April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK—and let’s be honest, stress is practically baked into modern life. Whether it’s the never-ending to-do list, global headlines, or inbox pings, we’re constantly on edge. So when we finally walk through our front door, our home should be a sanctuary. A safe, peaceful space. But the reality? For many of us, it’s just another source of overwhelm—cluttered counters, strewn toys, piles of laundry, and a seemingly endless list of household obligations. 

Our homes are supposed to restore us. But sometimes, unknowingly, they’re what’s draining us.

When Home Adds to the Stress

Living in the same space day after day, we start to tune out the chaos. That pile of unopened mail? The cluttered hallway cupboard? The ever-expanding pile of laundry? We stop seeing them, even though our nervous system doesn’t. Over time, these little stressors marinate in the background until they start to feel normal—even inevitable. And that's when our mental health begins to take the hit.

A Good First Step: Take Inventory 

Let’s start by shining a gentle light on the areas of your home that may be contributing to stress. Think of it as a home wellness audit—no judgment, just curiosity.

1. Do you have an excess of “stuff” that you’re not using?

2. Have chores snowballed into something unmanageable?

3. Are there certain rooms or zones that instantly raise your blood pressure when you walk in?

If you nodded along to any of the above, take a deep breath. There’s a path forward.

How to De-Stress Your Home

1. Start Small and Start with What You Can Control: Pick one drawer. One countertop. One pile of paperwork. Getting started is the hardest part—but once you do, momentum builds. Think laundry, sorting the post, or decluttering your handbag. These are solo wins you can tackle with a good playlist or a cup of tea.

2. Call In Reinforcements: Some tasks need more hands or a longer timeline. Cue the toys taking over your living room or the garage that’s become a Bermuda triangle. Here’s a trick to make it easier:

• The One Touch Rule

Instead of putting items down “for now,” take the extra moment to put them in their proper home—just once. That post? Straight into the recycling or your in-tray. Your coat? On the hook, not the back of the chair.

• Family Buy-In

You can’t be the only one doing this, or it’ll lead to frustration and burnout. Get your family on board—everyone benefits from a calmer home.

• The Three-Box System

For bigger projects, sort items into “Keep,” “Donate,” or “Toss.” Don’t overthink it. You know the answer in your gut.

3. Create Relaxation Zones: Every home should have a place that soothes your soul. A window seat with a throw blanket and a stack of books. A bathroom with soft lighting and calming scents. A quiet corner with a yoga mat and a diffuser.emit blue light that interferes with melatonin production, so avoiding them before bed can promote natural sleep.

Fill these spaces with softness: cushions, candles, greenery, and your favourite textures. And here’s the key: use them. Even five minutes a day spent in your sanctuary is enough to start dialling down the cortisol.

Final Thoughts: Peace Begins at Home (and Within)

Creating a peaceful home doesn’t happen overnight, but every small change helps lighten your load—and your mind. As you declutter your physical space, you create more mental space for calm, clarity, and rest.

And while you’re tending to your home, don’t forget to tend to your inner world, too. That’s where Birch & Wilde’s Ashwagandha comes in. This adaptogenic herb is renowned for its ability to help the body manage stress, reduce anxiety, and support better sleep. It’s a natural partner in your pursuit of peace—helping you feel grounded from the inside out.

Because a calmer you and a calmer home? That’s the ultimate glow-up.