Escape the Chaos: How to Create a Calming Retreat in Your Home

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. 

5 Journaling Tips for Happiness and Mental Wellbeing

This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Home is more than just a place to live. It’s the roots of our tree. From home, everything grows outward. In this way, our home touches every aspect of our lives.

When we think about creating a safe and comfortable home, we may think about physical aspects. We want a strong structure to protect us and all the amenities that make our lives easier. But what about the ways our home can tend to our psychological and emotional well-being?

Wellness and self-care practices like journaling may improve our mental health. Here are some tips to try it yourself.

Journaling Through Distress

Before examining the happiness-boosting benefits of journaling, it may help to understand that the practice can also help those feeling low. Most desire happiness. However, sometimes happiness seems like a distant concept. 

Luckily, there is some interesting evidence that supports the possible benefits of journaling in troubling times.

According to a 2006 study of just under 100 young adults, journaling may reduce distress. Participants spent 15 minutes journaling or drawing twice over a week. They wrote about a stressful event or their plans for the day.

The journaling participants reported a greater reduction in depression, anxiety, and hostility. This was most pronounced for those who felt distressed before journaling. From these findings, it appears that journaling may soothe discomfort.

Interestingly, 80% of those studied had seldom journaled about their feelings. Only 61% said they were comfortable with the concept. So, even if you've never written a journal before, you could benefit!

1. Journal Your Gratitude

Another potentially beneficial journaling idea is to record gratitude. This practice may be best at the end of the day. Spend a few minutes writing down 3-5 things you're thankful for.

Write as little or as much as you like. The point is to focus on things that feel good. 

According to research by Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Michael McCullough, people who kept a gratitude journal were 25% happier.

2. Discover Your Flow

Journaling can also help you explore other happiness-boosting activities. You can use your journal to access The Flow.

Researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes The Flow State as a time we are fully engaged in something. When the mind is occupied, the activity feels rewarding, and the task is easy, it may bring the feeling of flow. It's a little like autopilot but your mind is focused on something that keeps other thoughts at bay.

Accessing this state may help stress fade away. Some people reported a lasting feeling of happiness and clarity long after the activity ends. There may be satisfaction in completing a simple task and giving the mind a break.

3. Evaluate Your Social Circle

Journaling can also help people evaluate their lives. In this example, their social circle.

Do you ever stop to think about the people you associate with? Are they having an affect on you?

They say birds of a feather flock together, and there may be some evidence to support how your social group impacts your life.

List the 3 people you spend the most time with in your journal. Do you admire them? List some qualities they possess next to their name. Are these things you'd like to embody or acquire?

The aforementioned study suggests that people are greatly influenced by their social circle. So, being around happy people may improve your mood.

4. Try Some Expressive Writing

If you're experiencing some sticky or intrusive thoughts, journaling may help you release them. It might be worth trying a specific writing approach to let things go.

If you've had a bad feeling experience and keep running over it in your mind, writing it down may help. Putting these cyclical thoughts down on paper can help restore clarity, peace, and contentment.

The research around this tactic involves something called expressive writing. That is defined as a period of relaxed writing for 15-20 minutes a day for 3-5 consecutive days. Prioritize writing about emotions related to an event.

Write about the same event or a different one each day.

Benefits of Expressive Writing

When it comes to enhancing well-being, expressive writing has been shown to reduce signs of unhappiness. According to the BetterHelp blog, expressive writing may promote a variety of mental and physicial benefits. 

This type of journaling may soothe anxiety and depression. It may improve immune functioning, reduce physical stress, and enhance cognitive functioning as well.

Expressive writing may even help reduce fear and anxiety. THis may be because it helps label and identify feelings and thoughts. Some people may feel more satisfied and able to move on when they understand a situation.

Expressive writing can also help some people gain new perspectives on challenging situations. This could bring insights and novel solutions.

5. List Positive Aspects

Focusing on positive emotions can also feel good. Making lists of positive aspects is a bit like gratitude journaling. It differs because it can truly be as simple as listing words that feel good.

You can list pleasurable things about your life, your friends and family, or even things you'd love to have. You can also try listing positive things about people you don’t like so much but have to interact with.

