8 Daily Rituals to Maintaining a Calm Haven Within Your Home
Let me tell you, when I come home from one of those days, feeling like I’ve been run off my feet trying to keep up with the demands of life – the last thing I’ve got the energy for is to do the same all over again in my home. I’ve found that by implementing a few simple daily rituals, they can help me stay ahead of the mess and create a home that nurtures both the mind and body.
For more thoughts on how the interior of your home can affect your mood, read my blog titled How Interior Design Affects Mental Health.
Your home should be a place of peace and restoration, not a source of stress. So let’s get it out of the way upfront and break down the importance of the daily ritual of tidying. Now granted – virtually no home is perfectly tidy at all times - doesn’t it seem like we are cleaning up toys or games, clearing dishes or sorting laundry around the house, to no end? Well, you are not alone. But in my experience, it can be easier to maintain, than to tackle it all on the weekend, or one evening. I have been practising, and expecting the same of my family, these everyday tasks that have changed my life and help make my home my haven.
Morning Rituals
Start everyday with making your bed. I know, I know, that’s what everyone says – well it’s easy enough to do and it’s my first step to staying ahead for the day. Insert this 3-minute task into your regular morning routine, whether it’s right as you step out of bed, or after you shower, slot it in there and get it done. It is as important to your mental health as brushing your teeth is to your oral hygiene. Now every time you walk into your room, your bed is welcoming and a point of pride.
Image credit: West of Main Design
Put your dirty laundry in the basket, don’t leave it on the floor, or on the chair, or anywhere else it doesn’t belong. This is a habit for your teenager - not for us adults, and reality is, many of us are as guilty as our teenagers! This is the #1 step when picking up after yourself and if you don’t start here, you will struggle with the rest of this routine.
If you’re looking for a more inspired “place” for your dirty laundry, my personal favourite this BirdRock Home two compartment wicker hamper, found here.
Canvas Laundry Hamper with Handles - Wayfair
Unload the dishwasher or put the dry dishes away if you handwashed last night. Do this while your coffee (or tea) is brewing, or while doing your pre-workout stretches. Even the fullest of dishwashers takes less than 5 minutes to unload – find the time. You and your family can now fill the machine throughout the day with no excuse for leaving dirty dishes out!
Wipe down bathroom surfaces where a quick wipe of the sink, mirror, and counters after your morning routine keeps grime from building up.
Daytime Habits
Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher throughout the day as they get used. Or at least, put them in the sink - this includes, rinsing, and sorting as you go. Try this Umbra In-Sink Drying Rack that I personally love because it allows you to air dry handwashing while keeping it all tucked away in the sink basin (best for dual basin sinks).
Umbra in sink drying rack - Amazon
Tidy as you move around the house. Devote a few extra seconds to put things back where they belong instead of letting clutter build up. This habit will form a routine and multitasking skillset that will become your second nature quickly.
Pro tip: Letting in natural light and fresh air can instantly make your space feel more refreshing and revitalizing - open some windows and inhale!
Evening
Turn on the dishwasher or wash the dishes, if you don’t have one. Don’t let them pile up. Trust me, morning you will thank you.
Dishwasher by Cove
Finish every day with a quick clean sweep of the table, counter surfaces, and the floors. Focus on the main rooms (living, dining, and kitchen), and find a home for most things that shouldn’t be there. Now depending on your habits throughout the day, this may be a tough one to wrap your head around. But trust me, if you make it a nightly ritual, you will find that throughout the day, your habits will shift and you will tidy and put away more as you go, knowing those few extra seconds it takes now will shorten this evening’s task. Some things, like projects, need to stay out, but you may consider stacking and creating a sense of organization about the items staying out.
Pro Tip: Dim the lights and create a calm atmosphere - you’ll find that soft lighting, a candle, or even light music can signal to your brain that it's time to unwind. If you don’t do this already, give it a try!
As these rituals become habit, you’ll find they become easy and may actually form a part of our wind-down routine that sets the tone for a good sleep, calm environment, and may help you to take your organization to the next level. Feel free to sign up below and download my free Daily Rituals for a Calm Haven Checklist to begin disciplining your routine around de-cluttering and tidying your home.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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