The Mental Health Benefits of Redecorating Your Home After Divorce

Renowned author J.K. Rowling once said, “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” While divorce is seldomly easy, it does mark the start of a new chapter in your life. Even if it does feel like your entire world has come tumbling down on you, there are a number of things you can do to make the transition easier — such as redecorating your house. There are, in fact,  many reasons why it is important to consider redecorating your home after divorce. Apart from helping you rediscover your true self, a DIY home transformation can also boost your post-divorce mental health in numerous ways.

Here Are the Mental Health Benefits of Redecorating Your Home After Divorce

Creative Activities Build Confidence

It is not uncommon to experience diminished self-confidence after your divorce. Creative activities, such as those associated with home decorating, can help enhance your confidence and self-esteem. Whether you are busying yourself with creating a piece of wall art or are making a new set of throw cushion covers, you are bound to feel an invigorating sense of accomplishment once you have completed the project. This is because of an increase in the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is known as the feel-good hormone. When released into the body, dopamine actively reduces feelings of depression while boosting confidence and improving your overall mood.

Painting Your Home Exterior Is Extremely Cathartic

While a lot of attention is generally given to the interior of the home, the exterior is often neglected. Giving the outside of your home a fresh coat of paint can have the added benefit of exposing you to a healthy dose of sunlight and fresh air. Spending even just a couple of hours outdoors can help reduce the anxiety and depression that is common during a divorce while also boosting your immune system. Painting your home exterior is also not nearly as arduous as you might think. As long as you have all the supplies you need, know how to prepare the walls of your house, and possess some basic painting skills, you are bound to find the exercise both therapeutic and beneficial to the aesthetics of your home.

Get Rid of Physical and Emotional Baggage

Redecorating gives you the perfect excuse to get rid of both physical and emotional baggage. During your marriage, you undoubtedly collected a range of items that now have bad memories attached to them. Regardless of how valuable they might have been once upon a time (both in a monetary and sentimental sense), it may be a good idea to get rid of it for the sake of your own mental well-being. Separate all the items you no longer want in your house into two piles: things to be sold and things to donate.

You may also want to ask your ex if they don’t want anything prior to you sending it to the nearest thrift shop or selling it online. As you rid your home of all the items that no longer bring you joy, you will feel an enormous weight lift off your shoulders. When this happens, you know you are one step closer to starting a new, joyful chapter in your life.

Redecorating your home after a divorce can benefit you in countless ways. Apart from leaving you with a home that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, you will also find that your mental health has enjoyed a much-needed boost.

Jess Walter is a freelance writer and mother. She loves the freedom that comes with freelance life and the additional time it means she gets to spend with her family and pets.