Lately, I've been a major stress-case. An insurmountable list of things to do is getting the best of me, and I know I'm not alone in this feeling. It's important to create an environment at home that imbues a sense of calm to counteract the crazy. Your home should be a place to rejuvenate and refresh. If that's not the case, make a few tweaks to start creating that reality.

Take ten minutes a day to tidy. Whenever you squeeze it in, these ten minutes make a major difference. Set your alarm ten minutes earlier (you can do it!) for a quick cleaning sesh that allows you to start your day with a clean slate.

Add some food to the fridge. What you put in your body has a major effect on your energy level, and a box of microwave popcorn for dinner is not going to cut it. We all have to eat, so why not use dinner time to relax over a meal, even if it is a quick one? Check out 10 meals to make in 10 minutes or less on the Kitchn.

Let in the natural light. It's been proven that natural light has strong ties to your mental health. Open the curtains and let in the sunlight. It will make you happier and healthier.

Ask for help. If you're anticipating a particularly busy week, ask your boyfriend to handle the laundry or your roommate to clean that bathroom. You'll make it up to him or her when the roles are reversed. Don't have roomates? Pinpoint other aspects of your life where friends or family might be able to help.

Separate work life from home life. Leave work at work. If that's not possible, define a time and place for working at home as opposed to meshing the two together. Work from home? Here are 10 tips for successfully working from home.

How do you achieve a peaceful atmosphere at home when life gets overwhelming?

(Image: Jamie and Byron's Elegant Art Canvas | Lindsay Tella)