Making Your Home a Sanctuary

This post is all about making your home into a sanctuary.

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This post is the next in our 30-day self care challenge on the topic of Creating Calm. I will be helping you to create your own calm space for yourself to escape to when you need to get away.

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Create Your Own Special Calm Space To Escape To

Hey hey my lovely entrepreneurs,

One of the biggest obstacles to creating calmness in your life is the sheer amount of overwhelm you face each day. We've already talked about the different kinds of clutter that are a constant barrage on your peace of mind. It can seem impossible to overcome these messes in order to achieve pleasant surroundings and a quiet mind. That's why I often recommend carving out just one place within your home to go in order to escape. Creating a calm space can help you to get started on your journey toward a more peaceful life.

why create such a space?

Having your own private retreat actually offers a number of benefits. When it comes to physical clutter, it makes sense to choose just one room so that you can lessen the overwhelm that comes from trying to manage a houseful of too much stuff. Clearing out one room is easier than dealing with all of it. Plus, just getting started can help to motivate you with the bigger project. Also, having one dedicated space to calm can help you to release a great deal of mental clutter, as well. You'll have a Zen oasis to which you can retreat after a long day or when you're feeling particularly anxious. This is something from which everyone can benefit.

how to choose your room

Many people consider their bedroom to be their oasis. It's a quiet, private space meant for relaxation. This space really is a good one for creating an escape. However, if you share a bedroom or prefer not to use this room for some other reason, there are definitely ways to make other places in your abode work. 

First and foremost, you will want to pick a room that offers privacy. If your family congregates in the kitchen, this probably isn't the best place for a private retreat. It's also good if the spot offers quiet and calming surroundings. 

You can always clear out the physical clutter, but if you hate the carpet or the wall color, you may wish to go with some other space. A room with a door and that offers various lighting options are also some things to consider when choosing your retreat.

Pick a room in the house and declare that space to be your new meditation space. Speak with your family members if you have family living with you. Explain to them that by sacrificing this space once or twice a week, they are helping you to achieve the goal of calmness and peace.

family knows best

If your family knows that you will benefit and that they will benefit by the transformation in you as well, they should be more than happy to accommodate you.

Obviously, the space you choose will, of course, depend on the space you have available to you. We live in the city, but are fortunate enough to have a spacious place. Nevertheless, finding that special space that is going to enable you to find inner calm, restore your energy and just relax, may not be easy for everyone. I totally get that.

Do what you can, with what you've got! The easiest way to create your special place you can escape to is to choose the place you feel the most safe and one that you know you won't be disturbed when needing to escape to!

what to include

Your calming space should be personalized and unique to you. 

However, there are some common characteristics to consider when customizing your room. 

As noted, lighting matters. Bright overhead lights can be too much for relaxing. Be sure to have a lamp, floor lights, or candles available. 

Aromatherapy is a nice touch for helping to release mental overwhelm. Scented candles, a reed diffuser, or room spray are recommended, unless you're especially sensitive to smells. 

Soft textures can add a calming element, so you might pick up a plush area rug to sit on or opulent bedding and some cushy throw pillows. 

Finally, be sure to add touches that are special and meaningful to you and your sensibilities. 

Perhaps a nice desk and chair are something that is important to you so that you can do your writing. 

If you're a tea lover, you could set up a cart with a hot plate and assortment of fine teas on hand. 

The possibilities truly are endless.

things you'll need to create a meditation room

Regardless of whether or not your space is an entire room or a small space in the corner of your bedroom, you can create the space you need for perfect meditation. For this, you will need:

* A space that is void of distraction
* A space that defines you
* A place where you can be comfortable
* A comfortable floor mat or cushion
* Amenities that are conducive to relaxation

Choose a space that has minimal distraction, preferably where no phone exists. Decorate your space so that it defines you in a positive light. If your favorite color is blue, then a blue yoga mat or comfy blue pillow will be great additions. If you love to travel for leisure, put up some pictures of favorite places that you have been.

Comfy is key

Make sure you are at your most comfortable in your space. A thick, cushy floor cushion and a fluffy pillow behind your back are ideal ways to start your meditation practice. If your floor mat is not comfortable, you will not be either.

If you wish to meditate to some serene music, buy a CD that wafts this type of music into the background just low enough to get the impact. Burn some incense or some candles, and you will be all set to go.

Once you have designed the space or room based on the theory of relaxation, you will notice how you run there to practice the art of meditation. It will be so inviting, you will not be able to wait.

Get Better Sleep With A Calm & Relaxing Bedroom Environment

An often-overlooked aspect to creating more calm in your life is your physical health. When your body feels better, you're bound to have an improved mental outlook. A key component to better health is getting a good night's rest. This can be difficult for many of us when our lives are jam-packed and our minds are constantly on overload. Follow these tips for creating a calm and relaxing bedroom, and you'll be getting better sleep in no time.

why your sleep is important

Although it’s hard to find, adequate sleep is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your appearance. Your body spends most of your sleeping hours regenerating itself, rebuilding cells, balancing hormone levels and brain chemicals.

Adequate sleep will not only help you look good, it will help you feel good as well. Neurochemicals that control mood and pain levels are produced during sleep, which is why so many chronic pain patients are found to have an underlying sleep disorder. So, even if you are not the raving beauty you wished you were, proper mood can lead to proper perspective, and at least it won’t bother you as much.

