Your Home’s To-Do List on National Stress Awareness Day

Life can be stressful—that’s just how it works sometimes. From family obligations to figuring out how to handle the oversized American workload, most people feel stress on a daily basis in some form or fashion. The first Wednesday in November is National Stress Awareness Day, so use this opportunity to alleviate the aches and pains of daily life for your whole family. Follow the list below to prepare your home for the challenges of anxiety and stress.

Stock Your Kitchen with Stress-Relieving Foods

One of the most essential elements of your daily life is, unsurprisingly, food. Picking the right meals and snacks can improve your health and reduce your stress levels, but selecting the wrong foods can have equally powerful negative effects. Keep this in mind as you cruise the aisles of your local grocery store.

There are a number of foods to consider as you fill your cart. Asparagus is high in folate, an important vitamin that helps maintain health. Berries are a wonderful source of vitamin C, which can help lower blood pressure and stress levels. Chamomile tea has been linked to better sleep and stress reduction. Try to steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are high in sugar and sodium. Alcohol and caffeine are known causes of stress, and sugary and salty snacks can have similar effects. While these may all seem appetizing, remember that they increase blood pressure, heart rate, and stress.

Provide Music to De-Stress

Music can change your mood in a matter of minutes. Keep yourself relaxed and happy by filling your home with the right tunes. Try calm jazz, orchestral music, or instrumental variations. If you are having issues sleeping, researchers have found that music with a 60- to 90-beat-per-minute tempo can help your brain relax. Musical tastes are unique, though, so choose music that you enjoy and that helps you settle down.

Bring Out Aromas for Relaxation

Much like music, aromas can quickly shift your mood. The right scent can calm and soothe you with very little effort on your part. Common choices for relaxation include lavender, valerian, and vanilla.

Declutter Your Life

Convincing yourself to do chores can be difficult, but keeping your house clean can go a long way toward helping you stay calm and collected. Remove any clutter around the house. Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, or backyard, clutter can easily take over your home as well as your peace of mind. Keep your home clean and clutter-free to help keep your stress levels under control.

Make Things Comfortable

It’s hard to de-stress if you don’t enjoy your time at home. Turn your house into a sanctuary from outside anxiety with cuddly bed sheets, comforting couch pillows, and warm blankets. Fill your home with reminders of fun trips, relaxing vacations, and time spent with loved ones.

Give Your Home a Room of Relaxation

Consider dedicating a whole room to relaxation to provide you and your family a sanctuary of sorts from the outside world. Sharp textures and bright colors are typically energizing and can keep your brain engaged, so opt for soft textiles and light, cool paint colors instead.

Remove televisions and other electronic devices. Studies have shown that the light emanating from backlit LED screens can disrupt your circadian rhythm, or natural sleep cycle. Keep this room a quiet, screen-free zone to maintain a place of mental peace.

By following this six-part to-do list, your family can remain happy, healthy, and stress-free. Stay relaxed and healthy for this year’s National Stress Awareness Day.