When you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or fatigued, it can be hard to relax and focus. Creating a relaxing space can help you clear your mind and recharge.
Your space should be a place where you can go to relax and feel at ease. This may mean creating a specific room or corner of your home, or it could mean finding ways to incorporate relaxation into other areas of your life.
Whatever approach you take, make sure that your space is relaxing and calming in every way possible—from the color scheme and lighting to the decor items inside it. Here are some tips for creating a relaxing environment.
1. Cozy up your décor.
- Use colors that are soothing (e.g., blues) rather than bright or intense hues (e.g., reds).
- Use soft lighting instead of bright overhead lights; think fairy lights, candles, or lights with a warm color temperature.
- Add natural materials like wood and stone. Consider adding plants.
2. Turn off the outside world.
- Turn off your phone.
- Turn off the TV, computer, and other distractions that can keep you from focusing on what’s important: relaxing!
3. Create a meditation area.
- Find a quiet, secluded area where you can meditate or contemplate.
- Use a comfortable mat or pillow to sit on.
- Try incense or essential oils to create a relaxing mood.
4. Make your bed comfortable and inviting.
- Use an ergonomic mattress that supports your body. A good mattress is the foundation of any good night’s sleep, so invest in one that feels right for you.
- Try a memory foam mattress or mattress topper. This type of material not only provides support but also helps regulate temperature by absorbing heat from underneath your body when it gets too hot during the night.
- Invest in high-quality pillows that are supportive enough to keep your head aligned with its natural position but soft enough so as not to cause headaches or neck pain after sleeping on them all night long.
5. Create a soothing smell.
Aromatherapy is one of the most effective ways to relax, and it can be as simple as lighting a candle or burning incense in your home. If you’re looking for something more long-lasting than scented candles, consider investing in an aromatherapy diffuser—a device that emits essential oils into the air for hours at a time. For the most natural effect, a bouquet of flowers is always a wonderful idea.
If you have pets, just make sure that oils or plants you use in your home are safe for them. Some essential oils can harm pets if they are in the air.
6. Make your room cozy with the right lighting and temperature.
- Use a dimmer switch.
- Use small lamps, large lamps, and floor lamps.
- Choose lighting that complements the size of your room and your personal preferences (e.g., soft or bright light).
7. Separate your busy life from your relaxation space.
- Create an area for each activity—work, rest, and play—and designate them with different colors or furnishings so they’re easy to identify when the time comes for switching gears.
- Keep electronics out of sight by storing them in cabinets or drawers until they’re needed.
- Never work in the same space where you relax—this cues your mind and body to fall into relaxation mode more easily.
A relaxing home sets your mood for the day, every day.
Creating a relaxing space at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but it does take some time and thoughtfulness on your part. If you follow these tips, you can help yourself relax in your home every day.