How To Create a Personal Home Retreat
Sometimes you need a little me time. Whether you want to do yoga, write, paint or just sit quietly, a space set aside in your home can help make the activity a relaxing ritual.
In creating a personal retreat in the convenience of my home I can take a Saturday morning and render it energizing and restoring by spending time alone. I can disengage from my externally connected mind and commitments to others. I can sit. Eyes closed. Just be. Me.
Slowly gaining comfort, peace and perspective.
As a society we go to great lengths to stay connected and avoid being alone. We put on headphones when we go for a walk or pull out our laptop or phone when we go to a coffee shop. Seeking [and being comfortable with] solitude can have benefits on your health and well being.
Restore, rediscover and reawaken your true self.
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Benefits of Spending Time Alone
- It’s an opportunity to recharge mentally and physically. Constantly being “on” doesn’t give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself.
- Eliminates distractions, giving you time to think and reflect.
- Time to do what really makes you happy.
- Makes engaging with others even more valued and enjoyable.
- Helps you discover yourself and find your own voice.
A place to escape to in the convenience of your own home expresses your commitment to self care- and a life well lived.
Now, lets create your space:
How To Create a Personal Home Retreat
Choose a Space
Choose a room that feels comfortable, and that is adaptable to meet your needs. Avoid choosing a room that is the center of activity in your home. Choose a space that lends itself to being quiet and more private. A corner of your bedroom, an extra bedroom, or a sun room are all good choices for a home retreat. As you take a look around, notice where you would have enough room to create a space that isn’t cramped or limiting in how your retreat may be used. Consider whether or not you have room for art supplies, books, a chair, a yoga practice- enough space for whatever meets your needs.
Clear Your Space
It is hard to calm the mind and body when you’re surrounded by clutter and excess stuff without purpose. Having to constantly push things out of the way when you want to spend time in your retreat can take you out of the present moment and brings your focus elsewhere quickly. Clearing your space and removing distractions is key to keeping your retreat convenient and calming.
Setting Up the Space
What you need in your personal space depends on your tastes and preferences and how you will use the space. Everyone will want and need something different to create a relaxing retreat. A meditation pillow, a beautiful easel and paint brushes, a variety of journals and pens, a yoga mat, etc. Every person will want and need different tools and decor to create an escape that is relaxing. Do what you can to decorate your space in a way that is meaningful and comfortable for you. Make it somewhere you’re always happy to be.
Create Visual Appeal
The space needs to look inviting, be careful to not make it too cluttered. Add things like your favorite fresh flowers or plants, great colors, inspiring art, photographs, etc. Also, the mind likes symmetry so organize the space in a way that feels balanced. Find equilibrium as if you’re balancing a scale.
Create Ambiance
You have your space set up. Now, add music of white noise that is calming and grounding. Music and sound are optional and the type is completely up to you. This is, after all, your space. You can also use free YouTube channels if you feel more connected with sounds of nature or meditative music.
Next, consider how you can add to the soothing ambiance with fragrance. Research shows that aromatherapy may help with depression, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and fatigue.
Create ambiance with the benefit of aromatherapy and the aesthetic appeal with the minimalistic and serene frosted glass jar candles. The soft frosted jar allow the light of the flame to shine through when burning.
“With the rise of the new technologies our lives have become super organized, but we are not happier. We need to slow down and find time for ourselves. A personal space can help you achieve a state of balance and peace inside, so you can share your joy and energy with others. I invite you to pause, to find a moment of stillness and to enjoy the simple pleasure of spending a little time alone.
Create Mood Lighting
Make sure the lighting fits the space. The lighting will depend on how you’re using the space. Natural light can help create your feeling of serenity. Bright light is more conducive to writing and reading. You want to go with dim, soft lighting if you’re practicing yoga or meditating.
Be okay with spending time by yourself for yourself.
Takeaways
- Choose a space that is quiet and allows you to relax.
- Consider having a CD player or stereo nearby so you can listen to soothing sounds or inspiring music.
- Make sure everyone in your home knows about your special space. A simple note on the door is always a good way to alert family that you don’t want to be disturbed.
- Choose a space that has the right lighting.
- Don’t worry if you can’t dedicate an entire room. A corner or alcove can work if you use room screens or add objects to the space to define the zone as your special area.
- Consider the use of candles to create a serene environment and celebrate the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Eventually, you will find that your mind will automatically start to relax as soon as you enter your personal retreat.
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I hope this helps you make the commitment to yourself and living your best life. You deserve it.
This is a great idea. I need to try this. Thanks for the tips!
Very good guide. I can not be productive if the surrounding space is messy. I don’t like to be alone but in some day I need that space, so I can put the puzzles in my head into the right place.
I’ve been thinking of turning my 3rd floor into an oasis retreat. I want to put up soundproof windows/ dry wall and line the room with lush carpet and add aromatherapy/ rain sounds, etc. It’d be the perfect nook!
I just love this! I really need a place like this that I can separate myself from all the daily distractions and give myself a break. It definitely is going to be hard for me to be alone at first, but I’m thinking I’ll start with small amounts of time and slowly increase the time.
I truly believe lighting makes all the difference, Jill. If it’s a dark, dreary room, it will affect your mood for sure! I really need to try to carve out a personal space in my house as right now, I do most of my writing in the living room (our main hub of the house).
I am currently working on lighting. I think it really makes a difference.
I love this post! I am all for alone time as I am an introvert and need to “recharge” my batteries. While I love being around and engaging in other people. I still need ME time and these are great ideas for how to make arrangements for that!
