Flu and cold season can be brutal to a family. It often messes with routines, rituals, and schedules in a way that nothing else can. So how do we cultivate a peaceful home after sickness? How do we get back to a ‘status quo’ when everyone is feeling frazzled and our bodies are not quite at par? Especially for little ones who operate on a lot of instinct, this can be a challenge for parents.
The past two weeks our family has been down with one of the worst sicknesses that we’ve ever had. Getting it through a family of six along with a third-trimester pregnant mama (me!) has been quite the challenge.
As we start to come out of whatever this sickness was, I’ve been intentionally thinking through how to reset our routines to bring back a peaceful home. Here are four simple ways that I’m cultivating a peaceful home after sickness that help us bring back a sense of homeostasis!
Of course, these are not the end-all-be-all to bringing peace into a home. They are just simple ones that I was able to focus on this specific day.
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What Is a Peaceful Home?
A peaceful home is more than just a well-organized physical space; it is a soothing place where low-stress levels, love abounds, and mental health is nurtured. I don’t know about you but when a nasty sickness strikes my family down, our stress levels are not low. Often, caring for a sick family requires time off work and routines that bring a sense of normalcy are disturbed.
My heart’s desire is to see a healthy family who is thriving in a peaceful home.
A peaceful home is where family members feel safe and cherished, where parent-child relationships thrive, and where even the smallest cozy corner brings comfort. Whether it’s through scented candles, cozy blankets, or simply reducing artificial lighting, creating a peaceful environment is about fostering a sense of peace in everyday life.
How Can I Make My Home Peaceful?
A peaceful home is one that is grounded in faith, love, and order. After a season of sickness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the lingering chaos, but Scripture reminds us that God is a God of peace, not disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33).
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV
Taking intentional steps to restore our home is an act of faith, trusting that He will bring renewal. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God, and in doing so, His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
As I’ve stated many times, but I like to keep repeating lest anyone may have not heard or read it, my content is my attempt at preaching to myself. Every article, social media post, and video is created out of a need for me to hear a specific truth. I’m not perfect so I’m sure I’ve said things that are not 100% theologically accurate, but I do hope and pray that most of my content is anchored securely in contextual scripture.
I have battled anxiety and the need to push myself for personal approval since I was very little and one of the verses that has challenged and brought me peace is Philippians 4:6-7. It’s a reminder for me that out of my own strength, I cannot find peace. Peace is rooted in Christ, not our own efforts.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
As we work toward a peaceful home, we can lean on His promises, knowing that He is the ultimate source of rest and restoration.
1. Organize and Clean Your Space
Now we can get practical!
One of the most effective ways to restore a peaceful home environment is to clear out the clutter and refresh the space.
After sickness, there’s often a buildup of used tissues, extra blankets, and neglected household chores. Taking small steps like wiping down the kitchen counter, vacuuming floors, and diffusing essential oils can make a big difference in creating a relaxing environment.
A tidy home is a powerful tool for lowering stress levels and fostering mental peace.
2. Re-establish Routines and Rituals
One of the things that makes the biggest impact on my family’s mental health is family routines and rituals. Those daily routines, especially for small children, bring a sense of safety.
Sickness often throws our daily routine out of balance. Reintroducing structure into our days can help reset the idea of a peaceful home. For us, I focused on bringing back specific times for meals, school, and quiet times which helped to bring back order.
Whether it’s gathering around the dinner table for a wholesome meal or reading picture books together in a cozy corner, these small things help restore a sense of peace and normalcy.
A note to homeschool mamas, I’ve been in education, in some capacity, for almost 14 years. I’m no stranger to disruptions in a child’s education and there is never going to be a perfect school day. Sometimes it’s most helpful to simply get back in the school routine, instead of waiting for everyone to be perfectly healthy. You might not get as much done or have perfectly focused children, but you’ll get the routine going again and that’s probably the most helpful.
3. Cook Wholesome Foods
After a long day of caregiving and recovering, nothing feels quite as grounding as nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods. I’m not perfect and if you are watching our YouTube video on this topic, you may even have noticed that during school our kids had some Veggie Chips, and if you are familiar with wholesome foods, you’d probably question the health of seed oils.
This is a complete side tangent from the topic at hand, but understanding the impact of sugars and seed oils in our foods is probably the two things that could most radically change our understanding of the modern food system and our children’s health. Of course, I’ll probably have someone want to add food dyes onto that list and then we’ll spiral down the path of additives and many other health topics. It’s a topic for another day!
I’m not perfect with our food choices and I’m guessing that you are not either. However, I am in the pursuit of continually bringing more nourishing and wholesome foods into our home.
A warm bowl of bone broth, fresh fruit, and nourishing meals help in rebuilding strength. The kitchen counter becomes a hub for renewal, as we prepare meals that bring comfort and healing.
On this particular day (as seen in the accompanying YouTube video), I am crafting a soup with homemade bone broth and sourdough biscuits, and I made some lemon and baobab homemade Jello squares, which are a little immune-boosting treat.
The aromas of the kitchen can be a powerful way to minister to our family and add pockets of peace to our lives.
- Soup Recipes
- Sourdough Biscuits (I used our breadstick recipe)
- Homemade Jello Squares
- Homemade (sugar-free) elderberry syrup
- Cranberry Wassail
4. Rest in Jesus
The most important step in cultivating a more peaceful home after sickness is resting in Jesus. A peaceful space isn’t just about having a tidy home or a quiet living room—it’s about seeking mental well-being through faith.
Take some time as you fold laundry to pray and worship. As you read books to your children, or clean up another mess, add prayers of gratitude to your heart.
When stress levels rise and foolish tears come after a hard week, a compassionate heart and time spent in prayer can bring the deepest sense of peace.
Setting aside time for worship, prayer, and Bible reading helps reset the mind and bring focus back to our ultimate purpose of glorifying God.
Remember to Have a Heart of Gratitude
Recently, I’ve realized that gratitude is a powerful tool in maintaining a peaceful house. Even after sickness, finding joy in the little things—like a warm cup of tea, a decluttered living room, or the laughter of family members—can go a long way in fostering a relaxing environment.
As I prepare for the birth of baby Wayne (baby number five) I’ve been reading about gratitude being a natural pain reliever. Although I won’t pretend to be an expert, I think there is great power in having a heart of gratitude.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2 Corinthians 4:15 ESV
Social media and the outside world often pull us in different directions, but taking a step back to appreciate our own home and its blessings brings true contentment.
What Does the Bible Say About a Peaceful Home?
The Bible speaks often about peace, wisdom, and a home filled with love. Proverbs 14:1 reminds us,
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
Proverbs 14:1 ESV
A wise woman seeks to create a home that is filled with peace, love, and the presence of God.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalms 4:8 ESV
True peace doesn’t come from a perfect living space or having a clutter-free environment—it comes from trusting in the Lord and allowing his sanctifying work in our life to extend to ministering to our family.
As we recover from sickness and strive to build a more peaceful home, let’s remember to rest in Jesus, cultivate gratitude, and create a home that reflects His love and grace.
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