Our homes really are our castles these days - do you have the perfect retreat, when you need to retreat?

It started with Covid, then it moved to some well, let’s just say rather interesting environmental incidents (if you are here in NZ - Auckland to be specific!) more recently. Home has become a space where we are spending more and more time. With our lives becoming busier, potentially a little more stressful, having a space that you can retreat to could be the perfect antidote.

Whether you are a meditation aficionado, or a mindful writing convert, a breathwork fan, a manifestation acolyte or anything and everything in between - a ‘wellness’ space could be just the thing to calm those frayed nerves and soothe an active nervous system. I rate having a space like this because it helps to cement any new habits that you maybe cultivating. It can help you to create boundaries whilst you are rerouting some knarly neural pathways and even more importantly, it can help bring you back to your practice again and again.

I love talking about carving out a little space just for you, in fact I even have this in my learn to meditate courses and talk about this with all of my coaching clients. The best part, is that it doesn’t need to be expensive or even complicated, it just takes a little thought and care.

BUT FIRST, why even bother?

If you’ve not spent a lot of time on here - I am a firm believer in taking time out to pause. No matter what it is that you are doing, trying to achieve or aiming for, pausing and checking in with yourself will get you there faster. Trust me.

I’m talking about the space to meditate, to mindfully write, to breathe to do any of the wonderful mindful tools that ground you. Whether you are getting started or you’ve been going for some time, having a space dedicated to your mental health can help you to thrive. A space to go that is quiet, calm and helps us to turn inward, to focus can be the perfect balm to busy chaotic lives.

Here are my top tips for creating the perfect wellness space.

1. Reduce distractions but acknowledge your lifestyle

Having a specific space can help you to establish boundaries for you and for others for your practice. My space is actually near where my kids play area is, just off to the side. This is so I can be near them but a little seperate. It’s relatively peaceful but with two toddlers, I know that I need to adapt a little. They know that this isn’t part of their play area and that it’s for me to meditate in but it’s close by and keeps them feeling comfortable and close.

2. Get your marie condo on!

You guessed it. Having a space that is clutter free does wonders for the mind. You are removing distractions and establishing that this is a place to clear the mind, body and spirit! It’s a place with enough room / space for what you need to do. I have everything that I need for my practice in this area and nothing more. No one is allowed to dump things - this is my office so to speak and I guard it like that too.

3. Let’s talk about budget

Before I get to the fun stuff, let’s just some admin talk in - budget to be specific. You don’t NEED anything for mindfulness or for a wellness space. My practice has helped me the most when I have had nothing around me. At work, in between meetings. In the car. On holiday. On the go! Don’t break the bank to do this. You don’t need large purchases - in fact it will hurt your practice. You’re going here to calm yourself. Not to stress yourself out looking at expensive purchases.

You don’t have to spend any many curating your space. You don’t need a huge house or a room - if you’ve got that, then that is awesome. If you don’t have a dedicated space purely for this, I’ve got you - I’ll explain that below.

4. Claim your space

If you live with others then think about a space that is a little seperate. It doesn’t need to be an entire room, as I mentioned, mine is just to the side of my kids play area. In my little corner space, I have my chase (my thrifty $50 Trade Me find that isn’t the prettiest, but it is insanely comfy!) it’s just far enough away that it gives me some space, it’s not a thoroughfare and it’s just to the side.

Once you’ve spotted your space, clear it completely if you can. Doing this lets you start from the beginning. Again, get really clear on your intentions for this space - what will you be doing here? I meditate and write here. That is all. It’s very specific to avoid distractions.

If you don’t have a dedicated space, then pop all of your ‘wellness’ supports in a box that you can easily move in and out. Think a throw, candles, notebook etc. It’s you’re moveable toolkit!

GET CREATIVE

This is one of my favourite parts - making your space your own. I actually include this in my meditation coaching and love to see how my clients go about this part. There is a wonderful moment where personality brings this space to life. I’ve got clients that have some funky neon slogan lighting - others that have a meditation crate that they move to their fav chair in the lounge to prep it for their stillness. There is no limit to the way that you can personalise your space so don’t get fooled into thinking that you are limited!

1. Light the way

Now, you don’t want crazy bright lights in your face. You’re aiming to calm the nervous system not going for a deer-in-the-head-light effect. Low, soft lighting is wonderful for calming the nerves - think about how you feel when you turn the lights out before bed. A certain unwinding happens. Then there is natural light. That feeling of the sun hitting your skin … take the time to think about how your body and mind responds to different light. What is it that you want to feel in this space? I know that I prefer either natural light (I’m right beside bi-fold doors) or a dim, low light.

2. Delight your senses

When I sit in my little corner, I instantly feel relaxed, at ease and tranquil. I feel a little clearer and calm. This is because it’s uncluttered, I have removed everything that is unnecessary (both directly in that space and around it, including in my line of sight). Whatever you pull into this space, make sure it’s simple and you love it.

I’ve got my chaise that I mentioned before, a couple of cushions, a rug, a sheepskin and a throw. These are all for comfort. I can sit straight (we always love good posture!), supported but comfortable. Plants and nature are wonderful additions and research is backing this up.

I use scent in my space too - this I am a huge aficionado. Scent has been used for hundreds of thousands of years with meditative practices (it’s quite literally prehistoric!). It’s incredible what it can do. It can evoke powerful memories. It can soothe and calm the nervous system. It can prime us for activities, whether that is settling into a meditative or contemplative state quicker or insight and awareness.

For me, this means that I use candles, non-toxic incense, solid perfume and oils. Scents such as lavender, valerian, jasmine, and bergamot can create a calming sensation, while peppermint, sweet orange, and rosemary are said to improve focus. I find that vanilla, sandalwood (amber scents) help with self-love, reflection. Frankincense, sage, labdanum and balsam give a heady, ceremonial feel for cleansing and clarity. Play with scent, find what you love, what works for you and see how it can enhance your mental health toolkit.

I also have a sand timer and will use music if I’m writing. Remember, this space is for you - your wonderfully unique self so get creative. Curating an atmosphere that becomes a reprieve from the stresses of life.

My top additions to my space!