Creating calm as working from home is set to continue
No matter how much you love your family, friends or flatmates, being cooped up with them 24/7 for weeks can be stressful. But researchers at the University of Arizona say there are a few things you can do to turn your home from stressful to calm.
Picturesque views of nature are universally calming says Esther Sternberg, who is the founding director of the university’s Institute on Place, Wellbeing and Performance. So try to place your desk or laptop near a window.
Simon Button from Isthmus has set up his office overlooking Auckland’s motorway system.
"If you don't have a beautiful view, add a few potted plants to the windowsill, find a poster or photo of a favorite view and pin it to the wall near your desk, or surf the internet for beautiful views and put your favourites on your screensaver," Sternberg says.
Clutter is stressful, so tidy up.
"Sift through unneeded papers and clear your work area. If you are at home with small children, you can turn this into a game – ask them to help you sort, sift and organize their toys. Try to find a separate place to work, even if it is in your bedroom."
Loud noise can be jarring, while the sounds of nature are generally soothing. If you’re nowhere near nature Sternberg suggests looking for soundtracks on the internet: ocean waves, rippling streams, rain, birds or wind in the trees.
"Music can also calm and uplift your mood," Sternberg says. "Listen to your favorite soundtrack as you work. This can help drown out the sound of kids and family members, allowing you to concentrate on your work."
Surround yourself with smells that make you feel positive. Photo by Lulian Silviu Din from Pexels.
Smells can create a sense of wellbeing. Fragrances like lavender can soothe, while others like flowers can evoke feelings of happiness.
"Think of smells that remind you of happy times and re-create them at home: Bake an apple pie or chocolate chip cookies, and get your kids to help you," Sternberg says. "Try to avoid artificial fragrances as they can contain chemicals that can alter normal hormonal functions."
Good ventilation in your house is also important.
“If you are cooped up in a closed space, especially with several people, the carbon dioxide that you all breathe out can accumulate, making you sleepy and impairing your ability to think clearly. Make sure you get up and walk around or walk outside periodically, or put a small fan near your computer to blow away the carbon dioxide you exhale.
“Open your windows and doors if you can. The fresh air will reduce the carbon dioxide.”
Many studies have shown that getting outside will lessen stress and boost moods.
Even a quick walk can make you feel refreshed.
"While you are out, listen closely to the sounds of nature. Even in a city you will hear birds chirping, or some wind in the trees. Take a few deep breaths as you walk – focus on the many smells that you pass. Look closely for wildflowers – you might even see flowering weeds poking up through sidewalk cracks. If you are sheltering with your family, children can join the game and play 'I Spy' as they look for things in nature. By doing these things, your walk becomes a moving meditation that will reduce your stress."
And if you can’t get outside, she adds, walk from room to room – the movement will itself lower stress and encourage stretching, which is even more necessary when we are confined.
"Following these simple suggestions can help you turn your home from a stressful place to a sanctuary of well-being in this difficult time," Sternberg says.