Happy & Healthy

SO YOU MAKE YOUR BEDROOM ZEN IN EIGHT STEPS

When I took a quick look at my bedroom this morning, I was overwhelmed by a wave of shame. What a mess. So not me. Where in my previous places I would tidy everything up like a huge OCD’er and wouldn’t leave the house until my bed was made and all clothes neatly put away in the closet, the pile of clothes in my new nest is getting higher by the day and my bedding looks like a sad heap. Unpacked moving boxes, fluttering bras, empty suitcases, misplaced shoes, T-shirts, and yoga mats. I should be glad that I haven’t had time to receive unexpected guests in the past few weeks.

But just a little something else. Could this also have to do with the fact that my nights have been somewhat broken lately? Because yes, your bedroom is basically only meant for two S’s. And I’m not talking about my own initials, HA. No, about sleep and sex of course. Everything that has nothing to do with these two letters should be immediately banned from the bedroom. That actually ensures more peace and better sleep quality. So, work to do, those boxes really need to be emptied and the bras need to go in the closet. Which closet? Shit, I feel an IKEA visit coming this weekend.

Could your love nest also use a refresh? With these eight steps, you’ll get quite far.

1. Color your room

Could your walls use a coat of paint? Then this time don’t go for standard white, but choose a shade of blue. Blue gives a peaceful, calm, and serene feeling. That’s because we associate that color with the sky and the sea. Ideal for your sleeping hole. According to traditional Feng Shui wisdom, blue makes your heart beat slower and lowers your blood pressure. So it’s also good for your health.

2. A calm duvet cover

The most important part of your bedroom is of course your bed. So make sure it radiates calm. Choose a calm duvet cover. All those bright colors and patterns may look nice, but you’ll fall asleep more easily when your interior has a calm appearance. So go for a light and plain duvet cover.

3. Tidy up your room

Ensure a clean and tidy room. When you wake up and your bedroom is a mess, it hinders your energy. Waking up in a calm, tidy space gives you a good start to a new day. See, that’s where I already go wrong.

4. Ban devices

The bad radiation that devices bring with them has a negative impact on our sleep. Can’t you do without a TV in the bedroom? Then cover it with a cloth.

“See, that’s where I already go wrong.”

5. iPhone out of your vicinity

We are so attached to our phones nowadays that we prefer to take them to bed. Don’t do this. It’s better to leave your phone comfortably in the living room. Are you already experiencing withdrawal symptoms just thinking about it? At least place your smartphone a distance away from your bed and only bring it out in the morning. Quickly checking your social media before going to sleep actually makes it harder for you to fall asleep. Your body produces less melatonin, making you less sleepy. That, and the activity on the screen, makes your brain restless.

6. Make it nice and dark

When it’s dark, your body gets sleepy. When it’s light, your body wakes up. Sounds simple, right? Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible. I personally sleep best with a sleep mask. Indeed, one of those princess things. Not just for traveling, but also just for the bedroom. By the way, also ideal for a power nap during the day. Don’t tell anyone.

7. Get a plant

There are very few people who have a plant in their bedroom. Yet this is very healthy. Placing a plant in your bedroom can contribute to the air quality in your home. If your house is well insulated, the air inside can become dry and less oxygen-rich. This can lead to headaches and poor sleep. Good ventilation is important, but placing plants can also help.

8. Soothing scent

A subtle scent in the form of a sachet or incense can put you in a calm mood, allowing you to sleep better. I personally get completely relaxed from lavender. I usually use a linen spray for my pillows. Not a fan of lavender? The scent of jasmine, cinnamon, roses, and violets creates a very soothing effect.

Photo credit: modemusthaves.com