Your Environment in Recovery

The environment in which you live can influence your feelings and behaviors.  Recovery is a time for transformation of yourself, your relationships, and your spirituality.  Transformation of your environment can also help with your level of stress, feeling overwhelmed, and your sense of well-being.  Here are some suggestions to transform your home into a place of calm and serenity.

Clutter
Clutter has been found to increase stress levels not only in individuals but with guests too.  On the flip side, living areas that are too sparse can make your environment seem unwelcoming.  You want to create space that is livable, practical, and free from clutter.  If you have personal items that you want displayed, put them on a bookshelf or organize them on a table.  Think about what you have used and not used in the last six months and if you have not used something in a while, think about donating it to charity.  Display personal items that have meaning for you and that provide happy memories.

Color
Choose colors that are calming and peaceful including yellows, blues, or pastels.  If your furniture or accessories are darker in color, use lighter colors for accents such as pictures or throw pillows.

Space
Position furniture and other large items in order to create livable space.  As with personal objects, you might think about donating larger pieces of furniture to make more space.  This can give you more of an open feeling and one that is not closed off.

Plants and Flowers
Green is a good color to have in one’s home.  According to psychologists, green can reduce mental fatigue and can increase focus.  Even if you do not have a green thumb, try adding some artificial plants or flowers that are green in color.

Light
A poorly lit room can appear depressing.  Let natural light in through opening windows and doors.  Inadequate exposure to daylight can lead to an effect similar to jet lag.  You may feel tired or unfocused without good lighting.  Open windows to let fresh are in and to eliminate musty smells.  It is a good idea to have a dim room for sleeping as too much light can trigger wakefulness.  Avoid using harsh overhead lamp fixtures and instead opt for soft lights and lamps.

Your environment can affect how you feel.  Clutter, dark colors, dim lights, and an excess of furniture can make one feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed.  Spend some time in recovery updating your home to be more relaxed and inviting.