The goal is to focus on appreciation as a way to shift your mood from negative to positive! You may find yourself looking for more things to appreciate as you live your life.

This kind of trained attention or mindfulness can become a habit.

Get Cozy And Get Writing

Can you imagine yourself spending just 15 minutes a day writing in your journal?

You can establish a new wellness practice or routine in your home with small daily steps. If you’d like to try any of the journaling tips above, pick a time and place and get writing!

It may take a few days to get the hang of it but you might find that you soon look forward to the task.

Journaling in a special spot in your home might be an even bigger boost. Feeling appreciation for the setting could help inspire you.

Integrating Shilajit into Home Wellness Practices: Boosting Your Health with Natural Supplements

We partnered with a wellness company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

In the realm of natural wellness and holistic health, the incorporation of ancient supplements into daily routines is a practice gaining significant traction. Among these, Shilajit, a sticky substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas, has emerged as a powerful supplement, revered for its potential to enhance overall health and well-being. This article delves into the essence of Shilajit, exploring its benefits, methods of incorporation into daily life, and its complementary role alongside other wellness practices.

I. Introduction to Shilajit

A. Understanding Shilajit

Shilajit is a complex natural substance that has been used in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda, for centuries. It forms over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants and is rich in fulvic acid, a potent antioxidant and mineral carrier, which enhances its therapeutic properties. Its unique composition makes it a valuable addition to wellness routines, offering a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern health practices.

B. Benefits of Natural Supplements

The shift towards natural supplements like Shilajit underscores a broader trend in health and wellness: the preference for organic, minimally processed remedies over synthetic alternatives. Natural supplements offer the body the tools to repair and strengthen itself, often with fewer side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts. Shilajit benefits stand out in this category for its wide range of health benefits, from improving vitality to supporting cognitive functions.

II. Incorporating Shilajit into Daily Routine

A. Methods of Consumption

Integrating Shilajit into one's daily regimen is straightforward, thanks to its availability in various forms, including powders, capsules, and resin. Each form offers a different approach to consumption, catering to personal preferences and lifestyles. For instance, the resin can be dissolved in water or warm milk and consumed directly, while capsules provide a convenient, no-fuss option for those on the go.

B. Dosage Guidelines

Determining the right dosage of Shilajit is crucial for maximizing its benefits while avoiding potential side effects. Generally, the recommended starting dose is a small pea-sized amount of resin or its equivalent in other forms, gradually increasing to find the optimal dosage for individual needs. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting Shilajit or any new supplement regimen is advisable to tailor the dosage to one’s specific health profile.

III. Health Benefits of Shilajit

A. Boosting Energy Levels

One of the most celebrated benefits of Shilajit is its ability to enhance energy and vitality. This is attributed to its high mineral content and fulvic acid, which improve cellular functions and efficiency. By optimizing the body's use of oxygen and nutrients, Shilajit can lead to noticeable improvements in physical energy and stamina, making it a favored supplement among athletes and active individuals.

B. Enhancing Cognitive Function

Shilajit's impact on cognitive health is another area of interest for researchers and wellness enthusiasts alike. Its neuroprotective properties and ability to balance neurotransmitters may support brain health, improve memory, and enhance focus and concentration. These cognitive benefits not only cater to aging populations looking to preserve mental acuity but also to younger individuals seeking to optimize their mental performance.

IV. Complementary Wellness Practices

A. Exercise and Nutrition

While Shilajit can be a powerful standalone supplement, its benefits are amplified when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A holistic approach to wellness, incorporating physical activity and nutritional mindfulness, creates an environment where Shilajit can work more effectively. Exercise enhances circulation and nutrient delivery, while a nutritious diet provides the essential building blocks for health, creating a synergistic effect with Shilajit’s restorative properties.

B. Holistic Health Approach

Adopting a holistic health approach means considering the body, mind, and spirit in wellness practices. Shilajit, with its adaptogenic properties, contributes to this by supporting the body's natural ability to resist stressors. When combined with mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, Shilajit can help foster a sense of balance and well-being that transcends physical health, touching upon mental and emotional wellness.

