Your Home – Your Sanctuary – Pathways to Organization

And one reason to do so is to make our home a place of refuge and peace. Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries. Places where we can escape the hustle of daily life and recharge. But now, experts say the way we shape our spaces goes beyond aesthetics: It can support our mental health and help ease challenges associated with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and dyslexia.

I was just reading an article about Neuroinclusive (or written as neuro-inclusive) design. Yes, never heard of it either! It is also sometimes called sensory-inclusive, and it is quickly moving into the mainstream, focusing on adjustable lighting, intentional organization, sensory-friendly materials, and more. At its core, neuroinclusive design “is the practice of creating environments that support the full range of human nervous systems,” says Anita Yokta, a licensed therapist turned interior designer and the author of Grounded Living.

This all sounds amazing that the idea that organizing and arranging parts of your home could make a difference in your health.

Action Plan

The article mentions many of the practices I’ve shared on this blog:

1. Optimize order. Anytime your home, bedroom, kitchen, or family room is in order, it will automatically bring a sense of calmness and peace.
2. Create calmness. Some people really do have trouble with rough fabrics, so create a bedroom with soft fabrics, soft colors, and soft lighting. Block-out drapes to keep out the sun, as well as area rugs, can help with keeping the sound low.
3. Some people love to hear and see falling water, so perhaps purchase a small fountain. Also, use your fireplace more! The color and sound are deeply regulating and grounding.
4. Bring in nature. Have plants located throughout the home. They bring extra oxygen as well as bringing God’s nature to you.
5. If one of your children is autistic, create quiet zones just for them. Let them help you decorate with pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and books to help soothe them.
6. Let natural light be the main source of light rather than artificial light.

Emotional Check-Up

For all that this article states, I come back to one basic truth – if we are too busy with our work, activities, etc., to keep our homes clean, clutter-free, calm, and put-together, then we are too busy.

When people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it shows up as clutter in their homes, cars, or at their desks. And it usually begins by thinking about too many things at once, and sometimes not knowing where to start. Decluttering just one area of your home, desk, or car at a time is the first step to feeling more in control.

Your emotional well-being is too important not to work on keeping your home in order.

I remember talking to a young mother of five children. She was having a hard time doing it all, which I so appreciate. I told her to get a housekeeper if they could afford it. She was shocked that I mentioned that because she had wanted one but thought “she should do it all!”

God does not want us to do it all! The Proverbs 31 Woman had maids to help her!

I believe that for the emotional health of your family, we need to keep our homes clean and organized. A safe place to come home and relax.

Get your family to be a part of this journey. Everyone can help with dusting, vacuuming, doing laundry, washing dishes, and taking the dog for a walk. In fact, doing chores is one of the leading ways to increase a child’s self-worth.

Manna from Heaven

I bring this discussion back to God’s Word, for that is the truth we need to always turn to. This verse from Isaiah 32:18 has been my verse every time we have had to move:

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

My prayer for you is that you take the time and effort to make your house a home, where your loved ones feel safe and loved.