Happy Friday! Today we are going to touch on a topic that I LOVE & think is so important. If you are like me, a serious home body, then your living space is probably influencing your mood & emotions more than you think.

I think one of the most important things we can do for our minds is to ensure that the physical space we spend the most time in elicits positive emotions. I used to watch that show 'Clean House' on the Style network. The show's purpose was to transform cluttered homes into clean, organized spaces. What I observed about the people who lived in clutter, through that show, is that they were often disgruntled personalities. Many of them, not all, simply weren't happy.

Our physical environment, often reflects our inner environment. But did you know that you can use your external environment to influence your inner environment? In other words, you can leverage your living space to elicit joy, energy, positivity etc. I have yet to read (It is on my massive reading list!) The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. But, from what I know, it harps on this very idea that organized, decluttered spaces elicit joy. 

So what spaces are most important? I would say the dining room, kitchen & bedroom. These, in my opinion, are three sacred spaces. They are spaces that provide us the fuel (food & sleep) we need to be healthy. 

• A cluttered kitchen is uninspiring to prepare food in.
• An uninviting dining space, makes mindless dinner in front of the TV more tempting.
• A cluttered bedroom space can heighten stress before bed rather than alleviate it. And this ultimately can interfere with a good night's rest.

How can you begin to transform your spaces for better mental health? Determine whether each space is inviting by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Do I feel happy entering this space?
2. Do I feel relaxed in the space or does it elicit emotions like anger & frustration?

After you've answered these questions, brainstorm & then make a plan to change what is in your power to change about that space. You don't need to spend lots of money to transform your living spaces. Often, it simply requires a little practical organization & decluttering. 

One of my friends in medical school introduced me to the word 'nesting.' Nesting is used to describe the process of making a space feel like home. Many pregnant women also use this term when they are preparing a nursery or their home for the arrival of a baby. But, I invite you to use this concept for your current living space. What will make it feel more like home?

Be Radiant,

~Dr. Dimpi