3 Ways Your Home Can Help You Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions

When was the last time you considered the effect your home has in supporting new habits and goals? It might sound a bit woo-wooey, but stay with me. From feng shui to the Danish philosophy of hygge (hoo-guh), it has long been acknowledged that our homes can work for or against us depending on how we choose to design them. Yes, it is definitely better to keep a bowl of fruit out on your kitchen counter rather than a plate of donuts, but I have a few other ideas on how we can tweak our homes to be a reflection of our best selves.

1.) Design Decreases Stress & Gives You Back Control

Is there anything more frustrating than knowing you have the thing you need at the moment, but you just can't remember where you last put it? It is in these moments that we are most likely to think, "I wish I could keep my home more organized!" If you often aspire to be better at getting AND staying organized, consider how your home could be helping or hindering your efforts.

For example, creating a designated spot for outgoing items (packages, store returns, and more) near the entrance to your home will give these items a temporary home in a location that is out of the way of the daily chaos. A large basket tucked under an entry table is a simple solution to this type of clutter that is aesthetically pleasing.

When it comes to organizing the items that remain in the home, use your daily routine as inspiration for where items should 'live' when not in use so that your home is organized well to fit YOUR family. If you always exit and enter the house through the garage, create a place near that door for coats, shoes, and keys. Yes, there might technically be a coat closet next to the front door, but if you have to trek across the house to put your coat away when you come home, it is unlikely to become routine. When you organize and store household items in a way that is most conducive to your household and lifestyle, you are minimizing friction and increasing the likelihood that your organizing efforts will become habit and not simply a one-off attempt.

2.) Design Makes Room for Daily Meditation & Mindfulness

If you're looking to make room in your life for practices that increase mindfulness like meditation and journaling, start by creating a literal space that will encourage and support such habits. A comfortable club chair tucked away in your bedroom can be the perfect retreat without the disruptions of a family room.

A room with layered lighting on dimmer switches allows you to turn a loud and lively space into one that is quiet and calm.

Want to spend less time in front of the television? Rather than making the tv the focal point in your main living room, arrange seating that encourages conversation and engaging in other activities like puzzles or board games. A floor or table lamp near your favorite reading spot will ensure there is always enough light, even during the winter months.

3.) Design Propels Your Desire for More Physical Activity

If January 1st will be a reminder of this past year's unfulfilled fitness goals, you might be looking for a few ways to change up how you approach getting more physically active in the new year. And while your home wont solely be the driving force behind getting to the gym before work in the morning, creating the habit of setting out your workout attire near your bed can increase the likelihood of getting the workout in versus hitting the snooze button. Another way we can sneak more exercise into our busy lives is through a trick called temptation bundling which boils down to allowing yourself to enjoy an indulgence you crave while working toward your goal. If you look forward to ending every day with your favorite television show, make a rule that you will only watch the show if you pair it with an activity that fulfills your fitness goals.

Old habits die hard, but that shouldn't scare you out of creating healthier ones. And while it is easier to do what you've always done, reducing the friction that comes between you and your goals will always help. So rather than doing things that work perfectly well for others, consider what works for you and your family. There isn't one set way to have an organized home and there isn't one set way to add more physical activity. If something feels too difficult, it probably is and that's ok. There is always a simpler, better solution for you and when you consider how your home can help or hinder your goals, you're one step closer to reducing the friction and creating more satisfying habits.

Need help designing a home that supports the way you want to live? That's what we do. Reach out and let's chat.

Until next time,
Donna