Your home should be a sanctuary. It’s a space where you can shut out the wider world and focus on resting and recovering after a long day at work.
However, if you run a busy household, you may find that your kids, pets, partner, and general clutter detract from your ability to unwind. This is normal, as it doesn’t take much to turn your calming oasis into a chaotic, noisy space that adds to your stress levels.
Improve your mental health and make it easier to take a load off by creating a calming retreat in your own home. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to requisition the living room, and you shouldn’t break the bank when building a self-care space for yourself. Instead, focus on creating a room that adds value to your life and helps you hit pause throughout the day.
The Value of a Retreat
If you’re a parent, the idea of repurposing an entire room for your own needs may feel a little selfish. You may even feel guilty to admit that you need a retreat from your kids and partner from time to time. However, being able to relax and unwind in a personal space will make you a more effective parent and partner in the long run.
You don’t need to dedicate the entire room to relaxation, either. Spare rooms and office spaces can easily double as meditation dens with the right approach to interior design. When putting together a blueprint for your space, focus on finding ways to balance parenting, work, and self-care by:
Setting aside a room that is separate from your workstation — you need a space to truly unwind
Focus on wellness items and beauty products that promote self-confidence and help you fight off burnout.
Add some exercise tools like yoga mats, resistance bands, and light dumbbells so you can work up a sweat
Schedule some time for yourself and don’t be afraid to say “no” when your partner or coworkers try to infringe on your retreat. Unless there is an emergency, you should be able to shut the door for 10 to 15 minutes and simply focus on your own needs in a calm, supportive space.
Creating a Calm Space
Once you’ve earmarked a room as a retreat, you’ll need to clean it out thoroughly and declutter. This is crucial as clutter is associated with higher stress levels. Deep clean the space and remove any items that will not bring you joy when meditating, stretching, or breathing deeply.
You’ll also need to address any signs of poor indoor air quality. Issues like high humidity, significant dust build-up, and an explained cough are sure signs that the air in the room has become stale and is potentially harmful. Address these issues by installing a dehumidifier and bringing in a professional technician to service your HVAC system.
Once your space is clean, slowly add items and decor that create the right atmosphere in the room. Consider keeping a small set of speakers in your retreat, too, as this can help you focus on relaxation when kids are playing outside the door.
If your space is well-ventilated, treat yourself to some candles or incense sticks. Aromatherapy is a powerful tool in your self-help arsenal, as scents like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint boost mental function, lower stress, and help you feel refreshed. Just be sure to crack a window if the smoke from an incense stick starts to accumulate.
Opt for a minimalist approach when making design choices and prioritize plants over pottery and prints. Plants help you create a peaceful space and “greenify” your house. Some research even suggests that plants can improve air quality and reduce stress. This makes potted plants like snake plants and monstera ideal for your indoor retreat.
Conclusion
Creating a calming retreat in your home can help you hit the reset button after a busy day at work. A retreat is particularly beneficial if you’re a parent and need a sanctuary from the noise and stress associated with childcare.
Even a short session in your retreat can help you return feeling energized and ready to tackle life’s challenges. Just be sure to clean the space properly first, or you may find that poor air quality undermines your ability to breathe deeply and meditate.
