I’m no interior designer, and I am also no psychologist. However, I will say that rearranging your surroundings, especially in a more calming way, can help alleviate stress, increase positive energy, and distract from the cause(s) of your anxiety. After the recent general election, it is safe to say that most of the country is still shaken from all of the political talk. With stress at an all-time high for just about all of us, there is no better time to distract yourself by turning your home into a relaxing oasis (and it’s actually pretty easy). Here are some simple additions for a cozier home space:

1. A Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp

As an owner of one of these trending lamps, I can vouch for some of the benefits they are said to provide. Not only do they cast a warm, soft glow around your room, but they help clear the air in terms of allergens and pollutants. I wish I could make an accurate claim about the improvement of my sleep, but college is doing more than its fair share in making sure I’m sound asleep when I hit my pillow. Another perk: due to their popularity, these lamps are easy to find.

2. Candles! Candles! Candles!

Candles can make or break your ~chill~ vibe. It’s not only about stuffing your apartment with as many chunks of wax that you can find though, it’s about stuffing your apartment with the right chunks of wax. An overbearing candle is definitely not your best bet; you will find yourself blowing it out in two minutes after realizing that your entire apartment is radiating “vanilla cocoa” scent. It’s smart to buy a few unscented pillar candles to surround a scented candle to add to the ambience without permeating your entire building. As a self-proclaimed candle fanatic, I keep candles around for every occasion: autumn, Christmas, even a “study candle” to help me focus. Cheap aromatherapy: don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

3. All the Blankets

Having a hefty supply of fuzzy throw blankets on hand can easily improve the cozy feel of your home. Soft blankets can be cheaply purchased just about anywhere, so at this point, your financial conscience has no excuse for holding you back. Going with a central color theme (pastels, cool colors, neutrals) can turn your comfort items into decoration. Roll them up in bundles and throw them in a pretty basket and voilà! You have something adorable and functional to put in that empty corner.

4. Succulents Everywhere

So, your third round of DIY herb pots you saw on Pinterest died, and you have come to the realization that you may never be able to sustain anything green. Fear not! I’m pretty convinced that God created succulents for those of us who were born with a rotten green thumb. A succulent is basically a hardy little cousin of the cactus that does not require frequent watering and can survive on little care. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Combine your new friend with a nice little pot and you are all set.

5. Fairy Lights (Duh)

On any Pinterest or Google search of “cozy room”, you will find at least one (million) picture(s) that show(s) fairy lights on the wall. I couldn’t tell you why these got so popular so quickly, but I can say I am thankful that they did. They give off the perfect amount of light (combined with the salt lamp and candles you just bought, wink) to snuggle up with a favorite movie or even take a light nap. There are many different styles and colors to suit your taste, and these little lights will not clash with any of the decorations you already have. Who wouldn’t want something with a name as dainty as “fairy lights” adorning their home?

6. Wall Decorations

Still on the subject of walls, blank walls can make the room feel impersonal and cold. Even a pretty hook for your raincoat can spice things up! Try to focus on decorations that match the personality of the room; if the room you’re decorating is a bit more antique-y, try a cool rusted clock. Hanging a bouquet of pressed flowers is a charming and simple DIY. Tapestries are a beautiful way to turn one of your walls into a statement wall without cracking open a single can of paint. Sticking to the tranquility theme, I have found that either muted, dark, or pastel colors work best in terms of wall decorations!

7. Mountains of Pillows

Mountains may be a strong word, but any number of pillows will instantly create a mood of relaxation and warmth. If you have no idea how to accomplish this (what color to get, what size, etc.), look at your furniture. For light-colored furniture, the color of the pillows can really go in any direction you choose. Personally, I feel as though darker colors that match the overall theme of the room with a couple lighter patterned accent pillows work perfectly. Dark furniture is a bit trickier, but I was surprised to find that a few dark purple pillows with a couple cream pillows and one patterned accent pillow melted completely into the relaxed feel of the room.

The most important thing is to make sure that the overall atmosphere of the room calms and soothes you, as you are the sole person who will be spending the most time in this space. With that said, there is a candle, a pillow and a blanket to match everyone’s taste, even on a budget. Happy decorating!