Design a Relaxation Station

Do you feel like you are working longer and longer hours now that you're working from home?  I know I certainly am.  It's just too easy to work all night considering life isn't completely back to "normal" yet.  That is why I am all about the "self-care" station, "relaxation" station or meditation station.  All of these spaces are just tiny pieces of heaven that you carve out of the interior of your home. 

There’s a chance you already know about some of the health benefits of meditation. Those who have studied the science behind meditation consider the practice a helpful tool for enhancing mental clarity and focus, increasing a sense of well-being, improving emotional regulation, and more. Whether you’ve never tried meditation, or you practice it daily, many people don’t know that the space where you meditate is incredibly important.  To be honest, you don't even have to officially "meditate" in the space.  It is a space for you to go and relax and shake off the stress of the day.  So, without further ado,  here are a few tips for how to create a relaxation station right in your home.

Sound

Everything that you incorporate into your relaxation space should inspire a sense of serenity and joy for you.  Sound, or lack thereof, is as important to a relaxation room as any other element, or even more so. A noisy room in which you hear the cacophony of a busy street or construction area, for instance, isn't going to bring relaxation no matter how calming and comfortable the room is. Pleasant sounds such as flowing water in a tabletop fountain; a CD pumping quiet instrumental classical, ambient or New Age music into the room, or even white noise can be used to bring an air of peace to the room. White noise or gentle music is helpful if outside noises would otherwise be heard from within the room.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. The actual fragrance selected works much the way sound does in terms of creating a relaxing atmosphere; pleasant scents such as lavender or vanilla create a sense of peace in the room, whereas obnoxious or strong odors have the opposite effect. Even citrus fragrances, much like their associated colors, can be a bit much in a relaxation room.  I personally like the "clean" smelling scents.  No vanilla or cookie fragrances for me.  

When it comes to how to add in the aroma into your design, there are a few different ways.  Add a candle with a scent, an aromatherapy diffuser or a scentsy warmer.  I opt for a candle and a scentsy warmer.  The candle will give you that warm amber glow that relaxes and soothes while the scentsy warmer can be used daily for a mini dose every time you enter that space.

Photo Cred:  Urban Outfitters

Nature

Plants and flowers not only add to the aesthetic of your interior, but they also add an essence of tranquility, clean the air and provide a pop of color. By adding plants to your  interior design, you will feel more connected to nature and can even receive health benefits, such as stress relief, enhanced productivity and increased feelings of overall well-being.  Incorporating a fresh-cut bouquet will indulge both your eyes and your nose. Arrange them in a vase or sprinkle some petals around your space to release natural oils and scent.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Your relaxation station should inspire you to make this act of self-care a priority. Set up your space near a window providing natural light. Put an essential oil diffuser in the room so that you can diffuse your favorite scents. Light candles nearby. Decorate the area with artwork displaying meaningful quotes or landscapes. Keep photos of loved ones close. Do whatever it takes to make your meditation space a place that reminds you of the peacefulness it can bring to your life.

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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!