During this stressful time, many people are turning to yoga and meditation at home. But before you can achieve a peaceful state of mind, it helps to have a relaxing environment! After all, many people go to yoga to escape from cluttered, stressful environments and the hustle and bustle of daily life. If quarantining has taught us all one thing, it’s how important it is for home to be a calming, beautiful space we want to be in.
Here are six tips for creating a peaceful, calming space in your own home so you can clear your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.
1. ADD A RUG
Instantly transform any room by adding an area rug. A rug can set the tone for design, define a cozy area within a larger space, and completely transform the look of a room. If you’re transforming your space in a pinch with what you’ve got, then almost any rug will do the trick. But before you purchase a rug, be sure to select the right rug for the room based on size and décor.
Whether your goal is to tie a room together with a neutral area rug for a peaceful look, or make a valiant statement within your home, an area rug will make any space more relaxing.
2. DECLUTTER
Clutter is the usual side effect of a home that is well lived in, but it can also contribute to a space you don’t want to be in. When it comes to creating a peaceful space, sometimes less is more! What better time to declutter than now, while social distancing at home?
Start by sorting your clutter and making decisions about what should go, what should stay, and what should be stored for later. Sorting your items will make the decluttering process easier. Take inventory of all of your gadgets and ask yourself which ones you really need and use. Everything should fall into one of these categories:
Discard
You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to finish sorting without the extra things you don’t need! Start by designating a pile for things that can be thrown away. When you’re done, gather it into a trash box or bag and get rid of it all!
Store
As you’re sorting, create a pile of items that are important to you but are not used often—these will need to be put into a box or storage container for long-term storage. Items to store can include things such as keepsakes, seasonal items, or anything else you don’t want out but don’t want to get rid of. When you’re done, put these boxes in a storage area that is not used often, such as an attic, storage unit or a guest room closet.
Donate
With the garbage and long-term storage items out of the way, it’s time to go through your sorted piles and make a decision about which items to keep or give away. Place all donation items into a box or bag—and follow through by donating all the items that you do not need or want anymore. Find a donation center in your area that is currently accepting donations by curbside drop-off. If none are open, store your donation bags or boxes out of the way in a garage or basement until you can donate them.
Organize
Finally, you will begin to see progress and the hard work paying off as you can now organize and put away all the remaining items in the room.
3. LET THE LIGHT SHINE
Open your windows daily to let the sunshine in! While many of us are working remotely, it can be tempting to stay indoors all day. Sunshine can help stimulate your mood to be more productive throughout the day. letting the sun gleam across your room can create a sense of energy. We suggest also turning on a lamp to create a relaxing ambience within the room—this will help if you are working late into the evening.
4. DEEP CLEAN
The downside of being at home every day is that it can be easy to overlook the details. Your floors are clean, your dishes are clean, and your laundry is done—but when was the last time you cleaned your light switch covers? It may not seem important, but a deep clean can make a significant difference in a room. By returning your baseboards and windowsills to a crisp white, cleaning the grimy fingerprints from around doorknobs, and wiping away any marks on your walls, you can instantly transform any space!
5. ADD A CALMING ELEMENT
Rejuvenate your spirit by adding a diffuser to the room with your favorite scent. This will soothe your senses and support a relaxing mindset during these strenuous times. You can achieve the same effect and add to the ambiance by lighting a candle.
Nature offers many calming elements that can support your space and make the area more beautiful and relaxing. Add a small planter pot filled with your favorite plant or flower. Inside planters can require a little bit of work to maintain, but they can be a great way to add a pop of color—and they do not take up much space. If you have a brown thumb, consider succulents. These inexpensive, easy-to-maintain plants can add an earthy touch to any space.
6. REARRANGE YOUR SPACE
Sometimes, all you need is a slight change of scenery to feel refreshed! Rearranging your furniture can offer a new and refreshing way of looking at a room. If all your furniture is pushed against the walls of a rectangular space, consider clustering pieces to create smaller, cozy conversation areas. For an outside-the-box approach, consider reading about the basic elements of Feng Shui—you might find tips that make sense for your home.
By take a little bit of time to create a tranquil environment that invites relaxation, your home can be a refuge for self-care as you shelter in place with your family—not a source of stress.
