the art of being a homebody
A homebody is someone who enjoys spending a significant amount of time at home, often preferring the comfort and familiarity of their own space over going out or socializing frequently. Homebodies typically find relaxation, contentment, and fulfillment in activities and hobbies that can be pursued within the confines of their home environment. They may enjoy reading, watching movies or TV shows, cooking, gardening, crafting, or engaging in other solitary pursuits. While homebodies may still maintain social connections and participate in activities outside the home from time to time, they generally prefer the tranquility and solitude of their personal space.
Oddly enough, being a homebody comes with several potential benefits. Homebodies find comfort and relaxation in their own space, leading to reduced stress levels and increased tranquility. Spending more time at home often results in financial savings, as there's less expenditure on activities outside the house. Additionally, homebodies have the opportunity to focus on personal projects, hobbies, or work-related tasks, leading to increased productivity. The familiar environment of home contributes to improved mental health, allowing for self-care and engagement in activities that bring joy. Creativity and self-expression thrive in the comfort of one's own space, fostering inspiration and artistic pursuits. Stronger relationships are cultivated through quality time spent with loved ones, nurturing deeper connections and emotional fulfillment. Introspection and self-reflection at home contribute to personal growth and self-awareness. By staying home more often, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability. Overall, being a homebody offers a variety of benefits that enhance quality of life, promote well-being, and foster personal growth and fulfillment.
the art of being a homebody
The art of being a homebody involves finding contentment, fulfillment, and joy within the comforts of your own home. Here are some tips on embracing and mastering this lifestyle:
1. Create a Cozy Space: Invest time and effort into making your home a comfortable and inviting environment. Decorate with soft blankets, comfortable furniture, and warm lighting to create a cozy atmosphere.
2. Nurture Hobbies
Explore hobbies that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Whether it's reading, painting, gardening, cooking, or playing an instrument, find activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
3. Practice Self-Care: Use your time at home to prioritize self-care. Indulge in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or bubble baths. Take care of your physical health by cooking nutritious meals and getting enough rest.
4. Embrace Solitude: Learn to enjoy your own company and embrace solitude. Use this time for self-reflection, introspection, and personal growth. Disconnect from the outside world and focus on nurturing your inner self.
5. Connect Virtually
While being a homebody often involves spending time alone, it's important to maintain social connections. Stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, social media, or online communities.
6. Explore Creativity: Let your imagination run wild and explore your creative side. Experiment with DIY projects, crafts, writing, or other creative pursuits that allow you to express yourself.
7. Savor Simple Pleasures: Appreciate the little things in life and find joy in everyday moments. Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea by the window, watching the sunset, or listening to your favorite music, savoring simple pleasures can bring immense happiness.
8. Practice Peacefulness: Cultivate peace by staying present in the moment and fully experiencing your surroundings. Engage in activities such as praying, journaling, photography, or nature walks to foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings around you.
9. Maintain Balance
While it's great to embrace being a homebody, it's essential to maintain balance in your life. Find opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, explore new experiences, and connect with the friends, family, and colleagues.
10. Be Grateful: Keep an attitude of gratitude and appreciate all the things, big and small, in your life, including the comfort and security of your home. Express gratitude regularly and focus on the positive aspects of being in your home, the good and the bad.
By incorporating these principles into your life, you can truly master the art of being a homebody and find fulfillment, happiness, and peace within the confines of your own home.
four key focuses to help you “be kind to your mind”
"Be kind to your mind" is a phrase that emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's mental health and well-being. It’s to encourage you to treat yourself with compassion, understanding, and patience. Just as you may prioritize taking care of your physical health by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. Being kind to your mind involves practices such as self-care, prayer, self-compassion, and seeking support when needed. “Be kind to your mind” reminds us to be gentle with ourselves, to acknowledge our emotions, and to take steps to nurture our mental and emotional health.
how to be kind to your mind
TROUBLESHOOT YOUR THOUGHTS
Clear your mind of negative or unhelpful thoughts. Focus on the positive in your life and the potentiality of goodness that will come your way from pushing towards the good.
PRAY FOR CLARITY
Often times we get lost in ourselves and cloud our minds with confusing burdens of the world, when our minds should be set on peace, set on understanding, and set on whats true. Set on things within our control that are actually meant for us.
LIVE IN THE NOW
A lot of doubt and fear stem’s from “what if [ insert negative outcome]” which then hinders focus. Redirect. Redirect. Redirect. Take a moment to reflect on what is happening in front of you, what you can see, what you can touch. Redirect your attention to the now.
POINT OUT THE POSITIVE
When it gets too tough to focus on anything else but the negative, point out the tangible positives. Write down all the good in your life, show gratitude for things, and pray the Lord open your heart to more of His goodness.
TREAT YOURSELF WITH COMPASSION
Do you treat yourself like you would treat a friend who needs encouragement? Do you give yourself support and understanding? Or do you become harsh and critical on yourself? Be aware of what you say to yourself, be more friendly, be more kind, be more understanding.
