If I could give one piece of advice to someone that struggles with anxiety/depression, I think it would be to make your home/room/living space your safe haven. I know that it might sound simplistic and not really like “advice” …. But in struggling with depression and anxiety, my room became a reflection of my brain: chaotic (for lack of a better term). There were periods of time when I wouldn’t pick up a single thing in my room for months on end. I would have to spend five- or six-hours cleaning and organizing once I finally became aware of how disgusting things were getting. I remember living with my mom and her finally pointing out how much of a disaster my room would be- I honestly wouldn’t even clean up until she would say something. When I would finally clean, I would actually feel a lot calmer and more focused. My energy actually felt as if it were being restored instead of continuously being drained. 

However, a clean-living space never lasted long for me (give or take 3 weeks max). When I finally moved into a place of my own (well, a place with my boyfriend) – I made a promise to myself that no matter what I felt emotionally or what I had going on in my head, that our space would stay “picked up” at the bare minimum, at all times. Originally, I only made this promise to myself because I was living with a significant other, but I actually started feeling a shift in my own mood and energy when I had a clean and organized space. Now, there are definitely times I do not feel like cleaning, and I just don’t have the energy for it- so as much as having a clean home can make you feel better, it’s also important to make sure that your space makes you feel happy and comfortable enough to be vulnerable with yourself. Acknowledge that it doesn’t come down to just how “picked up” or “organized” your space looks, but how comfortable and loving it feels- how safe and secure you feel in your own space.

In our apartment, we love to burn candles and incense- we cook a lot, play music, and games. The goal for my home has always been to make it feel comfortable to anyone and everyone that walks through the door. I want you to know that you are safe, that you are heard, that you are loved. I wanted to have a healing and sacred space so that regardless of what the outside world had in store for me, I would always be able to refocus and take a step back – whenever I needed to. A place to be vulnerable and to feel safe. It doesn’t matter what material items you have, it’s all about the intention and energy you put into the space around you. Take care of your home, take care of your being, and take care of your energy. Find your balance and what works for you; it just takes practice. It won’t be perfect, but perfection has never been the goal – consistency, intention, mindfulness, fulfillment – that’s the goal. 

Shifting your perspective and perception of your space can shift your energy and the way that you live in general. When everything else feels overwhelming, chaotic, or even just negative, you know that you have a place where nothing but open arms and understanding. If you don’t feel the love and understanding, ask yourself if you’re giving enough to yourself. No one is responsible for the way that you feel, act, and exist. Start doing the things that are good for you because you deserve it. Give yourself room to grow, breathe, reflect, and refocus. Give yourself the space to feel vulnerable without feeling judged. Take your time to learn everything about yourself and give your 100% every single day, even when you only have 10% to give: give the 10% knowing that you at least showed up for yourself. Showing up is the hardest step but it is the first step to change.

And for your own mental well-being – clean your freakin room.