Wealden Times | WT179 | January 2017 | Health & Beauty supplement inside
Wealden Times - The lifestyle magazine for the Weald
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WT <strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> Supplement sponsored by<br />
From shelter to sanctuary<br />
A new year brings new opportunities. Helen Barton gives us a few ideas on how to create a positive<br />
atmosphere at home to take advantage of these endless possibilities<br />
After a hectic couple of months, <strong>January</strong> is the perfect time to stop and reassess. Many begin their New Year<br />
diet and exercise regime, to cleanse and invigorate the mind and body for the year ahead. Often, however, our<br />
homes are forgotten about. The stressful emotions, rushing around, (possibly a couple of arguments?) and<br />
piles of clutter build up in our houses as well as in our minds, and can eventually affect the atmosphere negatively.<br />
The first, and most obvious step would be to have a thorough clear-out and dispose of accumulated and unnecessary<br />
‘stuff’. To take this a step further, and to transform your home into a harmonious haven of ‘positive vibes only’, follow<br />
these simple suggestions. These are particularly beneficial if you’ve moved into a new house or have a home office.<br />
A good scrub – We know how wonderfully satisfying it<br />
is when those kitchen counters and living room shelves<br />
are clean and clear. By de-cluttering and giving surfaces a<br />
dust, you’ll immediately feel brighter, and the rooms will<br />
feel lighter. Clean the windows to let as much light in as<br />
possible. Add a mirror to increase light levels even further.<br />
Air flow – The air in a house can easily become stagnant,<br />
especially at this time of year when the heating is on<br />
full blast and everyone’s in hibernation mode. Open all<br />
the windows, even if it’s really chilly, and create a draft<br />
through the house. Shake out cushions and blankets and<br />
get plenty of light and air flowing through the space.<br />
Outside in – As well as adding life and vibrancy, house<br />
plants hugely improve the air quality in a home, particularly<br />
if you reside in a city with high levels of pollution. Spider<br />
plants are one of the easiest to grow and maintain, and<br />
remove formaldehyde and xylene from the atmosphere.<br />
Snake plant, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue gets rid of<br />
benzene and trichloroethylene, and aloe vera is a great<br />
option, doubling up as a natural ‘heal all’ balm.<br />
Scent – Essential orange oil has a significant uplifting effect,<br />
and by carefully burning incense, particularly frankincense,<br />
you can easily create a peaceful, temple-like atmosphere.<br />
The ancient Native American practice of smudging has been<br />
used for thousands of years to clear negative energy from<br />
a space. A smudge stick is a small bundle of sage, knotted<br />
together with string. Open the doors in your home, place<br />
the sage in a bowl and light it with a match. After carefully<br />
blowing out the flame, allow the herbs to smoke and<br />
smoulder gently, slowly filling the house with its aromas.<br />
Colour – Colour can have a significant effect on emotion.<br />
Yellow has associations with hope, happiness, positivity<br />
and clarity, so by painting a wall, or hanging up a work<br />
of art, you can create your very own super vibrant vibes.<br />
Alternatively, rich and earthy tones, when used in the<br />
bedroom, can create a relaxing sense of cocooning.<br />
By taking just a little time to consider and reenergise<br />
your surroundings, you can create a<br />
wonderful, peaceful and calming atmosphere for<br />
your whole family or partner to benefit from.<br />
23 wealdentimes.co.uk