People often tell us to focus on sleeping more, moving more, eating better, set a goal and stick to it, etc. These are very goal driven practices, but what about when you are so closed in by negative thoughts you can hardly focus on those things? This is where these focuses come in, get out of that negative “funk” first, then the next step can be applying goal driven practices.
how you make your bed says a lot about how you sleep
After attending a bed making masterclass, yes you read that correctly, it made me think about how important this layered centerpiece of the bedroom really is. It’s not just a thing we sleep on. Lauren Ashley, founder and CEO of Lauren Ashley Experiences held an enlightening “Spring Into Comfort” masterclass at Parachute Home this past Saturday, all about the art of bed making. Whether it’s furniture or bedding, what you use and how you use it should evoke positive emotions from happiness to peace and relaxation.
Did you know the way you make your bed can reflect certain aspects of your sleeping habits and personality? Bed making itself might not directly affect your sleep, but the way you make your bed and the cleanliness and comfort of your bedding can impact your sleep indirectly. Part of creating a relaxing sleep environment is facilitated by simply making your bed. When its time to rest, the sight of a well-made bed can reduce visual clutter. This in turn, creates a more peaceful atmosphere that promotes relaxation whilst simultaneously reducing distractions, helping you to mentally prepare for sleep.
Physically, making your bed ensures that your sheets and blankets are properly arranged and tucked in, which can prevent discomfort caused by twisted or tangled bedding during the night, thus aiding in staying comfortable and asleep. Moreover, keeping your bedding clean and fresh by regularly making your bed and washing your sheets can contribute to better sleep hygiene by reducing the accumulation of allergens, dust mites, and bacteria, which can interfere with sleep and exacerbate allergies or respiratory issues.
Mentally, for some individuals, the act of making their bed in the morning provides a sense of accomplishment and control over their environment. Which can positively impact mood and overall well-being, potentially leading to better sleep quality at night. Ultimately, establishing bedtime habits and creating a sleep environment that promotes relaxation and signals to your body that it's time to unwind and rest are key to achieving restful sleep.
Which bed-making style correlates with your sleep pattern?
neat and tidy
A meticulously made bed with crisp sheets, perfectly arranged pillows, and tightly tucked blankets, suggests that you appreciate order and structure. You may also value a sense of control and organization in your life. In terms of sleep, you might be someone who prefers a consistent bedtime routine and finds comfort in a well-made bed, which can contribute to better sleep hygiene.
minimilistic
The minimalistic approach, with a few pillows and a neatly folded blanket, could indicate that you prefer simplicity and don't like clutter. For sleep, you might be someone who values comfort and functionality over extravagance. You may also be more focused on getting straight to bed without fussing over elaborate bedding arrangements, suggesting a practical approach to sleep.
cozy and layered
If your bed is adorned with layers of blankets, decorative pillows, and throws, it might suggest that you prioritize comfort and coziness. You may enjoy creating a warm and inviting sleep environment that encourages relaxation and restfulness. However, excessive layers could also indicate a tendency to feel cold at night or a desire for extra comfort, which may affect your sleep quality if you become too warm or restricted.
disheveled and unmade
A bed that’s frequently left unmade or appears disheveled, suggests that you prioritize efficiency over aesthetics. You may be more focused on getting things done quickly rather than fussing over details. In terms of sleep, you might be someone who values flexibility and spontaneity, but a consistently unmade bed could also indicate a lack of attention to sleep hygiene and overall relaxation before bedtime.
While these bed types provide some insight into the relationship between bed-making habits and sleep tendencies, it's essential to remember that individual preferences and habits vary greatly. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a sleep environment and routine that work best for you and contributes to restful and rejuvenating sleep. If your seeking better ways to improve your sleep without having to rearrange your entire routine, maybe how you make your bed can be that midge of change you just may need for better sleep.
The art of bed making involves more than just throwing on sheets and blankets. A well-made bed can enhance the look of your bedroom and contribute to better sleep and sleep hygiene. Here's how to master the art of bed making like a pro:
Start with a Clean Foundation: Ensure your mattress is clean and in good condition. Use a mattress protector to shield it from spills, dust, and allergens.
Layer with a Fitted Sheet: Begin by spreading a fitted sheet over the mattress. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't bunch up or come loose during the night.
Add a Flat Sheet (Optional): If you prefer, add a flat sheet on top of the fitted sheet. Tuck the bottom edge of the flat sheet tightly under the mattress.
Fold and Tuck the Top Sheet and Blanket: If using a top sheet, fold it neatly over the blanket or comforter at the head of the bed. Ensure the top edge is even and smooth. Then, tuck the bottom edge of both the sheet and blanket tightly under the mattress.
Arrange Pillows: Place your euro shams (or sleeping pillows, if you don’t have euro shams) against the headboard or wall, standing upright, then your sleeping pillows. Arrange decorative pillows or standard shams in front of the sleeping pillows. Consider using various sizes and shapes to add visual interest.
Add a Throw Blanket (Optional): For added coziness and style, drape a throw blanket across the foot of the bed or fold it neatly at the end.
Fluff and Arrange: Take a moment to fluff pillows and smooth out wrinkles in the sheets and blankets. Ensure everything looks tidy and inviting.
Consider Personal Preferences: Customize your bed-making style to suit your preferences. Some people prefer a minimalistic look with just a few pillows, while others enjoy layering with multiple pillows and throws.
Maintain Regular Cleaning: Wash bedding regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Follow care instructions for laundering sheets, blankets, and pillows to preserve their quality.
Experiment with Styles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different bedding materials, colors, and textures to create a bed that reflects your personal style and promotes relaxation.
By mastering the art of bed making, you can transform your bedroom into a comfortable and inviting sanctuary conducive to restful sleep.