Spring Denning + Nesting Tips and Tricks from Your Favourite Alpha with Omega Traits!!
Cut so this doesn't clog some poor persons feed..
Hello! If you know me, no introduction needed. If you don't, then hi! I go by many names, but you can think of me as Satoru, Callum, or Iker. I'm a miscelycan Alpha! However, despite being an Alpha, I still nest and have other Omega associated instincts/habits!
Springtime is coming soon which for me personally, has been kicking my instincts into high gear to clean, tend to my territory, den, nest, everything under the sun! So, in the name of spring cleaning, here's some of my advice!
First things first, if you're like me and have any disorder that may cause you to procrastinate, lose motivation, etc etc- Take your meds! I have ADHD and Adderall is a lifesaver.
If you don't have a disorder, don't take meds, or HAVE taken your meds, have a moment of mindfulness first! Drink some tea while thinking of what you want to do, how you want to do it, and when. Having a gameplan beforehand helps me feel less overwhelmed.
After that, you're ready to go!
Small disclaimer: some of this info, especially cleaning tips, will be extremely obvious and "common sense." I personally was neglected as a child and was not taught how to clean myself or my surroundings. I wish to help others learn.
Denning.
In my verse, denning is the act of preparing an entire space for yourself, packmates, or anybody else you trust within your space! Dens are very personal and are a key part of someone's territory. My den is my bedroom!
Here's how I prepare my den AND maintain it:
Keep things neat and tidy! I've struggled with hoarding my whole life so I know how hard this can be. However, it feels great to throw junk out and clear up the space! Even one or two things can make a difference.
Scenting! Lots and LOTS of scenting! This can be done by rubbing your scent glands on the walls, furniture, anywhere you'd like! Alternatively, praying a cologne or perfume is perfect as well! I'd recommend having a fan on while you do this to help the particles spread around the den.
Giving dusty shelves, desks, and dressers a quick wipe down. Especially after I clear out lots of junk and/or trash, giving all my surfaces a quick or thorough wipe with some Clorox wipes keeps everything fresh AND makes me feel generally cleaner! If you don't have any sanitising wipes, a wet paper towel will work too!
Wash and scent your bedsheets, blankets, pillows- anything you may sleep, cuddle, or sit with. This can once again help everything stay clean AND help you and your den smell like yourself.
Check any clutter for spider webs. This can especially happen if you have a plushie hammock in the corner of your room, or shelves of books.
Last but not least, decorate! Your den is your space. Make it feel cozy, feel like home. If you're in the space to do so, buy some new decorations! Maybe even a candle!
Nesting.
Next is nesting. In my verse, nesting is a typically smaller space- this is usually used for napping, riding out heats/ruts, or for regulation. My nest is a small fort I made in the crook between my bed and my wall.
Similar to denning, give all your sheets, blankets, pillows, etc a wash and scent it! If you're like me and sleep in your nest often, you want to avoid the space getting too sweaty and icky. No mold here!
Give everything a quick rearrangement! When I'm feeling nest-y, it helps trick my brain if I shuffle around some pillows or fluff up a comforter. Sometimes you just need a change.
Scent it!!! I love to scent my nest by just rolling around in it. It's fun AND affirming. If that's not your style, lightly spraying some cologne or perfume works too.
Add something new! Since it's becoming spring, add something new to your nest! This can be a new pillow, a new blanket, even a plushie or toy!
Make sure you have a way to stay cool and cozy. My nest has a roof of sorts, so it traps in heat and can get pretty hot. Aiming a fan on a low setting at your nest or opening a window is perfect.
And lastly, my favourite thing- show it to someone you love. For me, it's always super satisfying to show off my nest to someone close to me. This can be a friend, family, a pet, your mate, or even a stuffed animal! Show off your work!
Naturally, these tips won't work for everyone BUT I thought I'd offer some ideas for folks! If you have any other methods or advice, feel free to add them in the comments! <3.
