August 15th was National Relaxation Day. So we decided to look at ways you can create your very own in-home retreat. Wouldn’t it be convenient to have a place right in your home where you can go to relax and recharge? Here are some tips on how to create one :

Locate a space

The first step to creating your in-home retreat is to find an area in your home that you can dedicate to relaxation. It doesn’t need to be that big, but it does help to be at least semi-private. You don’t want activities in other parts of the home disturbing you.

Pick relaxing colors

It has been shown that colors can have an effect on our moods, so take some time to see what your personal preferences are regarding color. The linked article gives some basic ideas on color selection, but don’t feel like you have to follow it if you disagree. When picking colors one suggestion is to limit your color palette for the room. This will prevent the color scheme from becoming too stimulating.

Choose some lighting

How a room is lit will depend a lot on what you plan to do in there. Obviously some activities will require more light than others. Think about the type of relaxing activities you will do in your space and what type of lighting would be best. Natural light tends to be favored by many and indirect lighting options allow flexibility in you furniture layout.

Select fabrics & furniture

A suggestion is to select smaller, more subtle patterns on your fabrics. Similar to your color scheme, you want to keep your materials from being over-stimulating.

As for furniture, you obviously want something comfortable but it should also be simple. In many cases placing furniture around the perimeter of the room with clear walking paths creates an inviting and calming quality.

Determine sounds & smells

Blocking out the sounds of the outside world is one way to help you relax. There are many techniques to help dampen outside noise such as adding texture (pillows drapes, carpeting), blocking holes, replacing doors, stuffing walls, adding sound paneling, and more.  Adding the sounds of a water feature or certain genres of music have been shown to reduce stress levels.

When choosing an aroma for your retreat, it is suggested you choose something subtle. Stronger fragrances can overwhelm the senses and detract from the calmness of the room.

Surround yourself with what you love

This is where you truly make the space YOUR own retreat. Include things that you love in the room, the items you put in the space should help calm you and allow you to reflect.

The most important thing to remember is everyone is different, what others find relaxing may not be the same for you.  So spend some time reflecting about what you find relaxing. This space is for you, make it your own and enjoy it!

Once you have created this in-home oasis the next step is to actually utilize it! Planning a time to relax, for even just a small part of your day, is a great way to stay energized and focused on all that you have to do. It’s important to step back and take a break from our hectic lives every once in a while and refresh your mind and body. Creating an in-home retreat is not only cost efficient but it’s also extremely convenient as it’s always available to you!

Resources:

• http://freshome.com/2007/04/17/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/
• http://freshome.com/2013/05/13/how-to-make-your-home-more-relaxing/
• http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/your-weekly-retreat-how-to-relax-eliminate-stress-at-home-176297
• http://voices.yahoo.com/design-tips-creating-relaxing-serene-space-3283518.html?cat=30
• http://www.omslighting.com/rightlight/1478/
• http://homeguides.sfgate.com/design-relaxation-room-35025.html
• http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/home_and_garden/2012/01/22/sound-solutions.html