There are some amazing benefits to modern day living. On the other hand, spending all day indoors can be harmful to your mental health. Consider inviting in some nature and good ol’ vitamin D.
We’re not suggesting you spend hours every day taking power hikes in the sun. If you live with anxiety, even placing a tree in the corner of your office or a brightening therapy light on your desk might help bring the calm vibes you’re looking for. Don’t underestimate what creating an inviting space for yourself can do.
Start to bring in the Zen with these six great products.
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- Insight Smart Plug
If you tend to obsess over whether or not you left the curling iron on, a Wemo Insight Smart Plug could help ease your mind. It connects to any appliance and allows you to control it by switching it on or off through your phone.
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- Therapy light
If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of natural sunlight, or have a job that leaves you strapped to a desk, a therapy light might help boost your mood and keep you calm. Therapy lights can be effective for treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and may bring the brighter you’re after.
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- Essential oil diffuser
Aromatherapy has been clinically proven to help reduce stress and induce better focus, concentration, and calming sensations. So it might be worth adding an essential oil diffuser to your arsenal of anti-anxiety products. This option features LED lights for calming, cool mist humidification, and a cool bamboo exterior to incorporate into any environment.
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- Water feature
Everyone loves the soothing sound of water, right? Place a flowing tabletop water fountain on your desk to help you de-stress. Expert tip: Make sure you use the bathroom before you sit down.
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- A tree
Having a plant inside your home is associated with lower levels of stress. What better way to get yourself to slow down and breathe when there’s an oxygen-producing tree in your house?
There are tons of options for trees that you can have in the home, from miniature juniper bonsai trees larger versions that are easy to care for indoors.
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- A weighted blanket
If there’s no one around to give you that warm and welcoming hug you need to calm your nerves, a weighted blanket may be just what you need. They’ve been shown to help with symptoms like insomnia and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps de-stress your body. Plus, it’s also comfy.
If you live with anxiety, creating a calm, inviting home environment for yourself can be the perfect antidote to the chaotic outside world. Consider a tranquil tree and some of the other ideas listed above to bring in the Zen you’re after.
Chaunie Brusie, BSN, is a registered nurse in labor and delivery, critical care, and long-term care nursing. She lives in Michigan with her husband and four young children, and she is the author of the book “Tiny Blue Lines.”