I live with my partner but spending time alone is so good and enjoyable. I like when he goes away for work as it makes me appreciate him more when he is here. It also gives me a chance to declutter and simply chill out.
Great points! I’m using today as my “off” day, just spending some time alone! It feels great!
This is great!! I love having a cozy spot I can escape to. The atmosphere can be so important sometimes.
Lovely post! Spending time with oneself is very important to balance our mind and body. Thanks for sharing helpful tips on creating a home retreat. I’m quite comfortable with my alone time. I love to read literature and write my travel experiences.
I am so comfortable being alone as I am an introvert, in my little space I would choose to read 🙂
In a world going faster and crazier each day, having some space for ownself is truly a blessing! We need to know ourselves better
Such a great post, I actually just did this in our home and what a difference it has made. I love it, and think it is so helpful and peaceful!!
Great tips! I am planning to clear my desk and room tomorrow 😉 Getting time alone is healthy and very important. Very lovely idea, thanks for the share.
These are great tips, it’s so important to get some time alone and properly recharge our batteries. It’s too easy to burn out in our busy paced lives
Some great tips here! We really need to make our home far more relaxing…
This is such a lovely idea! I have a very hectic life and often wish that I could have some time and space for me.
I really my own space. I think I would go mad without it!
This is such a lovely idea! I think it’s very important to take time out and dedicate a space to relaxing like this too. Now I want to buy some new candles lol
A retreat sounds like a great idea. I’d like to make one myself
This is agreat post and I totally agree that having a personal spacce where you can have me time is what we all need.
What lovely ideas. I think it’s so important to have a space in the home where you can retreat and feel relaxed and rested. We are hoping to decorate our bedroom and make it a real retreat.
what a great idea and I love these tips for making your space more of a personal sanctuary! Setting this up in my spare bedroom.
xoxo Christie
I couldn’t agree more! I currently don’t have a spot at home where I can recharge and just be me, but it’s on my list and I will redo some parts of the apartment soon too, so there will be a corner just for me!
I feel like when I have time to myself, it is always spent on my blog and things pertaining to it. I really should set some time aside just for ME!!! It’s just so hard to do!
I really enjoy taking some time to myself each day. It’s nice to relax and take a moment to breathe. I like to light candles, drink some tea, and read a book most of the time.
Great post, we can create a serene setting anywhere, and how important is that!!!
Personally, I love spending most of my time alone in the comforts of my own thoughts and writing. I love your simple tips here as they truly help in creating that calming atmosphere for meditation and inner peace.
This is so powerful! Thank you so much for helping me let go and focus on “me” time. This is such a power practice!
Those candles are gorgeous! I agree-I have to have some alone time or I get overwhelmed!
Thanks for reminding me that I really need to have more ME time! I will find my dedicated space as soon as I get home later and create my personal retreat.
I’m planning for quite some time, well since we moved to new apartment, to arrange “me” space in our living room. I have everything ready, candles, my mat, decor… These tips are so helpful Jill. I will do it this weekend!
As I’m staring at clutter and crap all over my house right now, the “clear your space” part of this article is SO relevant. I think the next few days I’m going to focus on cleaning up and decluttering, so that when the weekend comes I can enjoy some peaceful me time!
I really want to do this, find a spot in my house and make it my “me” place, a beautiful and relaxing space. Thanks for the encouragement!
My mums been trying to get me to set up a meditation corner for awhile now! I think I’ll use some of these ideas you have here and get it done 🙂
This is a great idea — so important to have alone time. I just started morning meditations a month ago and love how much it has helped me!
It’s SO important to have alone time. I love to socialize, but I’ve just started meditating and using a diffuser with lavender oil to relax by myself when I feel stressed.
love that quote by Hans M. peace of mind is vital in living a happy and content life. As a single Ma of two awesome kids I rarely get this ‘Me Time’ I guess my quiet peaceful place will have to be in my closet HA! only kidding! I do my best to make a home retreat free of Legos and barbie dolls ; )
love your ideas!
Even just reading this post makes me feel more relaxed. Can’t wait to create my mini retreat space 🙂
Everyone needs their alone time. I love the smelly candles so relaxing
I love how simple you made this! I need step-by-step guides when it’s getting into self-care because it’s something new (and awesome) to me.
this is so informative, i can always use tips on how to make my home more relaxing and rejuvenating. 🙂
I think this is wonderful. Once my kids are older and there are less toys and more time for the adults, I’ll be sure to do this!
yes i cannot function with clutter…and there is so much positive energy in being alone sometimes. i usually do yoga or go for long walks alone and absolutely enjoy that time.
Love all of these tips. I’m always in need of a little staycation so thanks for sharing!
Love this post! I have recently discovered the power of being alone and quiet. but it’s hard for sure. I think setting up my own space will help. Thanks!
What a wonderful idea Jill. I completely agree with what you said about seeking *and being* comfortable with solitude. I’m grateful that I’ve always been able to find comfort in solitude. However, I can admit that I’ve been spending too much time on my phone lately. Thank you for sharing these great tips on creating a home retreat.
This is great. Having time to yourself is so important, and it’s been even more important for me the last few years since becoming a mother. My “quiet time” is to lay in bed with some oils in the diffuser, a small lamp on, reading on my kindle. I try to do this for about 30 minutes before bed most nights.
I am actually doing this now so your post is perfectly timed for me! Great tips – I’m so with on about the need to have a place to retreat and recharge. I’m excited to have my own space.
This is a wonderful guide and very helpful! I usually create my desk space as my retreat area in my home, because I find that being in the space is rejuvenating to me.