Why Creating A Sanctuary at Home is So Important

There was a time when our homes were an escape from the busy outside world and our many day-to-day activities. But now that home is where we work, learn, play, and exercise, we’re left without a place to relax and recharge. If you’re feeling tired, irritable, or unproductive it may be because you’re lacking a sanctuary space.

Having a place to unwind and get away from it all can offer significant mental and physical health benefits. Even if you can’t dedicate an entire room to health and wellness, you can carve out a small corner or make use of an unused space.  Here are four reasons why having a sanctuary space in your home is more important than ever.

A Sanctuary Space Can Help Reduce Stress

Before the pandemic, many of us went to the gym, yoga studio, or spa to destress. But what happens when these places are no longer available? Now that our go-to sources for relaxation and stress relief are not always accessible, having a sanctuary space at home is vital.

It’s no secret that quiet spaces promote relaxation.  The question is how do we create those spaces in a home that’s seeing constant activity?  Sometimes simple adjustments such as adding a door or screen and changing the floor plan can have a big impact. Try reducing the amount of ‘visual noise’ from clutter to create a more relaxing environment, and minimize the amount of overstimulating colours and patterns to help keep stress levels down.

A stylish barn door or screen separates living spaces and provides privacy away from busy family activities.

A Beautiful Space Can Change Your Outlook

You might be finding that you’re more irritable than normal, or that you’re listless and lacking energy. New studies believe that the beauty around us can affect our moods and indirectly improve health and wellbeing.

We also know that our health and wellbeing is connected to nature and time spent outdoors.  Creating a space in your home that includes natural elements and beautiful and meaningful objects, can reduce anger, stress and increase positive feelings. Something as simple as a new wall colour can affect your mood. Light or muted colours can be soothing, while colours found in nature, such as green, help us feel a connection with the outdoors. Green has been linked with relieving stress, and supporting the circulatory and nervous systems. Using a soothing green palette in sanctuary spaces can influence your mood, and bring many mind and body benefits.

A muted green colour scheme creates a calm and soothing palette.

Taking A Break Can Actually Increase Productivity

Staying productive can be challenging in a crisis. While it may seem like we have extra time to conquer our to-do lists, in reality, we are all going through a traumatic experience. And we are wearing many hats at once which can make it hard to focus. A space that allows you to get away from the demands of work or family, if even for a short time, can help you recharge.

Our physical wellbeing also plays a significant role in increasing productivity. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can all improve focus and boost efficiency. Redesigning interior spaces to allow for physical activity and rest, can ensure your family stays healthy and active even when the weather or social restrictions make it difficult. The key is to set up your living spaces so that healthy lifestyle choices are easy choices.

The convenience of a home gym provides a space to recharge and inspire regular exercise.

Wellness Focused Design Can Strengthen Your Immune System

Whether it’s fighting the Coronavirus or overcoming a common cold, a strong immune system is an important part of staying healthy. While many factors affect our immune systems, studies show that sleep and exercise are both key elements. As such, our homes can play a role in strengthening our immune systems.

A good night’s sleep is an important part of our overall health. Bedrooms that promote sleep and rest can dramatically improve not only our health, but our mood and productivity as well. Features such as a health-conscious mattress can help you breathe and sleep easier. While black-out and sound dampening drapes can vastly improve both the quality and amount of sleep you get every night. Limiting the amount of blue light exposure 2 hours before bedtime can also keep serotonin levels low to promote a restful night’s sleep.

Given the stressors of today's world, creating a space that allows you to reset and recharge from the day is one of the most important efforts we can make for ourselves in our homes. To do this, our homes need to adapt to this new way of living.

Connect with me to talk about creating your very own sanctuary space!