Just yesterday, I was chatting with my friend Max about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: the incredible connection between our living spaces and our mental well-being, particularly when it comes to wellness activities like yoga and meditation. We were specifically discussing orangeries and sunrooms – how they can be transformed into dedicated havens for exercise and relaxation all year round. He’d actually just finished decluttering his orangery, so I was eager to pick his brain.
“So, Max,” I started, stirring my tea, “you’ve done it! Conquered the orangery clutter. Tell me, what prompted you to finally tackle it?”
He chuckled. “It wasn’t exactly a lightbulb moment, more of a slow burn. I realised I was avoiding going in there. It was supposed to be my sanctuary, my place for yoga, but it had become a dumping ground for, well, everything! Old plant pots, gardening tools, even the Christmas decorations were still lurking in a corner! It was stressing me out just looking at it. That’s when I read an article about how physical clutter contributes to mental clutter and the benefits of creating a dedicated wellness space and I knew I needed to do something about it.”
That resonated deeply with me. We often underestimate how much our surroundings impact our mental state. Think about it: a cluttered room can lead to a cluttered mind, making it harder to focus, relax, or even just breathe deeply. So, how did he actually do it?
“Right,” Max said, settling back. “First things first, I was brutal. I took everything out. I mean everything. Then, I created three piles: ‘Keep,’ ‘Donate/Sell,’ and ‘Trash.’ This is the hardest part, being honest with yourself about what you actually need and use. It really does focus the mind.”
He explained his system, and I immediately saw the wisdom in it:
- The ‘Keep’ Pile: Only items that were essential to his orangery’s purpose as a wellness space. Yoga mats, a few carefully chosen plants, comfortable cushions, and his sound system.
- The ‘Donate/Sell’ Pile: Anything in good condition that he no longer used but someone else might appreciate.
- The ‘Trash’ Pile: Self-explanatory, really. Broken items, dead plants, and anything that couldn’t be salvaged.
“Once I had those piles, the rest was pretty straightforward. I thoroughly cleaned the orangery – windows, floor, everything. Then, I only brought back the items from the ‘Keep’ pile, organising them carefully.”
He’d clearly put a lot of thought into the organisation. Max emphasised the importance of creating a calming atmosphere.
“Think about storage,” he advised. “I invested in some attractive woven baskets to store yoga blocks and blankets. It keeps things tidy and adds to the aesthetic. And lighting is key! Dimmable lights are perfect for creating a relaxing mood for yoga or meditation.” He’d also hung some sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight and provide privacy.
We then touched on the subject of adapting the space for different ages. Max mentioned how his grandchildren love joining him for yoga sometimes.
“I’ve got smaller yoga mats for them, and we do simple stretches together. It’s a wonderful way to bond and introduce them to the benefits of mindfulness. The orangery’s great because it’s bright and airy, and we can open the doors on warmer days to connect with nature. It is great for older people as well who wish to do similar relaxing exercises to help keep them fit and flexible.”
He added that he’s found adding elements from nature – a small water feature, some smooth stones, or even just a vase of fresh flowers – can further enhance the sense of peace and tranquility. Consider a few well-chosen indoor plants, he said, like snake plants or spider plants, which are known for their air-purifying qualities.
Max’s experience highlights the transformative power of decluttering and creating a dedicated wellness space within your home. By clearing out the physical clutter and thoughtfully organising the remaining items, you can create a peaceful, functional environment that supports your mental and physical wellbeing, perfect for activities like yoga, meditation, or simply relaxing and enjoying the natural light. The addition of nature elements will improve the mood. Remember, a clear space leads to a clear mind. And a clear mind is essential for cultivating a sense of inner peace and promoting overall well-being, no matter your age or fitness level. Transforming that under-utilised orangery into your personal sanctuary can make all the difference.
