Live More Mindfully: 9 Tips to Try at Home
I was invited to share my thoughts on how to live more mindfully for an article in ApartmentGuide.
I’ve always believed in the power of home. It is where life happens. It should be a sanctuary; somewhere easy to live. Somewhere comfortable for individuals and their families.
If you’d like to create nurturing spaces and cultivate mindfulness at home, read on for 9 helpful tips.
You've probably come across the concept of mindful living, whether in casual conversation or through ads. It's a phrase that seems to be everywhere these days. But what does it truly entail? And what can you do today to begin living with more mindfulness?
Mindful living directs our attention to the present, steering us away from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By embracing the present moment, we gain control over our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling us to actively shape our future outcomes.
For this article, we’ve consulted various experts on ways you can live more mindfully at home, offering 9 unique tips and insightful advice to enhance your daily routines and create a more intentional living space – whether that’s an apartment in Cedar Rapids, IA, a rental home in Sioux Falls, SD, or anywhere else in the world.
1. Transform your home with candles
The subtle scents of candles can further enhance the ambiance, helping to soothe the mind and elevate the overall sensory experience of your space.
“If you’re thinking about changing up your interior this spring, candles could be just the ticket – they're affordable and super versatile, perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces,” explains Becky Riess, Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Thumbprint Artifacts. “Get creative with different candle designs and styles to set the perfect mood. If you're having folks over, unscented candles are your best bet. They won't clash with the delicious smells wafting from your kitchen, and some guests might have a sensitive nose. But if you're all about creating a chill vibe, fragranced candles are the way to go. Plus, many of them come with those soothing aromatherapy benefits.”
2. Create a calm space
“I believe one can live large and well no matter the size of their home,” says lifestyle blogger, Clearissa Coward. “Organizing a small space can be challenging, but with a little planning and creativity, it is possible to make the most of the space available. Love and be grateful for your space and you can live a happy and organized life in the space you are in. Remember, an organized living space is a calm living space.”
3. Choose comfort
“Your home is a spiritual sanctuary so comfort is always a priority as it would define your personal growth journey,” shares Smita Chaudhari, lifestyle blogger at Gin n Sardonic. “The easiest way to refresh your living space while integrating principles of personal growth and wellness is by infusing the elements of nature into your living space. Some ways to do this is to include various sizes and shapes of indoor plants like succulent aloe vera to larger plants like monstera deliciosa to purify air and help as a stress buster and mood booster. You can also optimize natural light and ventilation to elevate the ambiance of your space to help maintain freshness and foster a healthy lifestyle.”
4. Design a reading nook
Instead of reflexively reaching for your phone, cultivating the habit of choosing a good book can enrich your daily life in numerous ways.
Incorporate contrasting elements
Alex and Christina, owners of A Novel Idea, a small bookstore in Philadelphia, PA, discuss how they design their perfect nook. “We love incorporating contrasting elements like plush blankets and fragrant candles with a sensible table for our favorite beverages. Good lighting is key, of course. Whenever possible, we surround ourselves with bookshelves so we can daydream about our TBR. Most importantly, we love to snuggle our pups while we read.”
Find the right balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality
“When designing your perfect reading nook, it's important to find the right balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality, a sweet spot that will be different for every reader,” explains Constance Ray, traveling bibliophile at A Well-Read Wanderer. “I recommend finding a naturally lit corner of the room, which will make the space bright and inviting and minimize eye strain while reading. Select a comfortable, oversized chair or chair with an ottoman, and throw on a blanket and supportive pillow in colors that suit your personal style. A reading nook that's both gorgeous and comfortable will have you canceling plans to cuddle up with your latest read instead — and loving every minute of it.”
Lean on experts to help stock your corner
“Local independent bookstores are the best place to find books to stock your reading corner,” shares Sheila Avelin, owner of Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Philadelphia, PA. “The staff is expert in finding your next great read and can keep you up to date on new releases from your favorites and debuts from authors you might not have tried before. Then all you need is a comfy chair and a cup of tea and you're in business.”
5. Utilize the power of crystals
Crystals serve as conduits for positive energy, helping to cleanse and balance your space, enhancing the effectiveness of your mindfulness practices and promoting holistic well-being.
Select crystals that resonate with your intentions and needs
Spirit healer, Talal Zoabi shares, “Healing crystals can bring positive energy into your daily life through a routine in numerous ways to support a person’s well-being. You can select crystals that resonate with your intentions and needs, such as amethyst for calming energy or rose quartz for promoting self-love. Start by picking the clearest crystal of your favorite color that compliments the theme of your home. Crystals can filtrate out the negative energy in your living space and aura, and cleanse it into positive energy, helping you to cultivate a greater sense of balance and harmony in your home and life.”
Set intentions and establish a connection
“To initiate your journey with a new crystal, start by holding it in your hand and setting a clear intention,” explains founder and Healer Erin Hollon at Ivy and Light. “Focus on how you want to feel or what you wish to achieve, aligning your intention with the specific properties of the crystal. To establish a deeper bond, try incorporating meditation into your practice by following a guided meditation. Hold the crystal in your non-dominant hand (your non-dominant hand receives energy, while your dominant hand sends energy) and meditate on its qualities.”
