Creating a Wellness Space at Home: Your Own Private Hideaway

Here at Zazzle Ideas, we’re feeling particularly zen today. Our mantra is infusing us with a genuine sense of calm; our meditation playlist is on point; and we’re about a lotus flower away from achieving inner peace. And we owe it all to the concept of the wellness room: a “space where the outside world dissolves,” leading you into “something quieter, something deeper,” according to AP News. 

If that sounds too profound or expensive for your tastes, don’t stress (seriously – the whole idea is not to stress!) Creating a wellness space in your home – a sanctuary where you can retreat from the 9–5 and focus on your physical and mental wellbeing – is absolutely possible. And in a world where we spend more time at home than ever before, the importance of a place to unwind can’t be underestimated. Follow the steps below to reach a crucial milestone in your self-care journey! 

Welcome to the Wellness Zone

When it comes to wellness room reconnaissance, not everyone will have the luxury of being able to weigh up multiple locations. You might just have to carve out whatever space you can! But for those lucky enough to have more than one prospect, here are a few considerations. Is the area in question next door to the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else there could be a lot of to-ing and fro-ing? Does the room you have in mind receive a lot of sunlight (unless you want a shady spot)? Is it feasible for you to repurpose the space without a lot of upheaval? In general, most wellness spaces spring up in spare bedrooms, converted attics, or basements. 

Of course, the intended purpose for your wellness room is also a crucial factor. As GetACTV points out, “let the form follow the function. In other words: find the space that’s most suited to your wellness activity.” For example, an avid reader or journaler will only need space for their desk mat, but someone doing pilates or calisthenics will want room to spread out their yoga mat. Think about how you plan to relax, and choose the location most germane to that method! 

Clearing Your Mind

Now that you have a suitable location, the next step is to remove any distractions. In the words of Architectural Digest: “Entering this space should feel like an exhale”; it should be “intentionally designed for healing.” Remove clocks and calendars, which can be foreboding indicators of your deadlines and responsibilities. Facilitate your “alone time” by using curtains or folding room dividers. Recycle, donate, or simply move out any unwanted items, and consolidate others in a cabinet or storage box. The key is to reduce life – if only temporarily! – to its bare essentials. 

The most important thing to eliminate is any evidence of technology – no TV, no work computer, and certainly no phone. It can be tricky to relax in a world dominated by overstimulating electronic devices, and blue light, in particular, can interfere with our sleep patterns. So if you want to write in your wellness room, keep a notepad or personalized stationery to hand instead of a tablet. If you want an activity, try an old-school puzzle. Curating this analog atmosphere will make a major difference to your wellness room! 

Lights, Color, Action

Next on our list is the paint or wallpaper color scheme, for which you’re free to use your favorite patterns and color combinations – this is your space, after all. However, as a general rule of thumb, subdued tones and pastel hues are more likely to induce a state of relaxation. Think gentle greens, soothing lavenders, and mellow yellows! White and black – colors typically associated with minimalist palettes – can be a bit too stark for your wellness space, and red is a very energetic color when you’re trying to wind down. That goes double for the electric blues and hot pinks!

When mulling over any of these décor decisions, ask yourself: “How can I make the room feel balanced and serene?” Instead of harsh overhead lights, install dimmable switches to create the desired mood (and reduce energy consumption). Rather than a normal table lamp, light candles and plug in a Himalayan salt lamp to improve the air quality and boost your mood. In general, sunlight has the most restorative effect, particularly early in the morning when that elusive golden hour hits. But for some lie-abeds, the blackout curtains we mentioned earlier might help you to get in the zone!

Feel-Good Furnishings

One piece of advice for furnishing your wellness room is to “use natural materials like wood, stone, and cotton,” which will “enhance the natural feel of your space.” The best advice, however, is not to overdo it: a cluttered room can feel claustrophobic and muddled, which isn’t the vibe you want. Incorporate a few choice pieces: a bean bag chair, or a comfy armchair and ottoman by the window; a bookshelf to preserve your reading material; and a low-sized table or tray to put plants and essential oils on. These should make the room feel cozy and welcoming – which is exactly the right vibe.

Décor, even more so than furniture, will contribute to a feel-good atmosphere in the room. Dress up the couch or fold-up bed with a decorative throw pillow or blanket, and place a large rug in the center of the room as a focal point. We also like the idea of a door sign or door hanger that explicitly marks the space as “[Your Name’s] Wellness Room” – this is your own private oasis, even when kids are banging at the door. Finally, introduce biophilic elements – water features, low-maintenance plants – to reinforce the sense that your wellness room is a refuge from the modern world. 

According to GetACTV, the idea behind making a wellness room is to establish a “habit loop”: the environment is a cue to your body and mind to relax, and every return visit is a reminder for you to prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing. If you’ve never heard of self-care, of course, then you can familiarize yourself with the concept in these two articles: “5 Ideas for Practicing Self-Care” and “10+ Thoughtful Self-Care Gift Ideas for Yourself or Others.” Let us know what your wellness space looks like in the comments below!

Eoin

Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.