WELLNESS AUTHOR
Katerina Cotroneo
SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE n It’s spring cleaning
season, and we’ve got tips on how your home can create a space where your mental, physical and social health can thrive.
D
edicated spaces are just as important to your lifestyle routine as dedicating anything else, such as time or allowances. You must give priority to your space the same way you do with your time. With that said, spring is the perfect time to reevaluate your space and make room for the new! “Spring cleaning” only goes so far — a space you occupy often needs to be a comfortable and motivating environment. Fortunately, my mother, Regina Cotroneo, is an award-winning designer in Austin for Laurel Haven Homes. She shared some tips on how to create a space as such. “Deep clean, simplify, rearrange,” Cotroneo says. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of what you can take away
APRIL 2022
to make space for a yoga studio or art space — whatever activities you may be into most.” You have to prioritize your happiness, and by doing so, your space reflects that inevitably. Whether it’s in your townhome, one-bedroom apartment or dream custom home, every area is a blank canvas that you get to design with yourself in mind. Cotroneo emphasized it is important to welcome physical, emotional and social well-being into the space you’re creating. Studies have even shown your environment is directly linked to your mental health. If your space is cluttered and reflects none of the things that bring you joy, you will inevitably feel more anxious. Bare walls and bland colors are going to make your
56
home feel less like a safe space and more of a depressive dumping ground for the artifacts of your life.
How to Build an Empowering Space
So how can we ensure your space promotes mental health? For starters, make your home welcoming. If you don’t have the proper furniture or area to have guests over, it is difficult to host social engagements. You should be able to say, “Come over!” and proudly welcome friends and family. So make sure you have a cozy sofa for your guests or even nice bar stools around your kitchen island. That way, you can feel comforted knowing they enjoy your space just as much as you enjoy having them there. If you’re more introverted or
