Having a space in your home to decompress from the day’s stresses and unwind is key to having good mental and physical health. With National Relaxation Day coming up on August 15th, we have compiled a few tips to help you create an at-home retreat, and introduce a self-care routine into your busy lifestyle that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Comfortable Seating
Having comfortable seating to lounge and relax in is an essential element within a relaxation space, and you’ll want something that is versatile, comfortable, and fitting to you. Do research into different styles of seating to find options with proper support to alleviate any aches and pains. Invest in easy to clean, and durable living room pieces as well. Whether you decide on a plush chair or roomy sofa for your space, stain resistant and easy to clean pieces make it so there is no reason to worry about possible stains or other wear and tear. Leather and cotton are great fabrics that make cleaning accidental spills and stains a breeze. Massage chairs are another great option for seating in your relaxation space, with some having the added feature of heated cushioning to relax muscles and joint pain.
Fresh Plants/Aromatherapy
Bring fresh plants into your at-home retreat that have the added benefit of purifying the air. This creates a fresh environment to decompress, with the green hues of the plants also playing a role in promoting mental clarity, and calmness. Aromatherapy through essential oils that are derived from naturally healing plants is another great way to help the body both mentally and physically. Use a diffuser or rub the oils on pressure points to help melt stress away, and promote healing in targeted areas. For more information on essential oils, check out other helpful aromatherapy benefits and uses here.
Escape the Screens
In our busy lives, we are constantly bombarded with screens, and are often on a smartphone or computer for both work and leisure. Make your relaxation space screen-free to help both your eyes and mind relax. Blue light emitted from digital screens keeps the brain alert, and is harsh on the eyes. Instead, find some good reads to fill a bookshelf, or invest in comfortable headphones to listen to audiobooks. Puzzles are a another way to improve mental concentration, so have a few word activities on hand to keep your mind rejuvenated.
Work Out the Stress
If you prefer to be more energetic and active to alleviate stress, bring in exercise equipment that gets you moving, improving your physical health in the process. Find cardio equipment that is easily collapsible for easy storage, and so that it doesn’t take up too much space in your room. Free weights are another space saving option, or if you prefer yoga, buy a yoga mat with a mounted mat holder. This keeps your mat from getting dirty on the floor and out of the way when not being used. Or, try practicing meditation for better mental clarity. You’ll be feeling more energized and refreshed, allowing you to tackle the day with ease.
Get Relaxing!
Relaxation is an important practice to incorporate into any routine, and finding time for self-care can improve both mental and physical health. We hope that these tips will help you to design the perfect at-home get away to start your own self-care routine to unwind and recharge, and improve your overall health and wellness!
Written by anonymous guest blogger, who is a bit shy and greatly talented!