- Amara Naqvi
We often feel the urge to hit the reset button when we need a fresh start, to refocus, or to let go of something that is not serving us in our daily routines and lives. To do this right, finding ways to refresh your space and breathing new life into our living spaces or environment is the first step to renewal.
Humans are wired for change and improvement. We naturally seek novelty and strive to grow. When we’re stuck in routines or in a negative state of mind, we crave a fresh perspective. Resetting our environment symbolizes a clean slate, offering a chance to move forward with renewed energy and focus.
Taking control of our physical environment is indeed empowering. As we actively do this, we feel more empowered and capable of achieving our goals. This in turn leads to increased motivation and productivity in other areas of our lives.
Thus, as our surroundings align with our present needs and mindsets, we experience increased motivation, confidence, and relaxation, helping us to let go of things that no longer serve us.
Perhaps you simply want to switch things up, or you might feel that your home or office is contributing to a less-than-ideal mood. Maybe you’ve embarked on an exciting venture, enrolled in a new school course, started a brand-new job, or even adopted a fresh mindset.
In any scenario, clearing stagnant energy and inviting fresh energy into our spaces is one of the best ways to support such efforts. It truly feels good and makes a big difference!
Here are 11 quick and easy ways to align your home, office, classroom, gym, or any other space with your new energy:
“The key is to first set an intention—a focused thought, a prayer,
a purpose, a wish—then turn that intention
into a reality that speaks to you!”
1. Use A Himalayan Salt Lamp
A Himalayan salt lamp not only emit a soothing, soft glow but also releases negative ions that counteract the positive ions produced by various factors such as pollution, electronic devices, and air conditioning systems. High levels of positive ions are believed to contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and discomfort for some individuals.
Negative ions are most abundant in natural settings such as forests, mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Salt lamps generate negatively charged ions, creating a relaxed and invigorating environment. Even during arguments or moments of intense emotions, people emit positive ions. These negative ions promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Simply place a salt lamp on a side table, desk, or use it as a nightlight to create a soothing ambiance.
Since Himalayan salt lamps absorb energy, they should be exposed to sunlight every now and then so that they can release it, and then keep the energy field clear. For example, if a therapist is in an enclosed space, the energy released by the patient releases positive ions, which the lamp transforms into negative ions.
2. Incorporate Plants
Plants are not only pleasing to the eye, but also serve as fantastic energy boosters, carrying nature’s life force into our homes. They uplift our spirits, provide oxygen, and recycle air, creating a serene environment that circulates healing energy. The more plants you have, the better.
Aloe vera, pothos, ficus, and peace lilies are all good choices for potted plants. These plants not only purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, but they also bring life and vibrancy to any space. You can place them near windows or other well-lit areas to add a touch of greenery or stagnant energy corners.
Ferns are particularly beneficial as they generate negative ions, which contribute to healthy indoor air. Negative ions reduce dust, allergens, and other airborne pollutants, improving air quality and promoting overall well-being.
In addition to their air-purifying qualities, plants can also improve mental health by reducing stress and increasing calm and relaxation. They boost productivity and creativity, making them ideal additions to home offices or study areas.
Integrating plants into your interiors is a simple yet effective way to create a healthier, more vibrant living environment. Embrace nature’s power and let plants infuse your space with fresh energy.
3. Take Adavantage of Essential Oil Aromas
Nothing comes close to the invigorating aromas of essential oils to instantly shift the energy in a room.
In our daily lives, we rely heavily on our sense of smell. It shapes our emotional responses to people and situations more than any other senses. The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are vast and beyond the scope of this paragraph.
Disperse aromas like citrus for an invigorating effect or lavender for a calming atmosphere. Experiment with scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemongrass to create a unique and refreshing environment. You can also create your own energizing spray by combining water and a few drops of essential oils like lemon, rosemary, or peppermint. Mist the spray around the room for an instant refresh. Misting the spray also releases negative Ions into the space.
4. Bring In Fresh Air
In essence, air spirit represents change and transformation. Fresh air has the power to invigorate our lives, bringing new energy and vitality. A constantly flowing force, it reminds us that everything is in transition, and embracing it opens us up to new perspectives and opportunities.
