Mindful Living Spaces Made Simple

Let’s be honest, university life brings with it new and unique sets of challenges. From the anticipation of move-in day and mastering your lecture schedule, to making new friends and prepping for exams, we often miss the chance to find a few moments of peace. So, why not make your dorm or apartment your happy place? Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to finding your zen.

Calm with Colours

When picking out paint colours, duvets, and decor, keep in mind that different hues have different cognitive effects – from calming blues to highly stimulating reds. To achieve a mindful ambiance in your space, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, Hannah Yeo, suggests soft, cool colours. “For instance, light sages and sky light blues are often associated with spa-inspired rooms. There's also some scientific research indicating that due to the short wavelengths of cooler colours and how our cones perceive them, greens and blues are the most relaxing to our eyes. Easily put, greens and blues colours are simply less tiring to the eye."

Keep it Clean

According to a study published in Current Psychology, there is a direct correlation between cluttered living spaces and stress. Take it from Stacy Thomes, a professional organiser: “Anxiety, ultimately, is about a loss of control, so I tell my clients: ‘You’re giving your stuff the control. You need to get control over your stuff… A little order goes a long way.” So go ahead, take five minutes to pick those clothes up off the floor and tidy your study space in order to lessen anxiety (psst! download this helpful checklist by clicking on the image).

Play with Light

There’s a reason you’ve got a pep in your step on sunny days – Vitamin D! By creating an open, airy space with plenty of natural light, you’ll increase your Vitamin D levels (and the serotonin and productivity boost that comes with it). However, too much light can have a negative impact on your sleeping patterns. Psychology expert and author, Dak Kopec, advises investing in blackout curtains to ensure an uninterrupted night’s sleep as well as replacing harsh lights on your favourite fixtures with bulbs labeled “warm white” for a more relaxing, natural environment.

Bring Nature Inside

We’ve covered the benefits of sunshine and natural light, but let’s take it one step further and bring nature indoors. Besides their air purifying qualities and beauty, the organic, irregular shapes of leaves and blooms are relaxing to the eye. Dak Kopec also notes that plants “require tending and nurturing, which gives us a sense of control.” But choose your new plant wisely – environmental psychologist Sally Augustin notes that “Cactuses and plants with pointy leaves haven’t proven to be as relaxing as leafier plants, such as ficuses. You want softly rounded leaves with branches that bend a little bit under the weight of the leaves.” For new plant enthusiasts, start with low-maintenance varieties like snake plant, heart leaf philodendron, and photos to add a green touch to any room.

Pencil in Gratitude

Finally, begin your day with ample time for gratitude and self-reflection. Find your flow in a morning routine that involves some light journaling and write down three things you’re grateful for, three things you want to achieve that day, and three people who you want to check in with for a quick “hello!” Not only does this offer you a sense of structure and control over your day, it helps guide you into the practice of mindfulness effortlessly. You can buy your very own Mindfulness Society gratitude journal here.

Now, we want to see YOUR mindful living space. Using these tips and tricks, showcase your dorm or apartment and tag us on social media for your chance to win a Mindfulness Society swag bag. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Stay Mindful,

TCD Mindfulness Society