The world isn't always the most pleasant of places. Whether it's a day full of small annoyances or major catastrophes, there are going to be times when the negativity just eats at you, and seems to stain everything. It's stressful and annoying, and it can even lead to issues with anxiety and depression.
Even worse is when that kind of negative energy gets into your home — and gets stuck there.
Your home is supposed to be a refuge from the world, a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. It's where you kick off your shoes and get away from the world for at least a little while.
So when it feels stale, gloomy, or negative, it puts a real damper on things. Luckily, there are ways you can clear out the cobwebs, so to speak, and fill your home with happy, cozy energy once again.
And there are no special ingredients or crazy rituals needed! Everything on this list is something you can do right at home, for a single room or for the whole house, without spending a lot of time or money.
Just like certain foods can make our bodies feel sluggish and down or full of energy and positivity, there are certain things that can affect the energy of your home and cause you to feel either relaxed and at ease, or down in the dumps.
So what can you do? Read on to see how to give your home an energy boost so that when you come home at night, you can kick back and relax the way you're supposed to!
Thumbnail Photo: Simply Nahala
How Do You Know If Your Home Has Negative Energy?
Well, there's no specific answer for this. It's more of a feeling, really.
If your home doesn't seem as comfortable or relaxing as it used to, but not for any seemingly good reason, you might be due for a cleanse.
Energy in homes often feels stagnant at the end of seasons, or if there's a lot of mess and clutter piled up.
So what can you do?
1. Clean Your Entryways
Energy is believed to come in and out the same way we do, so it's a good idea to keep them clean. Plus, doorknobs get pretty gross from all those hands touching them.
Wipe them down regularly with a solution of water, lemon juice, salt, and white vinegar to keep them fresh and clean, and they'll look less grimy, too!
2. Fix What's Broken
Nothing is more of a bummer than looking at something that's broken.
If you have something that you've been meaning to fix, now is the time.
Once it's repaired, your space will not only look more complete, but you'll have that item back.
3. Burn Some Sage
Sage has been used by many cultures as a way to cleanse the air of negative energy and even evil spirits.
Burning some dried sage leaves is said to cleanse the home, and the people and items in it.
If this appeals to you, walk around the house with some burning sage, either in a bundle or a few dried, loose leaves in a heat-safe dish, and let the smoke get into every room.
Traditionally, you're supposed to do this while thinking good thoughts.
4. Decorate With Crystals
Many people believe crystals hold certain energies that can be transmitted into a room — and into us.
You can get some to decorate a window sill, where they'll sparkle in the sun, or they can be used to decorate houseplants for a terrarium look.
And if you don't want them just around, they make great jewelry, too!
Rose quartz is said to replace negative feelings with positive ones, and black tourmaline is said to ward off negativity.
5. Ring A Bell
Bells, like sage, have also been used all over the world to cleanse spaces.
The idea is that the sound of the bell fills the space and cleanses it of negativity.
If this idea appeals to you, ring a bell in each corner and doorway of each room of your house and imagine the sound spreading out like a ripple and pushing all the stagnant, negative energy out.
6. Salt Your Corners
Salt is used as a cleanser all over the world, and is still used in solutions today.
An old tradition says to sprinkle a bit of salt into each corner of a room and let it sit for about two days, during which time it's believed to absorb negative energy.
Then sweep or vacuum it up and toss it away — along with the bad energy.
7. Hang A Mirror
Mirrors are a great way to spruce up a space because they bounce light around, and make small, dark spaces look more spacious and bright.
A mirror with a pretty frame can add instant flair to a wall, and it will also make the room look more open.
8. Open The Windows
Opening the curtains and windows lets in light and fresh air, and will give your home a blast of new energy.
If it's cold out, just leave the windows open for a few minutes, and it will still have an effect. The cold can even make a tired, sluggish space feel more awake and alive.
9. Clean Up The Clutter
You can't relax is you're constantly tripping over things or unable to find what you need because everything's out of order.
Pick up the books, clothes, and other odds an ends from the floor and furniture and put them in their correct place. You'll notice a difference immediately.
The act of straightening up can also be very stress-relieving; you're literally returning order to your life!
To maintain freedom from clutter, make an effort to always put things back once you're done with them.
10. Turn On Some Music
Music is a great way to lift the mood anytime.
Turn on something that puts you in a good mood and let it fill the room.
It's also great to have on while working, cleaning, or doing hobbies.
11. Make It Smell Nice
Smell is incredibly important when it comes to feeling good, and is strongly linked to emotion and memory. Therefore, your house should smell the way you want it to!
You can try scented candles or incense, and if you'd rather avoid smoke, you can also try a diffuser, potpourri, or a room spray. Orange is a great scent for lifting the spirits.
12. Change Things Up!
Sometimes you just need a change. If a room is really feeling blah despite your best efforts, it might be time to switch up the furniture arrangement and decor.
Sometimes a new arrangement can make you see the room in a new way, which is always great for lifting your spirits!
What do you do when your home starts feeling stale? Would you ever try a cleansing?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE these ideas with anyone who could use a little positivity!
