How Home Accessories Really Can Make You Feel Happier

Can home accessories make us feel happier?

I don’t just mean simply because you like the colour, pattern or design of your homeware. But much deeper than that: could they actually change your mood?

In neuro-linguistic programming there is a concept known as ‘anchors’. These are stimuli that have an effect on our thoughts or emotions and can change our state of mind. This can be positive or negative and the source could be visual, auditory or tactile.

It happens to us all the time. Sometimes it’s subconscious, and we may not even be aware that it is happening.

For instance, have you ever heard a song, or inhaled a scent that suddenly takes your mind back to a different time and place, lifting your spirits? If so, then you know what I mean.

Or you may have a lousy day at work and come home feeling a bit low. But then you open the front door, and your welcoming hallway beckons you in. You kick off your shoes and settle down on your sofa, snuggling into the soft cushions with a nice hot drink from your favourite mug. And all at once you feel a whole lot better.

In both these scenarios, nothing has actually changed – except the way you feel.

These are positive anchors.

Home Accessories As Positive Anchors

What if you took this idea and strategically used home accessories – the furnishings that surround you – as positive anchors to affect your mood or thoughts?

It’s a whole new way to look at decorating. Not just thinking about whether the colours and styles of your homeware co-ordinate, or if you’re on trend. But how do they make you feel?

Or even more powerful, how do you want to feel?

And what objects could make you feel that way?

It might be an object that tells a story. A memento you associate with good memories. Pictures of people or places that matter to you. It could be words or quotes that make you feel more positive, confidant or courageous. Colours that energise (or calm) you. Or an item that gives you encouragement to work towards your goals.

Different Rooms, Different Moods

As you go through your day, you might find that you have different needs.

For example, if you find it difficult to get up in the morning you could surround yourself with happy and motivational objects to make you feel more energised, and give you some zest as you start your day.

Alternatively, you might find it hard to wind down and go to sleep at night. If so, what could you introduce to your bedroom that would make you feel more relaxed? It might be tactile throws, soothing colours or pictures that remind you of chilled out places.

Or if you work from a home office and find it difficult to focus, try adding objects that give you motivation and encourage your creativity.

It is very individual and you need to find what works for you.
But you’ll no longer just surround yourself with random stuff. Instead it will be objects that have the power to uplift you.

Do you ever use home accessories as positive anchors?
Please tell me in the comments below.

[images: Mocha]