The American Institute of Stress reports that about 33 percent of people in the United States feel extreme stress, 77 percent feel the physical manifestations of stress, 73 percent find their mental health affected by stress, and 48 percent suffer from some form of insomnia due to it. There is no denying that stress is also a pandemic, on top of an already devastating public health crisis.
The good news is that there are plenty of things we can do, steps we can take, and products we can invest in to help nurse ourselves back to health. If you find yourself stressed and want to come home to a relaxing sanctuary to unwind after a long day of work, here are some home investments you can make to promote health, wellness, and relaxation.
Massage Chair
Massage chairs are an incredibly convenient way to blow off some steam after a long day of work. A back massage can immediately improve one’s blood circulation, which can help eliminate muscle soreness due to physical activity. If you have trouble sleeping, a massage can be a great way to help relax your entire being, and a massage can also raise your endorphin levels, giving your mood a much-needed boost.
The OHCO massage chairs are a luxurious and top-of-the-line way to eliminate stress after a long day of work. The unparalleled combination of technology and beauty was designed by the same revolutionary who worked on Ferrari performance cars and Japanese bullet trains, so you can be sure of the quality of the massage chair you’re purchasing.
Cozy Nook
If you have a passion for reading and solitude, consider converting one of your home’s windows into a cozy nook where you can have some hot chocolate, blankets, fluffy pillows, and a good novel. Here are some tips for building your own Pinterest-worthy nook:
- Find the best spot for it. It can be by a large window, or somewhere you can incorporate some shelves for your books.
- Identify the seating. While a thick rug and some plush cushions can work on the floor, you can also invest in a bench seat to make the nook more permanent. You can have the bench seat custom-made so that it can fit perfectly on your window or spot.
- If you want your nook to be truly unique, consider going for a more offbeat option, like a soft but stable hammock.
- To make the nook cozier, incorporate as many layers as you can. Add some winter textures like sheepskin, thick knits, velvet, and lots and lots of throws.
- Add a chic side table for your drinks.
- The lighting will make or break your nook. Whether it’s for reading, thinking, or even sleeping, make sure that the lighting will serve the nook’s purpose.
Wellness Space
Another home investment you can make to help promote relaxation is a space specifically created for it. It can be just like a nook but taken one step further as it can be an entire room dedicated to it. Since the pandemic started, homes have become a workplace for many of us, which blurred the line between productivity and rest. Combat this phenomenon by turning one room in your home into a place where you can put your mental health first. Incorporate a lot of plants and other items that make you feel good. And there should be one rule—it’s a no-work zone.
Meditation or Prayer Area
If you are a spiritual person, consider converting one of your home’s spaces into a place where you can meditate. Many of the world’s most influential people—from Jesus to Buddha—prioritized solitude and quietness over the flurry of activity around them. Here are some tips for creating your own prayer or meditation space:
- Keep it minimal. The last thing you need are things to distract you while you connect with the supernatural. Use simple cushions, a tiny but stylish stool, a neutral-colored area rug, and other design elements that are not too loud.
- Let your personality shine through. Your meditation space needs to feel like your own so that you can truly experience bliss and feel safe.
- Opt for softer colors. Bold and bright hues may be more fun, but pastel, whispery hues can go a long way in soothing our weary souls.
- Darkness is your enemy. Make sure your meditation space is somewhere with a window or has enough lighting that isn’t too harsh on the eyes.
To invest in our homes is to invest in ourselves. Consider how you can make your home a more relaxing place so that it can be a space for healing and stress reduction.