The micro-stressors in your home that can impact your mental wellbeing - and what to do about them

In today's uncertain world, our homes are among the few places which are safe and consistent. They should be spaces that support our wellbeing, by reducing stress and anxiety, and serving as a refuge from external chaos. 

Research found that Brits spend an average of 22 hours a day at home, partly due to the rise of working from home. A home expert from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, suggests reducing the daily friction that impacts your mood by fixing the flickering light you've been putting off or that loose door handle. These daily irritations can make life feel overwhelming, and getting them sorted helps you reclaim control and feel calmer. Similarly, installing smart storage and finding ways to connect with nature, whether indoors or out, can make a real difference to your overall wellbeing.

Andy Simms, a property expert from MyBuilder.com, said there are plenty of changes that you can make at home to support your overall wellbeing.

“Since our homes can influence how we feel, it's important to ensure they are supporting our mood and well-being positively. 

“If your home isn't making you feel good, it's time to make a change. Simple adjustments can make a big difference, such as hanging pictures, adding mirrors, or introducing warm lighting. If you’re planning larger tasks like installing storage or giving your walls a fresh lick of paint, consider the importance of a professional finish as a badly done job could become a new source of stress rather than a solution.”

Here's a list of small renovations to do around the house to improve mental wellbeing, according to MyBuilder.com:

General maintenance issues

Small everyday maintenance issues like a dripping tap, loose handles, or flickering lights can quietly build up stress by creating constant mental noise. Taking a few minutes to fix them not only improves your environment but also reduces cognitive load. This, in turn, helps you feel more in control and makes everyday life calmer and more manageable.

Outdoor space 

Spending time outdoors plays a key role in supporting mental wellbeing, and making your outdoor space pleasant can make a big difference. Consider investing in landscaping to design a space that best suits your needs and lifestyle to create an area where you feel comfortable relaxing in nature.

Let there be light

After the long, grey months, the sun is finally starting to make an appearance. Sunlight plays an important role in both our mental and physical health, and improves mood by boosting serotonin. To maximise light, consider replacing heavy curtains with sheer ones. Open blinds when possible, and place mirrors and lamps strategically to bounce light around spaces, creating a brighter and more uplifting environment.

Bring nature into the home 

There is a Japanese practice called Shinrin-yoku, which is a preventative treatment for mental health in Japan. It centres around our connection to nature, and how bringing plants into the home has the ability to reduce our stress and anxiety. Incorporating this idea into our living spaces has powerful benefits, from improving air quality to creating a calmer and more balanced environment.

Declutter and organise 

This essential task is not just about clearing your space but also clearing your mind, as a cluttered environment reflects a cluttered state of mind. Maintaining a clean and tidy home not only lowers anxiety but also promotes clearer thinking. By cleaning, decluttering and adding adequate storage to put things away, you can create a calm and relaxing environment, which overall lowers anxiety and stress.

Dopamine decor  

This is all about surrounding yourself with colours, patterns and objects that please you, which increases the feel-good hormone dopamine. When you genuinely like the room you're sitting or living in, it naturally lifts your mood. Warmer shades can evoke feelings of happiness and pleasure, whereas cooler tones, such as blues, promote feelings of calm and relaxation, so incorporating these throughout your home can increase happiness while lowering anxiety and depression.

Improve air flow 

Open the windows and allow fresh air to replace the stale indoor air, as this can have a direct impact on both cognitive function and mood. Good ventilation also helps prevent the buildup of mould and stagnant air, both of which negatively affect wellbeing, so keeping air circulating in your home can support clearer thinking, while reducing feelings of anxiety and low mood. 

Warm lighting 

Look for light bulbs between 2000K-3000K (Kelvins). The lower the number on the Kelvin scale, the warmer the light. Warm lighting can have a powerful effect on mental well-being as soft, orange-toned lights help promote calmness, relaxation, and stress reduction. The warm tones support the production of melatonin, which reduces stress levels and increases feelings of comfort and positivity.

Creating different home zones  

With working from home on the rise, creating different zones within your home promotes mental well-being, as it can be hard to relax and switch off at the end of the day. Where possible, separating spaces for work, relaxation, and leisure helps create clearer boundaries and a healthier routine.

Personalise your space

This is a perfect opportunity to put your personal touch on your home to reflect who you are and what makes you feel good. Items such as family photographs, artwork, and meaningful or quirky souvenirs can be used to boost your mood as well as make your home feel like a safe space to relax and express how you feel.