Dealing with the outside world can be a bit over the top. Emotions floating in the air, everyone is always in a hurry, and some conversations tend to go nowhere which can be exhausting leading to you being even more tired than you already are.
Sometimes we need a switch to protect our inner being from bad energies floating and some stressors in the air that you are not even aware of.
This is the reason why your home needs to be an oasis of peace and quiet, a place where you can re-charge your batteries and feel comfortable.
Home sweet home
Home is where you can enjoy a nice and warm cup of tea, where you can soak up the first rays of light in the morning, and where you meditate. Home is where you find inspiration while watching life bloom outside, from a safe distance.
The spaces in your home need to reflect the creative chaos residing in your head. You may enjoy original mixes of different styles, vibrant colors, souvenirs from all corners of the world that will ignite your imagination and help you travel to distant places – in your mind. Or all the contrary – you want to keep everything tidy, with some subtle details that you hold dear.
Our homes have become our sanctuaries, especially during the Covid-19 crisis. But what if you have a silent roommate that you are not aware of yet and it affects your life more than you could even imagine?
Noise pollution problems nowadays
There is something that might be affecting you without you even noticing. If you experienced problems with your sleep, concentration, and feeling stressed without an apparent reason, you might have a visitor lurking inside your walls.
No, this is not some horror movie scenario. That invisible enemy is not some sinister, ghostly presence. It is something called noise pollution, and it is incredibly common.
If you are living amidst the hectic city, it is most likely that you are already experiencing this. The longer exposure to noise leaves your body in an acute state of stress.
All your senses are alerted and you are not sure why. This does a lot of damage to your body and it can seriously jeopardize your creativity and productivity. Therefore, can be bad since most of us had to switch to working from home.
You might be resting but your ears are not and they are detecting aerial noise, traffic noise, and possibly even catching the lower tones when your neighbors are talking.
So, is it possible to have a quiet home free of stressors, which is also aesthetically appealing? With some design tips combined with the basics of sound and acoustics, it is possible.
Workroom
A workroom is a place where peace and quiet is the most important asset. Your workspace needs to be free from different distractions, so when you are thinking about decor that will keep the outside noise, think strategically.
First and foremost, your workroom needs to be light and breezy. The more natural light the better. Artificial light can add another dimension to spaces but it might make you more drowsy and tired as time passes by. So, add subtle light fixtures like LED lights that will create the right atmosphere.
The workroom is the place where you need to be serious and productive. The color palette needs to be subtle – pastel or monochromatic. Bright colors like red might irritate your senses.
When it comes to room acoustics, there are certain tricks on how you can prevent the noise from reaching you. A thick rug and soft rug is a great option. White and breezy curtains, just to add another layer of sound protection to your windows, yet porous enough to give you natural light.
If you live in a busy household, there is a possibility that all of the noise your household members make will push you out of focus. In this case, you need to soundproof your doors. Locating air gaps on the door is the first step. Also, strategically positioning bookshelves around doors can make a huge difference.
Living room
The living room is where you enjoy yourself with family, friends, and where you relax. That is where all of your problems seem distant. So more natural light, more natural atmosphere, and more natural materials make the perfect equation for your living room decor.
Biophilic design is always great to start with. That means adding more wooden elements to your decor plus adding more greenery.
This is a must if you live in metropolitan areas or places with frequent traffic. House plants will make more benefits than air purifiers. Think aloe vera, dragon tree, chrysanthemum. Not to mention a decorative effect, combined with wooden materials.
If you invest in wooden furniture or walls, you will be sure that things will get quiet. The more natural the better. If you want to add more acoustic treatments to your living room, you can also find acoustic panels made of wool.
When you are playing with the natural elements, it would be great to add a fountain or an aquarium as water will provide that calming effect.
This will be your zen garden where it will be impossible to get irritated.
Bedroom
This is where you rest and charge your batteries. If you awake every day with that feeling that you are more tired, you need to locate your problem quickly or it will lead you into an endless circle of sleep deprivation.
Focus on the rest and rest only. If you have neighbors above, mounting ceiling panels can help with this.
Remove electrical appliances from your bedroom. Electric radiation will decrease and your body will start producing melatonin.
Find a great mattress and of course, think about buying earplugs and a sleeping mask made of silk. It will probably feel strange at first but you will notice the changes soon enough.
In conclusion
Just because you don’t see certain stressors (like your boss for example) doesn’t mean they are not here. If you are noticing that something is off but you can’t put your finger on it, it is time to act. That is just your body sending you a distress signal that it needs some rest.
Improving your environment and implementing subtle changes to your lifestyle can improve your life quality so take the first step and ask yourself how are you feeling today? Be honest about it.
About The Author
Stacey is a freelance writer living in Minnesota with her cat, and she’s passionate about yoga, languages, home improvement, and drinking strong coffee. Find her on Twitter @StaceyShann0n