January can be a difficult month for a lot of people. The holidays are over, it's dark and gloomy and way too cold to go outside. Personally, it's not my favorite time of the year. But I plan to change that. With the new year beginning and all the resolutions and goals we set for ourselves, it should be a time of celebration and excitement. Our surroundings play a huge part in the way we live our lives. If you're feeling unmotivated, depressed, or even just 'blah,' here are ten things you can do
right now to make your home a little more cheerful:
1. Vacuum. Something about seeing those straight lines in your carpet makes everything feel crisp and clean. It's an easy and quick way to bring some positivity to your space.
2. Fold your toilet paper into a point. This is simple, takes no time, and is an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your home. Try it! It might change your life!
3. Make your bed. It's age-old advice, but it works. Having a freshly made bed is motivating, encouraging and empowering. It gives you a sense of order and makes you feel more productive. If you're not in the habit of making the bed every morning, now is a good time to start!
4. Get a scented candle going. Smell is a powerful sense. It can trigger memories, make us feel calm, or even have a very negative effect. Choose a scent for your home that will best represent the atmosphere you're trying to create. Whether you like jar candles or wax and warmers, this is a simple way to lift your spirits. My favorite candles can be found
here.
5. Get some fresh flowers. Having flowers in your home just puts you in a good mood! I buy a bunch of flowers each week when I buy my groceries. My local grocery store sells discount flowers for as low as $1.50!
6. Open your curtains/blinds/shades and let some light in. Sunlight is just plain good for you. It will brighten your surroundings and make everything seem fresh. There are health benefits to letting the sun in every day, too.
7. Frame a motivating quote or printable. Do you have a favorite quote that helps you feel positive or motivated? Type it up, print it out, and put it in a cute frame. There are lots of ways to get creative here. If you have great handwriting, try lettering it. If you're lacking in the creativity department, try finding a quote you like online. There are so many fun free printables out there. Just get on Pinterest and you'll find anything you could ever want! If you're willing to shell out a little money for something you love, there are many talented sellers on Etsy who can design all types of word art. This is one of my favorite quotes that my talented friend hand lettered on a canvas for me. It hangs on a prominent wall in my home.
8. Declutter and then organize. Now is a great time to get a head start on your Spring cleaning! There are tons of beautifully organized spaces on Pinterest, but it's important to remember that before you can design your organization system, you need to DECLUTTER. Clutter is more than just junk piles of paper. It's anything you don't love, anything unused or unfinished, or too many things in not enough space. Think about whether or not something should really stay in your home and get rid it if it shouldn't be there. Start small and work up to bigger, more intimidating areas of your home that need decluttering. This will get you big results fast, and you'll be more motivated to finish the rest of your house!
9. Clear off counters, tables, and horizontal surfaces. Having clutter-free surfaces is energizing. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed when countertops and tables are littered with stuff. So put it all away! Even if you don't have the time to really sit down and declutter, simply clearing off your horizontal surfaces will make a huge impact on your surroundings.
10. Create a simple vignette. Choose an entry-way table, a mantle, or any small area in your home where you can create a little happiness. Shop your house and use candles, flowers, vases, books, or any decorative objects. You could even incorporate that inspiring quote you've framed! Or, include a few objects that celebrate one of the holidays we have coming up- like Valentine's or St. Patrick's Day.
Free Love Printable found
here.
