Mindful Living in the kitchen
Due to current financial pressures that many homeowners are under, the refurbishment or installation of a new kitchen may not be top of mind right now. It is far more likely that smaller kitchen update projects will be taking place the length and breadth of the country instead. Financial pressures unite us all. So too does the need for us all to look after our mental as well as physical being.
While a little stress can be a good thing to get us going, too much can have a negative effect on our well-being and lead to things like habitual worrying or even anxiety and depression. Being mindful has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and to improve sleep. It is important, therefore, that our homes help promote this. Health professionals and experts recommend creating a dedicated space in the home – a space which feels welcoming, provides a sense of security as well as being a place to unwind and relax. Whilst not necessarily the most obvious of choices, the kitchen can be the perfect place, so how can we incorporate this approach and behaviour into our kitchen spaces?
When planning, redesigning or simply tweaking your kitchen think of it as a space where, from time to time, you can relax and unwind as well as a space that serves a purely functional purpose. Kitchens should encourage socialising and entertaining and provide the right environment to unwind over a cup of tea or a glass of wine. The kitchen can be one of the best spaces, early in the morning before the rest of the family rise or later in the evening once all is cleared away, to spend time alone maybe reading a magazine, flicking through recipe books, listening to music, or even watching TV.
So, on a practical level, what helps promote mindful living in the kitchen? Pick kitchen units that appeal visually as well as having a practical focus. Nothing looks better than an organised kitchen, and having a clean and clear space to prepare, cook and serve food makes a big difference to day-to-day well-being. Consider the main senses - sight, sound, smell, and touch – at every step. Lighting is key to create the right mood, even in a kitchen, and should include ambience and task lighting on dimmable switches. Whether you prefer soft curves or minimalist lines, open shelving, pantry style units and islands with storage help create a more clutter-free environment and free up space.
As clutter is usually seen as being negative, removing it or hiding it away is a simple step towards a sense of wellbeing. Get rid of things that you don’t need and focus on the items in the kitchen that you need and use regularly. This doesn’t mean having a sterile and clinical kitchen, just one that doesn’t overwhelm. Storage jars, a hanging rack, butcher block, baskets, and modular storage units are great ways to achieve this.
Colour can also play an important role. Shades of blue and green are generally considered more calming so are often chosen for paint, tiles, or accessories. In fact, green and blue kitchen units are also currently very much on trend. Being surrounded by nature is another way to enhance wellbeing so including greenery, such as succulents and herbs help us switch off from daily stresses. Scented candles, a small seating area, soft fabrics, and the facility to play music are the finishing touches required to create your personal oasis within an otherwise hectic cooking space - a place that with just a little effort can help you recharge your batteries and become more mindful and relaxed.
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