How can interior design lower your stress level? I have been thinking about his alot during the course of the renovation. Interior design DIRECTLY affects my stress level. Unless you are one of the few people who can live (happily) in a disaster zone, it probably affects your too! I have a notoriously messy car, and I never think that affects my stress level, but the more i think about it- even the mess in my car makes me slightly frazzled. The mess is directly proportional to how busy i have been. Even having fast food means I am in a rush because I normally wouldnt go through a drive in except for a drink. Me seeing a sonic bag = ive had a bad week. (although i LOVE their burgers!)
I like to think of taking care of myself as falling into 4 categories: Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally. The state of my home indirectly affects all of the 4. If I am trying to have a quiet morning of reflection or prayer or journaling, I am totally distracted when the house is a wreck and it takes an act of congress to get me to sit there and not be busy body-ing around trying to get it straight! I put off working out to clean up, and even my mental and emotional states are affected by having things organized. Think about how many times you pass a stack of papers in your house and think “oh gosh! i cant forget those are there! I think there is a form in that stack that I may need to fill out and mail!” I know I do it all the time.
All this being said, I just wanted to give a shout out to having a neatly organized home as a way of “taking care of yourself.” Anyone agree?? Disagree?? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Here are some great websites for those of you who are inspired to take action.
Here we go... 
I agree!! I have started doing the “index card” method where you make index cards of all your daily chores, weekly chores, and monthly chores. You organize them and you do you daily chores each day. When you have all your chores mapped out, you don’t have to spend time thinking. You just see the card and do it. And it usually only takes 20 minutes at the most to do the daily chores. I.e. dishes, wiping down counters, making bed, putting clothes in hamper, putting away shoes, organizing mail etc. Weekly chores consist of laundry, sweeping, mopping, dusting, etc. and you choose one day a week to do each of them. I have found this method to be very helpful and my house has been very clean lately. I have even started cooking a day ahead so that each day we are left with leftovers and a fresh meal so that if I’m not at home to cook, there is always something to eat. I’m often bored with nothing to do b/c all my household chores have been taken care of. No more spending all day Saturday to clean my house. Stress level depleted. 🙂
Comment by Sarah — March 4, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
I completely agree. The concept is also expressed in Feng Shui — Simplify and Organize.
I found your blog in February and I am enjoying your journey. I have a 1970’s ranch and I have been trying to learn more about the style. We bought it in 2007; it had been renovated and updated, but I am trying to make if feel like “our” house — new paint, decor, accessories, etc.
Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Kellie — March 7, 2010 @ 12:03 am