Productivity and relaxation

The brain works tirelessly. So if you want to decrease stress levels it makes sense to redirect your thoughts (meditation can work well here, for instance), or put your body into a state of relaxation. Breathing is the simplest way to do this. Breathe in deeply and exhale slowly to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slow the heart rate, and lower blood pressure. A good exercise that you can do for 10 minutes in bed at night.

If your bed’s made, it maintains the neat look – and this can help you concentrate. But it’s more than that: a well-made bed looks impressive. What do you need to achieve that? More than just two pillows. That authentic hotel feeling requires at least three, if not even more. If the duvet, pillows and throw are in different colours, it gives the bed the appearance of depth. A variety of textures lend an interesting look. For instance you can plump up the pillows and then put a smaller cushion – or two – in front of them. Here’s a suggestion: two pillows propped against the headboard, two smaller ones in front and an additional longer one placed in front of those.

Clever light planning has benefits – in terms of aesthetics as well as health. For lighting to be both stylish and practical, you need: 

• Design features that match the furniture well
• Functional light fittings in a minimalist style
• A colour temperature plan.

Research confirms that light influences mood and cognitive abilities. It’s best to start the day with a colder light and combat the lunchtime low with a daylight-type colour temperature, which is also fairly cool. Then, as evening approaches, a warm light becomes increasingly important because it encourages the sleep hormone melatonin to be released.