We humans need shelter to protect ourselves from the external forces of nature, harmful elements and to get a good night’s sleep for which a HOME is necessary. Doesn’t the word “Home” make us feel warm and emotional all over? This primarily due to the security a home provides and the happiness we derive from it. While visiting friends or relatives, you would have realized that certain homes exude a higher happiness quotient than others though you could not assign any specific reason for this feeling. If it’s secret was available in a usable format, surely there would be many takers for it. Fortunately, modern day research has revealed that it is possible to increase the level of happiness at one’s home by carrying out certain simple and doable steps. So let’s move on to knowing what they are and implement them quickly.
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Buy or rent, a home is a home. Period:
The general impression people have is that home owners are happier than those who lived in rented home. This is a misplaced perception, apart from the asset creation bit, in both cases the security the home offers is the same. Home owners are responsible for every small bit of maintenance the home needs while the renters can simply rely on the landlords to get the job done. The joy of owning a home however is bigger which the renter may miss out on. All in all, the score looks balanced at least at this stage.
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Choosing your paint carefully:
Colours are long known to have an effect on our moods and this could be directly proportional to the happiness index. Various studies conducted worldwide have shown that the colours green and yellow induce a feeling of happiness and joyousness so make sure these colours are included in your choice of colours for the home. Consider green for your bedroom to enhance a feeling of tranquility and comfort while yellow is a safe bet for a study or kids’ room due to its power to boost creativity and liveliness.
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Reduce the travel time:
Seems like a long shot, doesn’t it? Commuters of metro cities will agree that travel is an integral part of city living and cannot be avoided. Long travel does impact the overall mood and could lead to lower levels of joy and happiness. So remember, lesser the commute, happier you will be.
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Keep your home clutter-free:
A cluttered, crowded home will lead to an increase in irritation levels as women are highly affected by the mess that lies around while men somehow manage to reach for the remote, albeit with some additional effort. A clutter-free home gives a feeling of cleanliness and hygiene thus keeps your young ones free from allergies and the parents worry free. Cleaning out unwanted stuff from the loft, balconies and from under the bed leads to a lot of extra space that can be utilized for other important things.
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Thinking of renovations? Do it ASAP:
Who doesn’t want a furnished home? Broken bathroom tiles or a dull paint-job could lead to relationship issues as an unhappy home could relate to an unhappy spouse. Take that decision to redo your home today before it affects your family life. Home improvement projects take forever and experience says it is wise to begin at the earliest to get the most out of your home and your relationships too. Studies say a perception of living in a dowdy home can point towards a feeling of unhappiness and being imperfect.
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Got a Home Loan? Pay it off if possible:
Getting a home loan may have become easier nowadays but the pressure of a mortgaged home could get to you over a period of time. Pay if off by saving on the side and you will enjoy what they call a “weightless” feeling. So watch your mood elevate to unknown heights as the loan amount reduces and vanishes.
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Get to know the neighbours:
Various studies have pointed out that if one is friendly towards neighbours and is known to engage in a regular, unforced conversation with them, they are happier and joyful. Urban lives are become lonelier by the day and a bit of social interaction never hurts. Interacting with next-door neighbours or short conversations can lead to a general feeling of happiness and belonging. You could organize a small get-together or attend the society meeting if you are new around and watch the transformation. Take every opportunity to get acquainted with the people who you come across every day and increase the happiness quotient by a few levels.