There is, of course, no such thing as perfect, and there’s nothing like a good night sleep to put those nagging doubts and insecurities into perspective.

adequate sleep

Make a habit of getting enough sleep. Most experts claim seven to nine hours per day is the required amount. Some experts say that setting the total amount of sleep to coincide with the natural 90 minutes per sleep cycle is best.  

This would mean either 7.5 or 9 hours of sleep per night.  Five cycles would mean 7.5 hours, six cycles would be nine hours of sleep.  

Try experimenting with setting your clock for either 7.5 OR 9 hours, depending on your schedule, so that you can complete each and every sleep cycle naturally.  

On the other hand, if you find that 8 hours or 8.5 hours is what makes you feel best, by all means, do what works for you.our text here...

napping

Make a habit of grabbing naps.  Personally, I absolutely love naps! I'm sure I must've been a cat in my previous life. Humans were meant to take naps. That’s why those of us who are permitted to live according to our normal biological cycle (babies, small children and the elderly) take naps.  

Humans are designed to rest during the afternoon.  Current studies show a natural rise and fall of hormones that indicate a programmed “nap” time in the afternoon. That famous mid-afternoon slump isn’t just lack of sleep at night, a heavy lunch, or stress – it’s your instincts kicking in and telling you to take some down-time.  

Take a nap during the weekend if you can.  Instead of sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday, get up at your normal time and then take a nap in the early afternoon. It doesn’t need to be a long one, a simple twenty minute “cat nap”  will do just fine!  Your body will thank you.  

And hey, if all you end up doing is resting in a cool room with your eyes closed and clearing your mind, that’ll help too.

get your best mattress

First and foremost, the best mattress you can afford is recommended, if at all possible. Go to the store so that you can test out each mattress and find the one that feels best for you. It's a good idea to try to find a store that allows for a trial period to make sure you love it and that you'll sleep well night after night.

I have found through my various travels and different sleeping arrangements, that having a mattress topper has really helped my sleep! I've been using a mattress topper since my first day of college! If you've lived in dorms or a furnished apartment, you'll know that the mattresses they provide you aren't the best!

What I love about mattress toppers is that you can choose whichever type that you need according to your sleep preference. If you suffer from back pain, or are too hot, you can really find one that'll ease all of your ailments and help you fall asleep, and wake up rested and ready to attack the day!

Also, I am an extremely light sleeper and have bouts of insomnia, so getting in those few hours of sleep are super important. My rest needs to be regenerative and this mattress topper definitely helps me get my beauty sleep!

Keep it cool

Temperature matters when it comes to getting a good night's rest. You want to sleep in a room that is cool in order to promote sleep. Cooler temperatures alert your body that it's time to sleep. Open that window, lower your heater. Not only will you be saving money, you'll be airing out your space and preparing it for a much better sleep!

make it dark

Waking up to see light filtering in through the curtains can truly disturb your rest and make it harder to fall back asleep. That's why it's smart to add light-blocking drapes to your bedroom. Keeping things nice and dark will add to your nighttime routine. In addition, avoid adding night lights if at all possible.

We live in the city, so there are always disturbing lights around. Personally, this has never really bothered me - strangely enough! We do, however, have drapes on our windows, but that is mainly to have a little privacy! We also have shutters, but we never close them, unless there is a mega storm or we are away for a few days.

Nevertheless, preparing your sleeping space as best as you can to ensure a good night's rest is important to create calm and find your inner peace. So, do what is best for you!

add soothing colors

reconsider your alarm clock

Not only do you want to sleep well through the night, how you wake up can also have an effect on how you feel. A harsh, high-pitched, buzzing alarm clock will jar you awake. This can cause you to feel agitated, rather than rested and rejuvenated. Look for one that wakes you gradually, with music that increases slowly in volume or that adds increments of light to help you to adjust to the waking hours.

I used to use my phone as my alarm clock. However, I noticed that because my phone was next to me, in my bouts of insomnia, I would just turn it back on and scroll mindlessly. Such a big no-no!! Instead, I just have my fit-bit watch to check the time in the middle of the night, and don't have an alarm anymore - because I have a little girl who does the job!

I was also gifted this awesome sleep aid device that helps me fall asleep so much more easily, so I tend to wake up around the same time anyways. I first saw the  Dodow in a cute concept store we have in our neighbourhood, and immediately fell in love with the idea. In french, the term dodo is a word used to mean sleep for kids, so the play of words was just perfect for a linguist like me! I didn't end up buying it, but I received it as a birthday present, and I haven't looked back since!! Very similar to the Hatch Restore, that I found on Amazon.

keep it neat

This one goes without saying. Be sure to clear the physical clutter in your bedroom as much as possible. Seeing piles of laundry to be put away or the paperwork that's waiting for you in the morning will not put you in the right frame of mind for rest. Get rid of other types of distractions like television, computers, and excessive décor also.

my fave items i have in my own space

printable of the day
in collaboration with theawesomeprintables.com

the takeaway

Creating your own calm space can provide you with more than an escape. It can give you the peace of mind, leading you to be refreshed and renewed to face each day.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to create the bedroom of your dreams. Your surroundings make a difference to your sleep quality. Make your room as pleasant to all of your senses as possible in order to enhance your rest.

In the next post I will be looking at ways to stay cool, calm & collected when chaos erupts!

Until then, stay humble, grateful and remember that today may not be the best day, but you can always improve on it!

This post was all about making your home into a sanctuary.

Elle Ash xo

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