A big part of the world has been affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, with many countries on lockdown. Self-isolation that has been imposed on millions of people to stay home has brought other challenges as well.
COVID-19 self-isolation at home: making the most of it
Many people living in small apartments find it difficult to relax while waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic to settle down. Some of those living spaces are not exactly what we would call comfortable and cozy.
That’s why many interior designers offered tips that could revive any living space without too much trouble. Even if you’re not allowed to go outside, you can still refresh your home and feel calmer and pampered.
Rearrange the furniture
Consider moving or rearranging the furniture in rooms where you spend most of your day. This creates more space, which will mean a lot because your movements are limited these days. That would especially mean a lot if you have children. Additionally, allow free flow and maximize floor space so that you don’t feel cramped and trapped.
Add soft furnishings to your home
Tactile items can provide comfort, especially if you don’t have a pet to cuddle with. Fluffy throws, pillows, squishy blankets, and furry rugs can add texture, gentleness, and coziness in your space.
It’s easy to order all of these items online. You can choose the cheaper options or you can indulge yourself with a pure-silk throw, for example.
Surround yourself with flowers
It’s important to feel connected with nature, even if outdoors is out of reach.
Potted plants and fresh flowers in a vase give you something wonderful to look at. They reduce stress, and they also serve as a filter to remove pollutants from the air.
Additionally, potted plants will also give you something to nurture. It offers something to focus on in these unsettling times. Moreover, they provide you with satisfaction and happiness when you notice they’re making progress.
Productive work space in the home
A huge number of people switched to working from home, turning their homes into workplaces. However, it is crucial to make a clear distinction between living and working space inside your home. A productive home workspace should be well-lit, organized, and clean so that it doesn’t demotivate you and slow you down.
Items like boxes and trays may help you organize your desk. Even jars from the kitchen can come in handy for keeping staples and paper clips. It’s very important to separate your sleeping area from the working area to prevent lethargy when working.
Create your private nook at home
To create a distinctive working space, you will need a relaxing area where you can accomplish an array of activities. This includes meditation, reading, or listening to music.
You don’t need much to create this area: just add a comfortable chair, one or two pillows, a blanket, and a flat surface.
When you feel overwhelmed, your private nook can serve as your decompression area.
Fill your home with pleasant fragrances
The smell is the strongest sense of all – it instantly takes us back to certain moments; it can make us relive memories like we are there again. So, don’t underestimate its effect on your mood. Even smelling clean sheets and flowers in bloom can improve your mood in a second.
This is why you need to fill your living space with scents that make you feel good and relaxed. Get scented candles and spread them around your home. Install a reed diffuser in the living room. If you’re feeling creative, make your own potpourri out of spices, oils, and dried flowers.
Print out photos of your loved ones
You probably have a photo folder on your computer that you’ve been planning to print out at some point. Well, that time has come. Self-isolation is the moment when you should surround yourself with photos of your loved ones. This also includes your loved ones visiting various places on vacations or family trips. Alternatively, you can print photos online inexpensively, then place them in frames or string them up. Additionally, you can display them in the room where you spend most of your time.
Fairy lights are always a good idea
No one says that fairy lights and string lights are for the Christmas holidays only. It’s time to take them out again. Hang them on the shelf, frame the window, wrap them around the TV or decorate the curtains with them. Soft, cozy lights will remind you of the starry skies and create a romantic, warm atmosphere.
Create your own art
Who says that something you make isn’t good enough to be hung on the wall? Self-isolation is a disguised opportunity to get creative – it’s something you usually can’t find the time for.
Get your hands busy and set your mind free, whether it’s drawing or painting. You will have fun and ease your mind. Who knows…maybe you will actually want to hang your art in the end?
Let the air and light in
Allow fresh air to get in by opening your windows completely. A gentle breeze on your face will trick you into thinking you’re outside in the open. Fresh air will also take away that stagnant, musty smell that piles up in closed spaces.
Also, maximize the access of light into your home. Rearrange the seating so that you’re under the light most of the time – bright light improves our mood. Don’t cover up the windows – let the exterior be visible throughout the day.
COVID-19 self-isolation is not pleasant
Self-isolation during the pandemic is not pleasant, of course, but it doesn’t have to feel like a prison. Rather, you could turn it into self-reflection time.
It allows for an opportunity to enjoy your loved ones who are in isolation with you. Turning your home into a comfy, relaxing space will make this period much easier.
