Easy Ways to Create a Healthy Happy Home
Sometimes that image of the happy home that we all want gets a little shaky with today’s fast pace and countless demands that seem to stream through 24-7. Family rooms seem to collect items from every member of the household and they all wind up stacked on the coffee table. Electronic gadgets just seem to multiply, and individual books, notebooks, backpacks, sports equipment and briefcases all compete for the rest of the available surface space.
But there is hope
Health.com tells us a peaceful, happy home really is obtainable with a few little tweaks here and there.
They start by suggesting we cut clutter and embrace our space. All of those little bits and pieces of paper, loose magazines, newspapers, books, toys and sports equipment can be sorted, sifted and either safely stored or chucked. That may take awhile but the amazing open areas of space that are left can be just what is needed. They might inspire the whole family to paint, polish, and rethink their spaces.
Next, lower the volume with carpet, area rugs and pillows. Some people carry this a step further, having everyone deposit their shoes at the door. Moms sometimes help this along by having a small cubby shelf or bins by the front door where all the space taking, but important clutter, can be deposited and safely stored.
Next up, single out your treasures, that rare piece of hand blown glass, those antique watercolors, or that lovely piece of crystal can now take special spots in your new open rooms. If you like, add some of your favorite hues. Blue attracts creativity and prosperity. Green can create a feeling of new life. Yellow brings cheerfulness and red provides energy.
From there the choices are wide open. You may rethink where the family eats most of their meals, how the kitchen can stay cleaner, or the living room can be used to better advantage. Just consider what makes your family happy and what you need to keep your sanity in the midst of the daily commotion. Reassigning cleanup tasks, posting a family task jar or bulletin board, and shopping for new storage baskets and bookcases can help you keep your new spaces clutter free.
I have seen some creative souls come up with amazing solutions to these everyday clutter. So look around and check with your friends. They may have more great ways to handle all of the family traffic. Your children can also be surprising contributors, often inventing their own cleanup methods or coming up with new ways to store their stuff.
Whatever you do don’t give up on that image that you have of the happy, healthy home. The most amazing things happen when you get it right.
