by Sara Schewe

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2008

Your bedroom can help you unwind, help comfort you, and help you relax at the end of the day. On the flip side, it can increase your anxiety and be a distraction. A few simple changes can help turn your bedroom into a sanctuary where you can relax at the end of a stress-filled day.

The first step in creating a relaxing atmosphere is to remove the clutter. The pile of clothes thrown over a chair, the heaping laundry basket, the socks on the floorthese all have to go. Clutter contributes to feelings of anxiousness, so pick one night during the week or set aside a block of time on the weekend to organize and declutter your space. Remove anything from your bedroom that isn't directly related to sleeping or relaxing; this is your bedroom, after all, not your study.

A slight change in appearance may be in order. Take a look at the existing color palette in your bedroom. Does it relax you? A fresh coat of paint on the walls in a color that you find to be relaxing can be just the trick. In general, colors found in nature tend to relax most people. A new print that complements this color palette can elevate the appearance of the room.

You can expand beyond the walls and make sure the color of your comforter coincideswith the palette you've chosen for the room. A duvet in a new color can make a big change to the room without incurring a high cost. Whether you look to purchase a new duvet or keep the bedding that you have, of utmost importance is that the material is soft. Scratchy fabrics are not going to encourage comfort when you're trying to relax. A throw pillow or two can make your bed look inviting, but be careful not to go overboard; any more than that, and you'll just end up with clutter.

Consider low lighting and natural lighting in your bedroom. Harsh lights can create feelings of anxiety, whereas natural lighting can be cheerful during the day, and low lighting can be relaxing at night. An attractive lamp can also serve as a decorative piece.

A scented room can be pleasant, but a scent that brings back memories can really contribute to a state of serenity. Perhaps vanilla reminds you of baking cookies around the holidays, or sandalwood invokes feelings of napping in the woods. Whichever scent is most appealing to you, consider purchasing a reed diffuser. Reed diffusers are an attractive addition to a room and can be purchased with glass containers that are a complement to your room.

Finally, consider adding a plant to the room. The greenery is reminiscent of nature and provides oxygen to the room. There are a variety of plants available, so you can have fun picking out a plant that is attractive to you and also is suitable for the natural lighting conditions in your bedroom.

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