Published on 12, July, 2020
I was just talking to this lovely nurse and was explaining that going outside makes me anxious because of the people and unfamiliar surroundings and she asked me what I like most about my home and what makes it safe for me. And I thought that would be interesting to ask here as well, if you're comfortable to say of course :)
I like a lot of things about my home. All my favourite possessions are there. It's peaceful and I know I'm always comfortable and happy there. And probably the best thing is it's in the countryside.
Not a lot I know but they are big things for me.
It’s a really interesting question isn’t it? It’s a nice thing to think about - so thanks for posting it on here
My home is in the countryside too - in a village. The windows at the back of my house look out on to fields and trees and I feel really lucky to have that. Home should be a place of safety and comfort - and much of the time it feels that way to me. However when my anxiety is really bad I sometimes feel the need to get out as my home can feel like a place where I’m stuck in a ‘groove’ of thinking that I cannot break free of - so getting out is also important to me when I feel like that. And then by the time I come home again I’m very tired and glad to get home and rest - so it can get that restless feeling out of my system.
Like you I have lots of favourite things in my home that make me happy - things I’ve collected over the years from antique fairs etc - I enjoy having them around me. My husband and son live with me and they’re the best thing about my home - without them I would not feel so safe and cosy in my home. I love my radio as it keeps me company if I wake up in the night - I learn a lot and discover new things from listening to the radio. I love having access to music too through Apple Music and I connect it to my stereo so that the sound is really rich and beautiful. I have paintings on my wall that I’ve done too - I enjoy having them around me as it reminds me that I can be productive and make something that’s worthwhile (it’s very important to be reminded of this when I’m feeling low). I also love my bed of course! And on my bedside table I have a selection of books that I can turn to for all sorts of interesting and soothing things. I have some Buddha statues that are there to remind me what’s important in life, and what’s not really important too. I love my hot water bottle too - it’s very comforting to have that.
I also have a garden and love watching the birds in the garden. I realise how fortunate I am to have a garden and even like pegging out the washing on the line because it’s very peaceful as beyond the garden there is only a farm so it’s really quiet most of the time.
I am on the edge of town so countryside nearby. I too love watching birds in the garden. That is one way of making me relax. I also find pegging out washing enjoyable as I breathe in the fresh air and watch birds going to and fro.
Apart from that I like everything being familiar, from the bed, sofa, to my own kitchen and bathroom and having everything I need. Familiar smells are important too.
It’s so lovely to have that familiarity and control over your surroundings isn’t it? I find lighting very important too - I hate bright, cold lighting - I like to have warm, soft lighting - and candlelight. I’ve always wanted a real fire or wood burner - so that’s my dream to have that. One day hopefully!
Must look into some of those. I've been using one called 'cosy night in' (very much my vibe) which seems to be mainly lavender.
Those salt lamps are lovely - they create a beautiful warm glow don’t they? I like using essential oils in a burner too - I like lavender, bergamot, orange and frankincense essential oils.
Same with the lighting. A soft up glow from my Himalayan salt lamp is enough for me most evenings. I must get some proper candles too. I just have tee lights for oil infusion purposes