How to create a mindful space at home
By Kay Carter
Mindfulness has been a huge trend in the wellness industry lately, with good reason. The practice can help improve concentration, reduce stress, aid in recovery, and foster healthy and positive relationships. There are plenty of articles, books, podcasts and more on how to use mindfulness throughout your day to manage different situations as they approach.
When it comes to getting the most out of a mindful practice, we recommend evaluating your living space and thinking of a particular spot you can dedicate to mindfulness. By facilitating a mindful space at home, you can alleviate stress and anxiety levels while improving your overall health and well being. Home is where you have to spend your time, so it might as well be a healthy, comfortable, happy place for you.
Here are five ways to get you started in creating a mindful space at home.
Dedicate a space specifically for mindfulness
Before choosing a space in your home, set an intention. Instead of making mindfulness a goal, focus on practicing awareness and taking control of your breathing. After setting an intention, choose an area of your home where you can best relax. While you don’t need an entire room to practice mindfulness, having a space just for yourself can be extremely helpful. Choose a kitchen nook or a tucked-away alcove in your foyer. You could even use a favorite chair in your living room or a rocking chair on your back deck. Get creative and let your instincts guide you to where you feel most at ease in your home.
Remove any and all distractions
Regardless of the space you choose, be sure to pick an area that’s quiet with few distractions. Having a cluttered house can lead to increased levels of stress and interrupt your peaceful relaxation. Be sure to declutter the room you’ll be in to the best of your ability, increase natural light levels, and make sure there aren’t random noises that could disrupt you. For example, if you have a faulty dishwasher or dryer that won’t stop rattling or making noise, you may want to get it fixed or choose another area in the house that offers more peace. If you live in a noisy area, consider adding a white-noise machine to block out unwanted sounds.
Incorporate calming colors into the space
When decorating with minimalism in mind, try to stick to a clean base. White walls can open up a space, while soft, nature-toned pieces are soothing and easy on the eyes. Light colors like grey, beige, cream, lavender, and shades of blue are perfect for places where you intend to be more mindful. Try adding a soft, beige blanket or creamy candles to invite feelings of mindfulness.
Add a personal touch
Though you’ll want your space to be as minimal as possible (this is primarily to help reduce distractions), you can still include a few personalize items that inspire you and bring you peace. Hang an inspirational quote on the wall or consider placing a few succulents on a windowsill to bring you joy. No matter what the item is, this space is dedicated to what you want to create on the inside.
Set the ambiance
Get into a peaceful mindset by incorporating candles or essential oils in your space. Since your sense of smell is one of the most primal senses and has the ability to transform you into another place and time, having scents that remind you of happy memories and places can be beneficial. In addition to prioritizing scents, put a white noise machine in the room to help bring you to your favorite beach or other space.
Once you have your space set up, it's up to you to choose what to do with it. Mindfulness, meditation and relaxation are all extremely personal practices.
