As autumn turns to winter, the nights get darker and nature starts to prepare itself for going to sleep for the winter months. Taking our cues from nature and slowing down during the colder, darker seasons is part of a growing movement taking shape around the world.
‘Slow living’ is all about adopting a lifestyle which encourages a slower approach to the everyday and taking life at a more leisurely pace.
Life can be pretty demanding and overwhelming at times and with increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining our mental as well as physical health, more and more people are reaping the rewards of simplifying their lives and slowing down. But where to begin?
Our homes form the backdrop to our lives, so making sure they offer a calm and safe sanctuary is the best starting point to ensuring we have a relaxing space to come back to at the end of the day. Decluttering is an important part of creating a living environment that helps promote positive mental health, so try and get rid of as much clutter as possible and at the same time, let go of any emotions attached to the things you don’t really want or need.
The bedroom is at the heart of our mental health regime and we need this space to encourage rest and relaxation while we’re at home. Keeping the bedroom clutter free and tidy is the first thing you can do to create an area that supports good mental health.
Having the right bed is the next step to curating the perfect boudoir. You can’t beat the feeling of getting into a bed that is comfortable – it helps to release endorphins which is the key to being happy and relaxed!
You should change your mattress every six to eight years but if you’re not sure whether you need to invest in a new mattress, then ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there signs of wear and tear?
- Can you feel the springs when you move around in bed?
- Do you feel stiff or in pain when you get out of bed in the morning?
- Does the mattress creak or make noise when you move around?
- Do you feel your partner moving around on the mattress?
- Have any allergies or asthma worsened?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it’s definitely time to purchase a new mattress.
Getting it right means trying before you buy. Think like Goldilocks and sit on as many beds as possible before you find the one that feels the most comfortable. Buying online is all well and good and might seem convenient at the time, but it’s not as convenient when you have to send it back or worse, resign yourself to living with an uncomfortable mattress.
Taking your time before you buy a mattress will reap rewards in the long run and once you have sourced the right mattress and bed for yourself, you can look forward to many years of comfort and relaxation. And that’s what slow living is all about…