By opening windows regularly to let in fresh air, we can significantly improve our living environments. Natural ventilation eliminates stagnant energy, revitalizes the space, and welcomes in fresh energy. To ventilate a room effectively, open windows on opposite sides to create cross-ventilation. The air is not only refreshed but also purified of any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from recently purchased or existing products, furnishings, or carpets.
Fresh air also promotes better respiratory health by reducing indoor pollutants and allergens. It improves concentration and mental clarity, making it easier to focus on tasks. Fresh air also regulates indoor humidity levels, preventing mold and mildew growth, which can negatively affect your health and home’s integrity.
Bringing fresh air into our interiors is a simple and practical way to refresh ourselves and our spaces and make them more vibrant. Embrace the air spirit and let the air bring new life and energy to your home.
5. Don't Underestimate The Power Of Sunlight
Sunlight streaming into our interiors offers an array of benefits, making it one of nature’s most precious gifts. It not only brightens up rooms, creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere, but also boosts our energy and revitalizes our spirits. Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function.
By opening curtains or blinds to allow natural light in, we can significantly enhance our living spaces. Natural light improves mood and energy levels, combating depression and fatigue. It can also increase productivity and concentration, making it ideal for home offices or study areas. Furthermore, sunlight regulates our circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Additionally, sunlight purifies our interiors. It can reduce mold and mildew growth by keeping spaces dry and airy. The warmth and light from the sun can also enhance our decor’s colors and textures, making everything look more vibrant and inviting.
Incorporating sunlight into our homes is a simple yet effective way to create a healthier and more enjoyable living environment. So, embrace the sunshine and let it transform your spaces into bright, uplifting sanctuaries.
6. Declutter And Remove Stagnant Energy
Stress, anxiety, and difficulty focusing is caused by clutter and disorganization. Remove clutter and unnecessary items that represent past phases an or items associated with negative emotions.
Decluttering and refreshing our spaces symbolize letting go of negative emotions tied to certain items, past experiences that hold us back, and things that no longer serve us. This act of release can be incredibly freeing and empowering, paving the way for new beginnings.
In any space, clutter holds stagnant energy and drains it, directly contributing to feelings of overwhelm and lack of productivity. Take the time to declutter and organize your belongings. Utilize storage solutions such as decorative baskets, shelves, or wall hooks to keep items in their designated places. A clutter-free space promotes a sense of calm and clarity.
7. Clean & Refresh
A clean space is a clear space. Take some time to deep clean your home and get rid of any dust, dirt, or grime. Avoid using toxic cleaners that release harmful chemicals into the air. Non-toxic cleaners are safer for you and the environment, creating a cleaner, fresher space that supports positive energy and well-being.
8. Re-Arrange Furnishings, Freshen Up Decor Or Change Colors
Consider making minor changes to furnishings, decor, or colors that align with your desired outcome or intention. You can do this in a variety of meaningful ways:
- Rearrange furniture: Create new flow and energy in your space, fostering a fresh perspective.
- Bring nature inside: Incorporate natural elements like plants, stones, and earthy textures to evoke a sense of peace and security. Materials like wood or bamboo provide a grounding effect.
- Update colors: Play with colors to set the mood – vibrant hues like yellow for focus, orange for energy and warmth, or cool tones like blue and green for a calming atmosphere. Use these colors in your walls, accents, and furnishings to promote focus, relaxation, or creativity.
- Create a dedicated space: Designate an area for meditation, yoga, or journaling to support mindfulness practices, enhancing your sense of well-being.
- Display meaningful objects: Surround yourself with items that symbolize your aspirations, values, or positive memories. For instance, a travel photo can represent your desire for adventure.
- Use affirmations: Write down positive affirmations related to your goals and display them around your space as visual reminders to stay motivated and inspired.
- Rearrange artwork: Refresh the visual experience by changing the placement or updating the artwork in your space, adding a new layer of inspiration.
These thoughtful changes can transform your environment into a nurturing and inspiring sanctuary.
9. Adjust The Lighting
Improper lighting can not only diminish the aesthetics of a space but also drain your energy. To enhance your environment, it’s crucial to understand the effects of different light temperatures on mood, productivity, and circadian rhythms. Adjust your lighting to create the desired atmosphere accordingly.