V. Conclusion

Incorporating Shilajit into home wellness practices offers a bridge to ancient medicinal wisdom, harnessing the power of nature to support modern health and well-being. By understanding its benefits, methods of consumption, and the optimal ways to integrate it into a holistic wellness routine, individuals can unlock the full potential of this remarkable natural supplement. As with any health supplement, the key to success lies in personalization, mindfulness, and a commitment to holistic well-being, ensuring that Shilajit serves as a valuable ally on the journey towards optimal health.

How to Design a Space That Nurtures Your Well-being

In our fast-paced modern lives, the importance of well-being cannot be overstated. Amidst the chaos and demands of daily life, creating a sanctuary that fosters mental and physical health is crucial. The spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our overall well-being, influencing our mood, productivity, and even our relationships. This article delves into the art and science of designing a space that nurtures your well-being, exploring key elements and principles that can transform your environment into a haven of tranquility and vitality.

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

In the pursuit of designing a space that genuinely nurtures well-being, it is imperative to delve into the intricate relationship between our physical environment and our mental and emotional states. The concept of the mind-body connection underscores that the spaces we inhabit are not merely physical constructs; they are powerful influencers of our psychological well-being. Numerous studies in psychology and neuroscience have illuminated the profound impact that our surroundings can have on stress levels, cognitive function, and even immune response.

Scientific evidence supports the idea that exposure to certain environmental stimuli can trigger physiological and psychological responses. For example, a room flooded with natural light has been shown to positively influence serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. On the other hand, spaces characterized by artificial lighting and a lack of connection to the outdoors can contribute to feelings of lethargy and disconnection.

Embracing Natural Light and Biophilic Design

One of the cornerstones of well-being-centric design is the integration of natural light and biophilic elements. Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood, better sleep quality, and increased productivity. Biophilic design, which incorporates nature-inspired elements into indoor spaces, further enhances well-being by fostering a connection to the natural world. Whether through large windows, indoor plants, natural materials, or this type of planter, bringing the outdoors in can have a transformative effect on the ambiance and feel of a space. Embracing these design principles not only promotes a healthier and happier environment but also contributes to a more sustainable and harmonious living or working space.

Mindful Color and Texture Selection

The colors and textures in your living or working space play a pivotal role in influencing your psychological well-being. Different hues evoke various emotions, and understanding the psychology of color allows for intentional design choices. Soft, muted tones can create a calming atmosphere, while vibrant colors can stimulate creativity and energy. Similarly, the textures of furniture and decor contribute to the tactile experience of a space. Choosing materials that appeal to the senses and align with your well-being goals enhances the overall comfort and harmony of your environment.

Personalization and Expression

Well-being is a deeply personal journey, and your space should reflect your unique identity and aspirations. Personalization goes beyond mere decoration; it involves curating a space that resonates with your values and supports your goals. Whether through artwork, cherished mementos, or purposeful furniture arrangements, infusing your space with elements that hold personal significance fosters a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. The act of creating a space that feels uniquely yours can be empowering and affirming.

Prioritizing Functionality and Organization

An often overlooked aspect of well-being-centric design is the importance of functionality and organization. A cluttered and disorganized space can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Implementing practical storage solutions, optimizing furniture layouts, and decluttering regularly are essential steps in creating a harmonious environment. A well-organized space not only promotes efficiency and productivity but also contributes to a sense of mental clarity and calm.

Integrating Technology Mindfully

In our digital age, the role of technology in our well-being cannot be ignored. While technology can enhance our lives in numerous ways, it's crucial to approach its integration into our spaces mindfully. Creating designated tech-free zones, incorporating ergonomic furniture, and considering the impact of screen time on sleep patterns are all vital aspects of a technology-aware well-being design. Balancing the convenience of modern technology with the need for mental and physical health is key to achieving a holistic approach to space design.

Designing a space that nurtures well-being is a multidimensional endeavor that requires a thoughtful blend of science and art. By understanding the mind-body connection, embracing natural elements, mindful color and texture selection, personalization, prioritizing functionality, and integrating technology with awareness, you can create an environment that supports and enhances your overall well-being. The journey to well-being through intentional design is a continuous process of self-discovery and refinement, ultimately leading to a space that not only looks beautiful but also contributes positively to your physical and mental health. As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that your space has the potential to be a sanctuary that promotes well-being, vitality, and a profound sense of balance in your life.