Stress Free Living

Not too long ago, when you closed your front door, you where saying goodbye to stress and shutting out the world. Your home was a place that was considered unique. You designed it, you decorated it, you created memories in it, and you made it a place that felt secure. And according to the annual IKEA Life at Home Report, this is still what many people want from their homes.

However, the world we live in today there is constant pressure to be social. We want to show everyone what we are doing, eating, seeing, and it can take a tole on you. You get to the point where you are constantly comparing yourself to someone or something else. How can someone be creating picture perfect meals while you struggle to spend time with your family and create a 5 star meal…While being social is great, there is a time where you need to just sit back and relax.

And the truth is you’re not alone. Below we have some expectations of people who are just like you and me, the reality of the situation and what you can do to make the situation and your life stress free and relaxing:

Expectation #1
You should spend a lot of quality time with family & friends
The reality
This is hard to do.So…
What if preparing and enjoying food together was the answer to sharing quality time?
Quality time comes in many forms. So, why not have fun and be productive at the same time? Prepare meals in advance and let everyone help out.  You can also squeeze in quality time in odd places, like when grandma teaches you her favourite recipe over Skype, or when you show everyone in the family how chores can be super fun. Expectation #2
Social media should unite & inspire.The reality
It does, but it can also set impossible standards and make us feel inadequate.
Social media has a firm place in our homes: 23% of people think reliable wi-fi is more important than space at home for socializing. 60% of people say they use social media to explore food ideas. 16% of the 18-29 year olds eat & drink while online. 15% of these young people say they post pictures while eating. How does all this delicious inspiration affect how we think we should perform in the kitchen?So…
What if you could stop comparing yourself to others and recognize how great you are already?Nobody is perfect. And we’ve got the kitchen confessions to prove it. Feel free to cook like no one is watching. And even if your results are lumpy and half-baked, share them with pride! Or choose to take a little media time-out and reconnect with friends in person, if that’s what you feel like doing. To post, or not to post – it’s up to you.

Expectation #3
People’s homes should be spacious and inviting.The reality
People feel their places are too small or not nice enough to welcome company
There’s pressure to keep up appearances. We feel most at ease when our kitchen is tidy & clean, 39% say their messy homes annoy them weekly. People think their kitchens and how they perform in them needs to be perfect.So…
What if imperfect is perfect enough?
Any space can be beautiful. And even a small space is full of possibilities. It’s your kitchen – be smart with the space you have and organize it the way you want. Learn some short cuts for cleaning up after the meal. Dine anywhere you want. If you’re into napkin origami – go for it. If you want to use your leftover napkins for your next party – do it. Your way is the right way. Expectation #4
We should make better, more sustainable choices when it comes to food.The reality
This is hard and we always feel guilty and that we should be doing better.
There is a growing consciousness about our impact on the planet and how our behaviour needs to change. On average, 15% of people feel guilty about owning too many things. 25% of urbanites feel guilty about how much food they throw away. 1 in 5 households regularly double up on food and drink items by accident.So…
What if you didn’t over-think it?
There are lots of easy ways to be healthier and live more sustainably. It could be as simple as going on the “See Food Diet”, where the food you see is the food you eat. No stress, no waste!