With the fall and most likely spring semester remaining online, learning along with working from home is starting to become the new normal. It can get real boring staying in the same space for a prolonged amount of time, being trapped in your room staring at your computer all day long. That’s why it’s so important to turn your space into a sanctuary! Whether that be your bedroom, office, living room, now that we are spending most of our days indoors the way our space looks can positively impact that way we feel as well as bring us serenity and peace. Here are just some simple ways I like to brighten up my room!

1. Keep it clean and organized.

I’m a huge believer in your space being a reflection of your mind. If I am stressing out on papers, work deadlines, exams, etc...the last thing I want to do is be in a room that’s just as messy as my thoughts! Take a couple of minutes to de-clutter your space, pick up the clothes from the floor and make your bed. Seriously, being in a clean space really makes a difference in how great my days can turn out at home.

2. Freshen up with some candles!

Pictured: Malathebrand candles L-R: Beach House, Clean Cotton, Sundays

Now that we’ve got your space all tidy, what’s a better way to keep it clean and peaceful than lighting up some candles! These are a staple that I have in my room as candles double as a way to keep my space smelling and looking great, they are a super useful and simple decor! 

Malathebrand is a locally owned candle company founded by one of our own SFU CMNS alumni, Melody Lim. Malathebrand offers environmentally friendly hand-poured soy candles. Melody is passionate about ensuring green practices are implemented in every aspect of the brand from the candle itself to the packaging. She offers a wide range of amazing smelling candles that are available through their website as well as the SFU bookstore. My personal faves are Strawberry Shortcake and Clean Cotton. These candles are the perfect way I like to add some cozy vibes to my room and they are a great way to take your space to the next level of comfort. Be sure to keep an eye out on our socials @cmnsu as we are giving away one free candle from Malathebrand! Don’t miss out on Evolve Rebooted: The Zoom Series as Mala has generously thrown in an amazing discount code for all attendees!

3. Bring the outdoors indoors!

Adding some greenery to your space is a great way to enhance the overall look and feel! My mom has this crazy belief that plants have the ability to soak up any bad energy and release good energy back into the room. Even just adding in a fake plant can really transform your space from looking dull and boring to a lively sanctuary! While my plant collection is very limited, I really feel as if they’ve truly made a difference in how I feel being in my room all day.

These are just some simple ways I recommend in really transforming your space. The better you feel about how your room or workspace looks, the better you’ll feel in it. You’ll be more motivated, calm and at peace in your own home, which is something we all need during this time.

Connect with me!

Hello! I’m Kat (she/her), a third-year SFU Communication student and CMNSU's VP of Communication of 2020. I have a passion for connecting with others through storytelling, which inspired me to begin writing. I am a music lover, food lover and love lover! Thank you for being present with me in this moment and taking the time to read through my thoughts.