Now that we’re staying inside more than ever before, it’s also more important than ever to create a relaxing space at home.
2020 is the year we turned indoor living into an art form.
That year our homes turned into offices, gyms, yoga studios and schools. We made banana bread and kombucha. Became Zoom masters. And maybe tried filming a TikTok or two.
However, juggling these different roles in one space has proven to be challenging for a lot of us.
Now that we’re spending more time with our housemates than ever before, you might have a new found appreciation for some much needed alone time.
And having to transform your dinning room table from takeout diner to home school classroom to home office to craft hobby station can begin to weigh on you.
If this is bumming you out: fear not!
Now you might be wondering: how can I turn this chaos into a peaceful environment?
It’s true that finding the right balance can be challenging. These are my favorite tips to create that relaxing space at home we all crave.
This post is kindly sponsored by Hunkemöller. Your perfect stop for all your lounge wear items. Make sure to check out the sustainable collection on their website as well.
7 Easy Ways to Create a Relaxing Space at Home
If you follow these 5 easy steps you can turn your home into the relaxing space you've been craving so much.
1. TRY MEDITATING
It's no secret meditation has been recommended to help cope with stressful situations time and time again.
And best of all, meditation and mindfulness can easily be practiced from the comfort of your own home.
Don't really know how to start practicing mindfulness at home?
Start small by following along with a YouTube video.
Or download an app like Headspace or Calm.
Not quite there yet?
Try yoga instead.
Yoga is considered a 'more active' way to relax than meditation and comes in many different forms.
Yin yoga for example is the perfect beginner's form, where you hold the same pose for a longer period of time, up to several minutes even.
Try the Down Dog app or Daily Yoga app to customize your practice so you can make sure you'll keep it up.
2. STICK TO A ROUTINE
According to Harvard Health sticking to a schedule can help relieve some of your stress.
And, just as important, keep it realistic.
Schedule fun, self-care and relaxation into your daily routine.
Make time to do what makes you happy.
3. CREATE ZONES IN YOUR HOUSE
Having a dedicated space to practice your sun salutations or mountain climbers is a good place to start.
The same goes for a designated office space or a 'we only eat at the dining table'-rule.
If you live in a small house/apartment/studio flat and dedicated rooms are out of the question, having specific nooks can help as well.
Make sure it's clear for everyone in your household (including yourself) what the area is used for.
And have fun dressing the space up accordingly.
4. DECLUTTER YOUR ROOMS
I'm all too familiar with 'creative chaos' when it comes to my own home.
But I also know that satisfying feeling of entering a clean and cleared room.
Blankets and pillows can create a comfortable, relaxing vibe. But make sure you have a basket in the room to stow them away and out of sight when you need to.
Give things a designated spot where you can return them to once you're done using them.
A clutter free space can also lead to a clutter free mind.
5. SCENT YOUR SPACE
Spread your favorite scent when you're in your relaxing space.
It's no surprise that wax melt burners and essential oil diffusers seem to be all the rage lately.
Popular relaxing scents for sleep and/or anxiety:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Valerian
- Ylang ylang (my favorite!)
- Geranium
- Clary Sage
Keep in mind that when you have a fur baby cohabiting your space that you need to make sure you use your diffuser safely around pets.
6. SET THE TONE
Create the right atmosphere with some calming music.
Now that you've created the perfect calming retreat, press play on your favorite playlist to complete the relaxing experience.
Or, alternatively, make this area a noise free zone if that's what you're craving in that moment.
7. MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE
There's a wardrobe for every occasion.
Taking a quick shower and getting dressed before starting a new day at the home office can help you get into the working zone.
But who says you have to wear uncomfortable skinny jeans or a wrinkling suit behind your laptop?
Athleisure and lounge wear have rightfully and successfully claimed their space in the fashion scene.
Invest in pretty, comfortable and quality loungewear.
Cute enough to impress your co-workers during your Zoom call.
And comfortable enough to dive straight into that yoga or Pilates class afterwards.