Layer your lighting: Incorporate task lighting, such as an adjustable desk lamp, with ambient lighting, like a pendant light or floor lamp. Dimmers can provide flexibility to adjust lighting intensity based on your needs.
Revamp your lighting design: Consider integrating smart lighting controls to adjust color temperatures throughout the day. This can significantly impact a room’s mood and energy, creating a dynamic and adaptable space.
By thoughtfully designing your lighting, you can create an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and energetically supportive.
10. Smudging: Sage And Palo Santo
Sage and palo santo, known for their cleansing properties, can help remove negative energy from a space. Light the sage or palo santo bundle and let the smoke waft around the room, focusing on corners and doorways. Be mindful of fire safety precautions while using these tools.
11. Use A Crystal’s Vibration To Purify The Space
Ahhhh our favorite, Crystals! Crystals have long been associated with positive energy and healing properties.
With their unique energetic frequencies, crystals disperse negative energy and restore balance in a space. Place them strategically in various areas of the room or use them as decorative accents or in ritual cleansing to help eliminate stagnant energy.
Quartz, for example, is renowned for clearing stagnant energy and instilling calmness when placed strategically. The crystal selenite enhances spiritual guidance during meditation or intention setting by amplifying positive energy.
Here are some ideas for major design updates to refresh your spaces:
Consider these options if you wish to make major changes to update your interior design, eliminate stagnant energy, refresh, and refocus:
- Architectural Renovation: Remove walls to create an open floor plan, add skylights for more natural light, or incorporate architectural elements like archways and pillars to dramatically transform your living space’s feel.
- Smart Home Integration: Invest in smart home technology to create an environment that adapts to your needs. Automation of lighting, temperature control, and audio-visual systems adds convenience and control, aligning with your desire for empowerment.
- Indoor-Outdoor Fusion: Use large sliding glass doors, extend the patio or deck, or incorporate indoor plants to blur the lines between indoors and out. A space that connects with nature can feel refreshing.
- Customized Wellness Spaces: Designate a specific area for wellness activities like a home gym, fitness equipment, meditation corner, or spa-like bathroom with a sauna or jacuzzi. This major transformation directly addresses the need for positive reinforcement and a more productive life.
- Home Office Overhaul: Create a focused and professional work environment with ergonomic furniture, advanced lighting solutions, and soundproofing. Empowerment and productivity can be enhanced by this significant change.
- Artistic Statement Wall: Make a statement with vibrant murals or textured wallpaper, or display meaningful artwork on a gallery wall. A bold visual statement can redefine a room’s atmosphere.
- Luxurious Retreat Space: Make your bedroom a luxurious retreat with high-quality bedding, plush furniture, and elegant decor. A fireplace or cozy reading nook are great additions. Relax in this serene and indulgent space.
- Multipurpose Furniture Solutions: Consider furniture that serves multiple purposes, for example, a sofa that converts into a bed, storage ottomans, or fold-out desks. Living spaces can be more organized and dynamic by optimizing space efficiency.
- Customized Lighting Scheme: You could also completely revamp the lighting design. Install a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Integrate smart lighting controls to adjust color temperatures and intensity based on the time of day. This can significantly impact each room’s mood and energy.
Point Of Alignment
The urge to reset our environment when we need a fresh start stems from a deep-seated desire for renewal, empowerment, and a more positive and productive life. Setting our living space can be a powerful first step towards achieving our goals and improving our overall well-being by meeting our psychological needs for change, control, and positive reinforcement.Why is this so?
- It’s psychological: From environmental psychology, of how our surroundings can affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – if we feel burdened or stagnant, our environment can amplify those feelings.
- It’s mindfulness: The process of resetting and assessing our needs and desires creates an environment that supports it, encouraging mindfulness and intentionality that spill over into other aspects of our lives.
- It’s a symbolic gesture: As a symbolic gesture, it indicates a conscious decision to change, grow, and create a life aligned with our values and aspirations which strengthens our commitment to self-improvement and personal transformation.
From plants and essential oils to decluttering and using crystals, to larger alterations in the design or surrounding of our living space, there are endless possibilities to create an environment that energizes and uplifts.
