosing eco-friendly materials, etc., makes you feel better about your carbon footprint. When you feel purposeful, and as you’re making a difference, your home will also pick up on your positivity. 

You should also make sure that you limit screen exposure in the bedroom, as good sleep is one indication of a comfortable and cozy home. Pretty much anything you do that makes you feel good about being at home will raise the positive energy around your home.  

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Author Bio: Victoria Baeker

Victoria Baeker is the Sr. Editor at HomeWarrantyReviews.com. She enjoys finding ways to minimize her living costs and is a garden enthusiast. While she specializes in finance and insurance, she also likes to write long rants about books and movies. The COVID pandemic deprived her of her usual thrill-seeking hobbies, so she turned to day-trading for that adrenaline rush.