How to Refresh Your Space to Garner Perspective
A 2023 CARE4U2 Blog
Environmental Psychology studies the impact that spaces have on our mood and studies have shown that the way we orient ourselves and our belongings to a space affect our mental state. Research has shown that those who have a “cluttered” space have a tendency to be more anxious or stressed (Roster, Ferrari, and Jurkat; 2016) - this is based on personal preference of what one constitutes as “cluttered”. Sometimes we hit a point where we’re craving for something more or exhilarating that translates to moving to a new city or a new house but sometimes that’s not possible whether it’s for financial reasons; wanting to be closer to loved ones; or not wanting to uproot family to that big of a transition. Whichever reason, it doesn’t mean that we can’t work with what we have to curate or evoke a sense of freshness.
1. Take inventory of what you have.
Sometimes in the process of a big move, we find so many treasures that we didn’t realize that were buried or forgotten - remember when you would have to move multiple times out of your college dorm and realize how much you had? Taking stock of what you have and prioritizing what’s important may elicit what values you have when keeping or not keeping a belonging.
2. Use what you have to create something new.
That old rug that you can’t seem to find space for but can’t throw away? Could it become a new wall hanging? Those cool cards or flat wrap you got from your loved ones with the cool bird print? How about framing those? Postcards from your travels? What about putting them in a photo album?
There are many ways to re-style and purpose belongings to give them life or find new meaning to.
3. Re-arrange what you already have.
Sometimes we can get tired of looking at the same things in the same format - buying new things to replace the old is not always fiscally possible or sustainable for some. What about putting your couch vertically somewhere rather than horizontally? What about switching the frames of prints you already have? Have a side table that would go great in the basement instead of upstairs?
It can be daunting and a bit overwhelming to reconstruct a whole house or a room but giving yourself patience and grace is key - the smaller steps all lead to something bigger. If you’re having trouble breaking down tasks to be digestible for your time and energy, a Resolve therapist can brainstorm with you and hold you accountable.
Sources:
Roster, C.A., Ferrari, J.R., & Jurkat, M.P. (2016). The dark side of home: Assessing possession 'clutter' on subjective well-being. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 46, 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2016.03.003.