The formerly “fringe” back-to-nature movement has become mainstream in America and nowhere is the desire for a more natural approach to living more prevalent than in our homes. From organically grown fruits and vegetables to VOC-free paint choices, the trend is toward fewer additives, synthetics and chemicals.–

But for all the farmers market-purchased food in the kitchen and goat milk soaps in the bathroom, one room that has been neglected in the quest for a more natural home is the bedroom. However, it doesn’t take very much to make the bedroom more natural or “green.” Here are three easy and effective tips:

Choose natural bedding materials

Down and feathers come from nature, are biodegradable and renewable; consequently they have the lowest carbon footprint of any bedding fill material. Thirty-six percent of U.S. adults use down and feather bedding precisely because it is eco-friendly, according to a recently completed Harris Survey commissioned by the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC).

Being a natural insulator, down helps regulate body heat for an optimal sleeping experience, which allows homeowners to turn down the thermostat at night and save on heating costs. The survey found that 55 percent of U.S. adults who use down and feather bedding have chosen it precisely for its natural warmth.

Add fresh plants and flowers to your decor

Live plants act as natural air filters and some plants – spider plants, Boston ferns, rubber plants and palm trees – are particularly effective absorbers of chemical pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture and electronic equipment. Adding fresh flowers and plants to your bedroom helps with the natural cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen, improving the overall air quality in your bedroom.

Take advantage of nature’s best heater: the sun

In the cold winter months, open blinds, draperies, and shutters during the day to let solar energy warm and brighten your room naturally. In the hot summer months, be sure to do the opposite, and close your window coverings to prevent your bedroom from overheating and causing air conditioning units or fans to work harder, thus using more energy.

The post Three easy tips to create a more natural bedroom appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Your bedroom should be a place of ultimate relaxation, but with life as a busy mom, that isn’t always the case. It’s not always practical to do a complete remodel of your room just to make it more relaxing, but if you step back and think about each of your five senses, you can find small changes that can make a big difference.

SIGHT

Sight is possibly the most important sense to consider when creating a relaxing environment because it is often the most overwhelming sense.  Since it is such an important one, I am going to break it up into beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Beginner Tip: If you don’t want to invest a lot of money into this project, no worries! One of the biggest things that you can do to create a more welcoming and relaxing environment is completely free; organize. It is nearly impossible to relax when you are surrounded by clutter. If a total reorganization seems overwhelming, break it in to reasonable sized tasks and tackle this project over several days.  This may not be the most tip fun but trust me, it will make a huge difference!

Intermediate Tip: If you are looking to make a bigger change, start thinking about color! Studies have proven time and time again that color plays a serious role in your mood. There are two main schools of thought for selecting colors for rooms. The traditional route is to focus on soothing, cool colors like blue and purple for your bedroom. Your other option is to pick colors that really make you happy. If you hate the “cool” colors but green is the color that make you happiest, you will be a much happier person in a green room than you will ever be in a purple room. However you select the right color for you, bring that color in with a coat of paint, a new throw blankets or even just some fun candles!

Advanced Tip: I decided to make this tip the advanced tip because it could require a new piece of furniture or, even more major, a change in behavior. GET RID OF TV. I know some of you might be staring at your computers, shocked that I would ever write such a thing, but hear me out! We are constantly surrounded by our TVs, computers, phones, tablets and every other screen that we possible can. There is something to be said for having one room in your house that isn’t “plugged-in” 24/7. A room where you can relax with a book or even just your thoughts. If the thought of no TV at all in the bedroom is too drastic, try putting it somewhere where it can be completely covered up, like in a hutch or cabinet. Just having the ability to make all of the screens disappear can do wonders on the atmosphere of the room!

SOUND

An easy way to create a more peaceful environment is through sound. There are whole CDs, apps and websites dedicated to relaxing sounds. You will be amazed at the difference soothing sounds can have on your ability to fall asleep quickly, relax more fully, or meditate more deeply. My favorite way to fall asleep is listening to raindrops fall, but now I get to listen to it regardless of the weather!

TOUCH

The key to making your tough sense tingle is different for every woman. Think of what texture makes you happiest, is it silk? Faux fur? Flannel? Whatever the texture, try to incorporate that in as many places as possible; bed sheets, blankets, pillows and even pajamas! Looking for a different way to incorporate touch? You can’t go wrong with some massage oils!

SMELL

For me, there is no better scent than warm notes of vanilla. I have vanilla candles, lotions and perfume! Figure out the smell that makes you most relaxed and run with it. If you need a starting place try lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, or jasmine, as they are all known for being calming. Investing in an essential oil diffuser is great way to make sure that your favorite sent surrounds you from the moment you walk into your room!

TASTE

Finally, how do you incorporate taste into your bedroom sanctuary? There is something to be said for a well-stocked bowl of dark chocolate! 

So remember, if you tune in to all five of your senses you can create a bedroom sanctuary in no time!

The post Use your senses to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.