Recovery is one of the most essential components when it comes to maintaining a healthy body and mind. This is especially true if you have undergone a hospital visit no matter the reason. Coming home to a safe, comfortable, and relaxing space where you can de-stress and focus on your restoration creates a streamlined recovery and can even help speed up the process. When you set up a tranquil environment during this time, your body will be able to feel at ease so it can focus on healing itself without exterior stressors. Here are some tips to help you turn your home into a haven for relaxation during your post-hospital recovery.
Opt For Dim Golden Light
The lighting in the hospital can be harsh, uncomfortable, and clinical, but you can contrast this by setting up warm, welcoming light when you get home. Use soothing candles such as lavender to help you relax, and use lamp light instead of harsh overhead lights. This will help make your space feel cozier and more welcoming.
Stay Extra Cozy
Make sure you have some ultra-cozy sweaters on hand that you can slip into if you get cold, and set up your bed and your couch, so you have lots of pillows and blankets available. You may even want to consider buying a weighted blanket, which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Make Your Essentials Easily Accessible
When you’re in recovery mode, you’re not going to want to move around the house too much. Because of this, you should set up your space so that you can easily access everything you need without having to walk more than a few steps. Make a basket with your medicine, personal care items, and some entertainment options, like a book. This also makes your items easily transportable.
Meal Prep
The last thing you want to do when you are in recovery mode is cook. However, ordering take-out can get expensive very quickly and isn’t always the healthiest option. To prevent this problem, try prepping your meals ahead of time, so all you have to do is reheat them. Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks on hand as well. This will ensure that you can stick to a healthy diet, but with minimal stress.
Surround Yourself With Foliage
The health benefits of houseplants have been well-documented – they can help you feel less stressed both mentally and physically. Try adding a few plants to your space to brighten it up and make it feel more lively. There are many plants, such as snake plants, that don’t require much maintenance, so you won’t have to stress about them when you are in recovery mode.
Reduce Clutter
Too much clutter in your space can feel very stressful, so doing some cleaning before you go to the hospital can make it easier to relax when you get back. Just putting items into baskets and bins and off of open surfaces can dramatically transform the look of your space. A minimalist space is also far less maintenance when you are in recovery.
Other ideas for creating your sanctuary:
- White noise machine
- Essential oils
- Heating pad
- Facial Massager
- Face/ hair masks
- Body oil
- Fuzzy socks/ slippers
- Oversized robe
- Ditch the electronics