Global communication is by no means a bad thing. The world has become connected by the internet, and we have turned our entire planet into a virtual village. Anyone can be contacted virtually anywhere at any time. This is something that would even have astonished our parents’ generation when they were young, but it’s the world we are living in today. Like any village, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the ‘gossip’ that goes from one street to the next.
This global ‘gossip’ is what we call international news, though I’ll be the first to admit that gossip is obviously a rather flippant term. The point I’m trying to make is that with a few clicks on your iPhone, you can find out what is happening to the price of cotton in Yemen, or when the next Chilean general election is. Because of the dizzying quantity of ‘news’ that comes through our smartphones and news feeds on an hourly basis, it’s all too easy to think that the world is a cruel, and evil place.
Though official stats show that many things are improving for humanity, the old axiom, often said of bad newspaper guys in cheesy movies, ‘there’s no news like bad news’, is true to an extent. It’s much easier for us to focus on the wrong-doing and badness in the world, than it is at the good news, and having an environment to have valuable downtime is a great way to regain perspective on the world. Here are some things to consider;
Lighting
There’s nothing worse than finding yourself under the burning strip lighting that used to plague offices throughout the nineties. You have this fluorescent glow that’s enough to even make cuddly Tom Hanks go nuts. Try opting for as much natural light as you can, whether it comes in the form of a skylight, or blinds. Try to opt for softer mood lighting in the evenings to help you relax. Some scientific research has even suggested that different colours of lighting can affect your mood. Try the different options to find something that works for you!
Open Space
This will be different from person to person, but having large amounts of clutter isn’t great for your soul, or for clearing you mind. This comes down to finding a balance between keeping things that are of sentimental value to you, and knowing when it’s time to let go of the other things. If your home allows it, having an open plan living area can allow you to gain perspective, without getting wrapped up in the little things that surround you. Take inspiration from guides online to help achieve a living space that works for you.
Comfort At Home
There are many basic things that make up a home beyond four walls and a roof over your head. But one that is arguably the most important is a place where you are able to relax and be comfortable. If you can’t properly relax in your own home, how can you possibly be properly equipped to face the world outside? I truly believe that it is worth investing in the likes of a new sofa or a proper mattress to ensure that the downtime you have in your own home keeps you rested.
The world can seem depressing, and fraught with injustice, especially if you’re looking through the window of Twitter news. Creating a home to rebuild your perspective can help things to seem a little less bleak.