Love Your Surroundings

Love is in the air this Valentines weekend.

Has your weekend been filled with hearts and flowers or has it just been an ordinary few days?

Valentines is a funny old time, it is commercially in your face and often cards and gifts are exchanged. But what does it mean to you? Do you feel the pressure to buy? Are you happy to be part of it? Or do you think it is a load of nonsense you could quite happily do without?

Whether you are in a relationship or single, Valentines is about love. But don’t just think of who you love think about your environment. From your home and office to your own personal space – what can you do to make these a loving environment for you. Here are some ideas:

Your Home

This is your sanctuary and safe space. What do you love about it? What areas could be improved so you feel great when in it?

For example, do you like candles? Is your living room a relaxing space for you to be in? Do you turn the lights of regularly and enjoy being in soft candle light? Or do you prefer lots of lamps and lights creating a homely space?

Think about your favourite room or space in the house. What is it that makes it a great space and a loving environment to you? It could be the kitchen as it is the hub of your home and you enjoy everyone gathered, whether eating dinner or chatting at the start or end of the day.

If that’s the case, and you like the chit chat rather than the quiet, focus on the sounds in other rooms. Listen to a podcast, audio book or music whilst you are in your bedroom or in the shower or bath, if being in the quiet isn’t for you.

Think of the smells, do you like relaxing smells, if so find your favourite essential oils and use a vaporiser to envelop you in a calming scent.

Make your home a space you want to be in, it is an extension of you after all.

Your Work

Whilst work is not your personal environment, there are things you can do to create a positive loving area for yourself. You spend so much time at work, why not make your surroundings pleasant and enjoyable.

What do you have on your desk? Photos and trinkets? Or is it a corporate space with no personal effects? I know many companies operate a hot desk policy or a clear desk policy so it may be challenging, however, here are a few ideas to create a space you will love.

Are you a stationary fiend? Do you love a notebook? There is nothing more satisfying for so many than cracking open a new notebook and starting afresh. So buy a notebook you love the cover of and enjoy taking notes.

Maybe all your notes are electronic. Could you jazz them up by putting a picture in the header or change the font or colour? When you take notes, you smile when you see the photo or type with the fun font or colour.

Can you personalise your laptops wallpaper or screensaver. Use a photo you love and makes you smile when you look at it. If you are craving a bit of sunshine, then add a photo which creates warmth and holiday feelings. If you are having a bad day or need a moment to reset then look at the photo for a few moments to feel the love and happiness encompass you.

Work can be challenging at times, however, think of ways you can make you work space relaxing, calming and loving towards you. Putting a fun photo of your loved ones or a calming scene on your desk can make such a difference if you are feeling stressed or anxious, or have a small trinket that reminds you of someone or a fun moment you had, all helps you to reset if you need it.

Your Personal Space

Your own environment or your own personal space is yours and no-one else’s. You probably never think about it but by putting on your favourite perfume or body spray, you are doing something loving for yourself. You can enjoy the beautiful scent throughout your day. The next time you spray your perfume, take a moment to really inhale the scent and notice how you feel.

Next, think about the clothes you wear. Do you always dress as you wish or do you leave the clothes you’d love to wear for a special occasion? If so, this week I challenge you to wear something you love just for the fun of it. Enjoy how it feels and how it makes you feel.

If you rarely find time for yourself, but all you want is a few minutes of peace and quiet then in your day, take 10 minutes, put on your headphones, listen to some calming music or listen to/read a chapter of your book or close your eyes and enjoy the calm. If you have a busy house you may need to wait until you can do this without interruptions, so find a time that suits you.

There are many areas in your life where you can bring the love too. All you need is to think of loving things you can do for yourself and the environment around you.

Valentines day and the time surrounding is focussed on loving your other half, but doesn’t focus on your daily environments. This Valentines weekend and beyond, look at what’s around you and think about what you can do to create the best loving space for you.

Thank you for reading, have a great week. Look after you!

Love Emma xx