Create a haven of calm in your own home

Meditation. Mindfulness. Wellbeing. Whatever words we use, there are times when we all just need to take a moment, relax, release stress and recharge.

We spend a lot of time in our homes, and our environment can have a big impact on our mental and physical health. There is an increasing body of evidence that suggests we should be creating homes that encourage calm and mindfulness. Why not make start with just one relaxation room? Here are some tips to get you off to a tranquil start.

Size does not matter

You may be fortunate enough to have a room you can designate as your wellbeing or meditation space. Some people have yoga studios, spare rooms or dens that are ideal for practising mindfulness. However, if you do not have a whole room to spare, you can still make your own peaceful sanctuary, you just have to be a bit creative! Could you use a partition to zone off a portion of your living room or bedroom? Do you have a balcony or terrace? A garage or shed can even be commandeered, with the right approach.

Clear away the clutter

Have you heard the phrase ‘tidy house, tidy mind?’ Well, that is applicable to your wellbeing space. If it is full of clutter, you will find it harder to relax and enjoy your ‘me’ time. A good clear out can help you feel energised. Also, invest in decent storage solutions so the belongings you do not want to part with have a dedicated home.

Ditch digital distractions

You do not need to banish televisions, tablets and phones from your home, but do make sure your wellbeing space is free of digital distractions. It is hard to disconnect from the demands of everyday life if your phone is lighting up with notifications every five minutes. Leave devices outside your space – you can return to them after.

Bring it to life

We all know that being outside is good for you. Exposure to nature and greenery has been shown to provoke the release of happy endorphins – it is why when you visit a spa there are plants and the sound of running water! So, bring a little of the outdoors inside with plants or flowers. Think about how you can introduce natural materials – wicker, natural wood, marble and thick wool – materials that will reconnect you to nature.

Light the way

Light is important to our mood and even helps to maintain our body’s circadian rhythm. If your wellbeing space can be near a window – excellent – let that natural light shine through. On the other hand, low lighting can help your mind and body unwind, so you may want to consider dimmed or candle light.

The sound of silence

Silence is golden, for some. Others find it easier to relax to soothing music, or with a particular type of white or background noise. If you are not sure what your preference is, give everything a try and see what you respond to best. Remember, this is your space, it should be set up to meet your needs and make you feel good.

Choose calming colours

It is your space, so when it comes to decorating it, choose colours for your relaxation room that appeal to you and combinations that you love. Certain colours have been found to be more calming, however, and they tend to be soft tones, often found outside in nature (think greens, blues, sandstone and soft pinks). You are not limited to paint or wallpaper either, you could hang a painting or print you love, and introduce colours (and textures) via furniture, cushions, rugs, lights and other accessories.

Do you have a relaxation room in your home? We’d love to hear about it!