Have your stress levels shot up in 2020?

If so, you're not alone. At least 70% of American adults feel more stressed than usual due to the pandemic, economy, and family concerns.

Does this mean you're doomed to be a "stress mess" until life calms down again? Not at all. What you need are some new ways to destress at home and reclaim that positive mental state.

How can you let go of stress at home and improve your health and wellbeing? Keep reading for expert tips on how to destress today (and every day).

Relaxation Ahead: How to Destress at Home

You don't have to build a yoga studio or plant a zen garden to find peace in your life. Destressing at home is easier than you think. Here are seven great ideas to get you started.

1. Declutter Your Home

You might think that more things in our home environment will be more calming, but the opposite is usually true. Fewer items that are well-placed and have real meaning will help you let go of stress at home.

After a nice deep clean, take a trash bag around each room of your home. Open every drawer and scan every shelf, nook, and cranny. Get rid of those random bits of paper, broken pens, empty water bottles, and other unnecessary clutter.

Once that's done, place a few meaningful items in visible areas to help induce relaxation. These might include candles, floral arrangements, or framed photos of your family or pet.

2. Add Plants or Fresh Flowers 

Would you like a scientifically proven way to reduce your stress, lower your blood pressure, and increase feelings of well-being? All you have to do is buy some indoor plants.

Live plants can also boost your productivity (at home or at the office) while improving indoor air quality. Add some succulents, aloe, or spider plants around your home to create a peaceful atmosphere. If you have enough space, add a hardy Monstera or Sansevieria plant, which is both beautiful and easy to care for.

Fresh flowers are an instant mood-lifter as well. Keep them in a vase on the dining room table or on your nightstand to add cheer to your bedroom.

3. Take a Short Break

Of all the ways to destress at home, taking short breaks is one of the easiest. Anytime you feel anxious or overwhelmed, stop what you're doing and take a few moments for yourself.

Rather than turning on the TV or scrolling through social media, use this break time to reconnect with yourself. Sit in the sun, take a short walk around your yard, or pet your dog or cat for a few minutes. 

To completely disconnect, you could simply sit or lie down, close your eyes, and focus on your breaths. Try to think of nothing at all except the sounds and sensations around you. Or, if you want to feel more positive, try to think about three things you're grateful for that day.

4. Diffuse Essential Oils

Aromatherapy can have a powerful effect on our mood, anxiety, and stress levels. Certain scents can trigger strong, instant reactions deep in our brains that signal our bodies to relax.

To help let go of stress at home, reach for one of these essential oils:

• Lavender
• Ylang Ylang
• Bergamot
• Lemon
• Clary sage
• Rosemary
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Patchouli

Add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser, or look for scented candles that contain pure essential oils. You could also mix a few drops with a carrier oil, like grapeseed or jojoba oil, and apply directly to your skin.

5. Make Everything Irresistibly Soft

Your cozy pajamas and robe shouldn't be the only things you look forward to each night. Your bedroom should be a tranquil oasis where you go to get away from the worries of the world.

If your current bedding or mattress doesn't do anything for you, it's time to swap it out. Look for soft, natural bedding and pillows in colors or patterns that make you feel calm. Blues, greens, grays, and warm neutrals are good choices.

Another tip for destressing at home is to add soft, cozy layers everywhere. Add plush throw pillows to your bed, couch, and chairs. Hang velvety soft throw blankets over the back of the couch and the foot of your bed. 

6. Practice Self-Care Daily

Take a moment to discover your own ways to destress at home that work best for you. Here are some suggestions:

• Light candles
• Listen to relaxing music or nature sounds
• Take a calming bubble bath
• Wrap yourself in something soft
• Write in a journal
• Draw, sketch, or paint
• Play music or sing
• Practice yoga or meditation

It doesn't matter what your self-care routine looks like, as long as you stick with it. Even if it's just for 10-15 minutes each day, you'll notice a big difference in your daily stress levels.

7. Take Time to (Literally) Unplug

Between the TV, the computer, and our smartphones, we're constantly bombarded with everything that's wrong in the world. You can't shut it off forever, but you can and should make time each day to unplug from technology.

Set aside dedicated time each day to shut down those screens and be present in the moment. Spend time with your family and your pets. Take a walk or work in your garden.

Your mind and body will thank you for the break from emails, messages, news, and social media.

Relax & Unwind With These Ways to Destress at Home

After a stressful day out in the world, our home needs to be a sanctuary of peace and relaxation.

If you're seeking new ways to destress at home, why not try some of the tips listed above? You'll soon be on your way to a healthier, happier you!

Of course, one of the most important elements of destressing at home is getting a good night's sleep. If you're still sleeping on that same sagging mattress you've had for decades, it's time to think about an upgrade.

Click here to browse our full collection of luxury mattresses.