To put it simply, 2020 has been a prominent source of stress for nearly everyone. From shelter in place orders, widespread closures, rise in unemployment, financial strain — the list could go on and on. During this extremely stressful and downright worrisome time, you should have a space you can unwind in and give your body and mind some much-needed TLC.
Here are some ideas to help you get started on designing such a space:
Create a Soothing Bedroom Retreat
A great place to start when designing a relaxing self-care space is the bedroom. With some simple changes, you can transform your bedroom space into a relaxing retreat. A few cozy elements to incorporate are:
- Soothing Color Palette: Try adding colors like gentle white, blue, gray, or any other neutrals to create a more calming atmosphere. You can paint your walls or bring in pillows, blankets, and decor with coordinating colors.
- Contrasting Textures: To break up the softer colors of your room, mix in plenty of textures. Think rattan, leather, velvet, and the like. It creates a stimulating environment without being overbearing in the space.
- Natural Wood Accents: Bringing in more natural beauty elements found in nature can help ground you and make your bedroom feel a bit cozier. Try simple pieces like a wooden ladder to hold your blankets, a bookshelf, or some natural wood nightstands.
Of course, these same elements can be brought into any room. And don’t be afraid to experiment, you might find a particular color or style that is especially calming and comforting to you.
Get Ahead of Stress
You likely aren’t able to completely transform your entire house to be more relaxing, and frankly, that’s a lot of work and time commitment. Instead, work to design your space with burnout avoidance in mind. For example, this year, the holidays are likely to be extra stressful.
Whether you’re staying home or traveling, you can avoid burnout during the holiday season by getting organized. Having a designated space for gift storage and wrapping can help you keep track of what you have and what you still need to get. It will help keep your mind clear and focused and cut down on last-minute holiday shopping stress.
Be Kind to Yourself
As a whole, we’ve all been saddled with a huge weight of worry, anxiousness, and perhaps even some sadness and longing for life pre-COVID-19. It’s been a rough year and the future still seems so foreboding at times. With all of that in mind, being extra kind to ourselves is imperative for our mental and emotional health. This includes indulging in a few things you’ve always wanted for your home.
Whether that’s some luxury candles, a new plush blanket, or a piece of art that brings you joy, it’s worth making room in the budget to invest in yourself a bit more. Plus, with so much time being spent at home these days, a few new splurges certainly won’t go to waste.
When the world becomes too much, having a relaxing self-care space you can retreat to is essential. Take time today to make yourself and your home a priority — you won’t regret it.
