We all have moments where life gets on top of us. When we are so preoccupied by our thoughts, worries and stressors that we want to run as far away from our homes, our lives and our responsibilities as possible. Of course, there are all kinds of reasons why that’s not possible. Especially under the current circumstances. What can help, is to create a safe space at home.
While much of the world is starting to ease lockdown measures, there’s a good chance that you and your family are likely to be confined to your homes for a while yet. And if you’re working from home, it can feel as though the stresses of the working day are impossible to shake off when the transition to home life begins.
For this reason, I believe that it’s a good idea to invest your time and energy into creating a safe space within your home. A calm, relaxing and meditative place where you can let the stress of the day melt away so that you can be your best self for your significant other and family.
Here are some tips on how to create such a space…
Discuss it with Your Family
You may want your safe space to be yours and yours alone. Or, you may want to open it up to the whole family. Either way, before you assign and decorate a space, it’s a good idea to discuss the matter with your family. Establish rules for when the room is in use, who can and cannot enter and when. If the room is occupied, is it acceptable to knock?
You’ll get more out of the space if everyone under your roof is on the same page.
Use Soothing Colours for the Decor
It’s important to consider colour psychology when decorating your space. Different colours and textures can subtly influence our moods and make the space more restful. You might want to consider a soothing sky blue colour for your walls or eschew conventional chairs for purple bean bag chairs. Or you may want to stick to a palette of subtle colours inspired by nature to create a calm and serene environment.
If multiple people will be using the space, it’s good to democratise the process of choosing colours as different people may react differently to certain colours.
Surround Yourself with Natural Materials
Synthetic fibres, plastics and chrome might be affordable and versatile. But the way they look and feel registers as “wrong” to our senses on an unconscious level.
However, the presence of natural materials like wood, stone, cotton and wool can be much more soothing to our senses. Try and keep synthetic materials out of your safe space and let nature in.
The same goes for indoor plants and shrubs. They help to oxygenate the space, purify the air and imbue the space with a sense of calm.
Reconsider Electronics
Finally, your smartphone, tablet or laptop may be a conduit for your stressors like work, money, and the parade of tragedies that is the News. Consider leaving electronics at the door of your safe space.
Lose yourself in a book or some art, instead. If you want to listen to music, add a record player or an iPod with all the apps stripped from it. Eliminating electronics helps to create a safe space.
I hope you have gained some practical knowledge and inspiration in this post to create a safe space at home. How have you created a safe haven in your home during this time? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
Take care,
Jessica xo
