Loud. Busy. Constant. These are three words I can use to describe our home. You may be able to relate to this especially on a weekday when homework, rugby, and meal prep take over as everyone talks at once, excited to tell you about their day.
Regular, run of the mill family life can be overwhelming and stressful. Creating a calm approach to our days creates a peaceful and relaxing home which allows us to respond in a comforting way to our children’s needs. So how can we create a calmer household to give ourselves the headspace to amble through our day with a clear head?
1: Change the Focus
Our lives are very busy. So much so that we can forget some of the small things we can do that help to loosen our shoulders and calm our minds. Lighting candles, burning incense, using a diffuser, and playing gentle music are all ways that trigger your mind to slow down a little. By changing the focus in our homes, we can work with the events of the day in a quieter and calmer way. It may sound fanciful, but give it a try to see if small adjustments like this will work for you.
2: Declutter, Sort, And Organise
Decluttering is a once-a-year job if it’s done right, but it always builds back up again at some stage. Sorting and organising, however, is something that will help create a calmer home if done continually. Have an "everything in its place" mindset and clear the clutter from your home as well as your mind.
3: Put The Phone Down
Our phones and other technology can be extra noise in our already loud day. Train yourself to have time away from your phone to unclutter this part of your life. Turn off notifications so you are not pulled by the constant pinging. Put your phone on "do not disturb" for even one hour in the evening, and keep your phone (and those of everyone else in your home) in a drawer so there are no additional distractions at family time.
4: Delegate
We cannot do it all. It’s quite impossible to expect yourself to pick up after everyone, do all the drop-offs and pickups, manage the weekly meals, and not get stressed. Delegate household jobs to other members of the house, even the kids, and don’t be worried about asking for help. You’re human. We all are.
5: Embrace Comfort
Make an effort to add a little comfort to your day in the evening; either getting cosy with a blanket and a vanilla-scented candle or curling up with fresh linen bedsheets. After a long day, embrace the joy of luxury and relaxation so that you can fall asleep (and stay asleep) easier, meaning you are refreshed and ready for a new calm day in your calmer household.
