At the beginning of lockdown, back in March – I allowed myself to be a little lazy. It was May before I had even got around to properly unpacking the many boxes taken back from Trinity Halls, just two months prior. The main reason for this? Unpacking these boxes of clothes, random kitchen utensils, and posters signified the end of university life as I knew it, at least for the foreseeable future. For two months, my room was a cesspit- clothes strewn over the floor that overflowed from boxes I had been rooting through, boxes and bags stacked precariously on top of each other in the corner of my room, random objects and clutter that I hadn’t bothered to tackle. Once, however I finally dipped a toe into the mass of boxes in the corner of my room, I realised how silly the constant procrastination and dread had been, as well as the amount of stress and anxiety that the thought of the task had filled me with.
It was at this point that I realised that looking after your own space is a form of self-care. After putting my posters and pictures back up on my walls, lighting some candles and making my bed, my anxiety seemed to melt away a little. This, not coincidentally, occurred at the same time as when I began to see a counsellor. Having abandoned my pre-covid rituals, I realised that curating my space could be the salve to deal with my own anxieties.
Feeling like your “authentic self”, as cheesy as it sounds, is fundamental to wellbeing. Not feeling comfortable in the space where we spend most of our time can lead to unhappiness. This concern of not feeling like yourself in your space is being challenged by Maggie’s, a cancer organisation in the UK that has hired world-class architects to construct centres across the world that aim to create a more homely environment rather than a traditionally clinical or institutional one. The Chief Executive of Maggie’s, Laura Lee, says they began “thinking about what is it that leaves people feeling tired and dejected in hospital environments, what makes people feel that they have lost themselves.” These centres allow patients to feel comfortable and capable of connecting with both themselves and others.
The idea of a space affecting your mood is a widely accepted concept. The Danish expression ‘hygge’, a runner-up for the Oxford Dictionary’s “Word of the Year” in 2016, encapsulates these feelings of warmth and harmony that accompany a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Hygge is defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Hygge isn’t just about lighting candles and drinking tea, but doing activities that feed into your wellbeing, such as spending time with loved ones and taking time away from your smartphone. This way of living is about celebrating small joys in life, and allowing yourself to take things slow. It’s not unfathomable then, to imagine why, statistically, the Danish people are some of the happiest in the world.
In other parts of the world, however, spaces are curated with different objectives in mind. In Japan, home of Marie Kondo, decluttering your space is paramount for calm and peaceful vibes. Japanese homes often try to use as much natural light as possible, and fill their spaces with plants. In 2019, Marie Kondo’s Netflix series took the world by storm. Marie Kondo, the founder of the ‘KonMari method’ of organisation, helps people re-organise their spaces and make the most of their homes by evaluating what belongings ‘spark joy’. The series’ widespread popularity has induced a mainstream desire to curate a space that is filled with objects that bring us happiness. Two important terms used by the Japanese are “shibui” and “Wabi-Sabi” in reference to their spaces. “Shibui” describes their focus on simple and subtle aesthetics, while the term “Wabi-Sabi” refers to the view that there is beauty in imperfection. Both the Scandinavian and Japanese curation of spaces focus on a harmonious atmosphere, and the feelings of calm that a space can bring. Both of these perspectives focus on quality of life over materialism.
The Danish concept of living “hygge” is something that I’ve always embraced fully. I’ve always loved coming home to my candles and warm blankets, turning on my salt lamp and making myself a hot chocolate. The Japanese “shibui” is something that I’ve had to learn and develop. Decluttering does not come naturally to me, a chronic hoarder, who keeps pieces of ribbon on gift boxes I receive “just in case”. However, I think that it’s very necessary to dust off your belongings and re-evaluate every once in a while, even if it feels like a Trojan task. In the long-term, recognising what speaks to you in your personal space is key to preserving your sanity and is also an act of self-love and self-care. If you need a place to start, here are some tips for curating your own space!
- The KonMari Method
If you are to fully make your space feel like your own, start by going through the categories of all your belongings, and getting rid of items that do not have a purpose or “do not spark joy”. This doesn’t mean you have to throw out everything – just the objects that no longer serve you!
- Pinterest is your best friend
If you need a place to start with decorating your space, pinterest is always a great place to find inspiration! Pinterest can allow you to explore your own personal style and preferences, and there are so many good DIY decoration tutorials.
- Plants, plants, plants!
I am well aware that many people are put off by houseplants because the thought of accidentally killing them is too much pressure – I know how you feel. However, especially when living in a city, greenery can really lift your mood. If you’re unsure of your gardening skills, I would highly recommend getting some inexpensive succulents or cacti that need minimal maintenance.
- Lighting
Harsh lighting can be really draining, especially when staring at your laptop or phone all day, whether you realise it or not. I would recommend investing in a salt lamp, or some warm-toned fairy lights to make your space feel cosy and soft.
- Stuck on space?
If you’ve already cleared out your stuff and there’s still not enough space, consider investing in some Skubb storage cubes from IKEA that you can hang in your wardrobe or store underneath your bed. You also have lots of options if your wardrobe is overflowing- folding wall hangers that store clothes hangers allow you to make the most of your wardrobe space.
