How to create a health-focused home environment, even when you live in a tiny space
When living in a small space and sharing it with someone (even if you love them), having a wellness-focused home can be challenging.
If you live in a studio or a tiny house, there is usually no proper space delimitation between the workspace, eating space, sleeping, or personal space, which seems to defeat the purpose of a healthy environment. But fret not, because there are ways to create a healthier living space with some structure.
Here is how I create a wellness environment in my small studio:
Delimit Your Space for Well-Being in 3 Steps
While there might be no walls to physically separate your living areas, you can still create mental boundaries based on what you do in each “corner” of the room. Let’s explore some simple steps to help you establish these delimitations:
1. Bed — Your Sanctuary
Your bed should be your sanctuary, your peaceful corner where you go to sleep, take a break, read, or meditate, and nothing else. Try your best not to work from this space or use electronic devices before sleep. Keeping this area exclusively for rest and relaxation will help you unwind and recharge.
2. Desk — Work and Play
Your desk may serve multiple functions, such as a workspace and an entertainment hub. If your desk is also your eating table (as is the case for many of us), try to “transform” it during meal times. Put your laptop away, add a tablecloth, and set the table as if you were dining in a separate room. This small ritual can help create a distinct dining area, even in a compact space.
3. Kitchen Area — Nourish Your Health
The kitchen area is where you prepare meals, enhance your health, and perhaps even exercise. Dedicate this space to cooking nutritious meals, practicing your culinary skills, and maintaining a clutter-free, organized environment. If possible, designate a specific corner for exercise equipment or yoga mats, emphasizing physical well-being.
Promote Movement and Keep It Neat
Once you’ve established these functional zones, it’s time to arrange your space to encourage movement and maintain a clean and organized environment:
1. Lay Out Your Things for Mobility
Arrange your furniture and belongings in a way that encourages you to move more. For instance, place your yoga mat in a convenient spot to encourage daily practice or position your exercise equipment for easy access. Creating an open, uncluttered path to move around your space can also promote physical activity.
2. Declutter Regularly
Small spaces can quickly become overwhelmed with clutter, making it essential to regularly assess and declutter your belongings. Keep only the items that serve a purpose, and find creative storage solutions to minimize visual clutter.
Also, create a cleaning schedule, in order to avoid having a big mess at the end of the week. By breaking down cleaning tasks into daily assignments, you not only maintain a tidier space but also make the process quick and efficient. For instance, I tackle laundry on Monday mornings, perform sweeping or vacuuming every 2–3 days in the evenings, wipe down the counters at the end of each day, and dedicate Fridays to dusting and other small tasks.
3. Embrace Natural Elements
Maximize the influence of the natural world in your small space. Seek out as much natural light as possible; open curtains and blinds during the day to brighten your environment.
Introduce natural scents like essential oils or fragrant flowers to promote a sense of well-being. Keep healthy, fresh foods in your kitchen area, encouraging balanced nutrition and mindful eating. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by keeping a glass of water within arm’s reach throughout the day.
A Well-Being Oasis in Every Corner
Creating a wellness-focused home in a small space may seem challenging, but with a little creativity and a few simple rules, it’s entirely achievable.
Your home can become a sanctuary that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By embracing these guidelines, you’ll not only transform your living space but also enhance your overall quality of life, turning a tiny place into a wellness haven. I need to remind you that wellness doesn’t mean perfection and that your space doesn’t have to look like a room from Architectural Digest in order to be a healthy space.