Find the crystal to support your goals
“Crystals serve not just as decorative accents but as vessels for intention and purpose,” says Maria Davis, medical intuitive/spiritual mentor. “I find joy in setting intentions and seeking out the perfect crystal to manifest them. From spheres to towers, plates to slabs, each shape and size carries its own unique intention and purpose. Three main areas of focus for intentions are health – clear quartz, wealth – citrine and green aventurine, and love – rose quartz. Whether you are seeking to enhance wellbeing, attract abundance and/or foster harmonious relationships, crystals will support to manifest your intention. By selecting a showpiece with intention, you can witness the transformative power of crystals as they infuse your world with positive energy and alignment.”
6. Bring the outdoors in
Integrating natural elements like plants into your home enhances its ambiance and aesthetics, offering benefits beyond mere decoration. Plants not only purify the air and regulate humidity for better respiratory health but also reduce stress and uplift mood, fostering a serene and inviting environment for relaxation.
Choose low-maintenance plants
Toni Palafox, owner of Mission Hills Nursery in San Diego, CA believes everyone, regardless of their living space, can enjoy a touch of nature. “Choose low-maintenance plants suited for indoor environments with limited light, opting for varieties with broad leaves to thrive in such conditions. Determine whether your plant will be placed on a table, the ground, or suspended from a shelf to ensure it doesn't outgrow its space. Remember that many indoor plants perish from excessive care, as they don't receive the same exposure to sunlight and wind as their outdoor counterparts. Consequently, they typically require less water. Seek advice from your local garden center to select the right plants and care for them effectively.”
Know what your plants need
“If the pandemic taught us anything, it may have been that houseplants are a great source of joy and comfort regardless of circumstances,” states the Walter Andersen Nursery team. “To be successful with your indoor charges, first and foremost, know your plant and do your best to recreate its natural environment. While most houseplants thrive in bright indirect light, many do well in lower light conditions. Regular feeding is essential; consider using a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote for convenience, releasing nutrients with each watering and lasting up to 6 months. For advice, troubleshooting, or rare finds, your local independent garden center is an invaluable ally.”
Find resilient plants that can handle your learning curve
“If you're new to creating your indoor oasis, I suggest starting with resilient plants,” says Razeena, owner of PlantBoxs, an online shop delivering plants to your doorstep. “Varieties like pothos, ZZ plants, and snake plants are forgiving—they can handle occasional neglect and low light conditions. While all plants require some level of care, these can withstand your learning curve as you become a confident plant parent. My own journey began with a mint plant and a pothos, and now I have a thriving indoor garden. Begin with just one or two plants to gauge your schedule and home lighting. Bonus: pothos plants are easy to propagate, giving you more greenery to spread around your home.”
7. Make space for creativity
Personalize your home through DIY projects
Lifestyle blogger Diana Marie at Diana Marie Home recommends creating a personalized home through DIY projects. “Sometimes DIY can feel overwhelming, but simple projects like this DIY pleated lampshade can add so much character to your space. Creating a textured lampshade using fabric of your choosing creates a unique piece that lets your personality shine and makes your home feel more inviting and cozy.”
8. Declutter for personal growth and wellness
Remove physical and emotional barriers that hinder progress allows for a clearer mind and greater focus on self-improvement. By creating an organized and harmonious living environment, individuals can cultivate a sense of calmness, reduce stress, and foster a space conducive to personal development and well-being.
Nicole Saunders, owner of Therapy Charlotte speaks on transforming your living space into a sanctuary. “To reflect personal growth and wellness, start with decluttering, both physically and emotionally. Begin by removing items that no longer serve your current self. You will immediately experience a reduction in stress and also make room for elements that inspire serenity and creativity. Through these mindful adjustments, your home can become a mirror of your inner journey towards growth and well-being, cultivating an environment where both can flourish.”
9. Surround yourself with calming colors
Calming colors can evoke a sense of tranquility and promote relaxation, helping to create a conducive environment for introspection and focus. These soothing hues can visually reinforce a peaceful atmosphere, aiding in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being during mindfulness practices.
“Decluttering can help reduce stress and clear your mind, making your space a more enjoyable place to relax,” states Shanna Eilers, owner of Ashby Road Studio, a holistic interior design studio in Colorado Springs, CO. “Try using calming colors like soft blues, greens, and earth tones to help you unwind and recharge. And don't forget to add personal touches. Sentimental objects hold special memories, bringing joy and warmth into your home and making it a true reflection of you and your loved ones.”
Living more mindfully at home: Final thoughts
Incorporating these mindful practices into your daily life can profoundly transform the atmosphere of your home, turning it into a sanctuary of peace, clarity, and purpose. From embracing nature indoors to decluttering for personal growth, each tip offers an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and intentionality in your living space. By making small but significant shifts in your daily routine, you can create a home environment that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. So, whether you're taking a moment to set intentions with a new crystal or infusing your space with calming colors, remember that mindful living begins at home, where every choice has the power to shape your well-being and foster a deeper connection to the present moment.
