How to Create a Calm Space

What do you do when you’re having a stressful day? Where do you go? What do you want?

Lately, I’ve been noticing energy everywhere I go. When I walk into a house or a room I notice it – the positive or negative vibes from people or a space. Sometimes there are really calm and relaxing energies and other times I’ve encountered negative energies. It’s hard when you find yourself in a place with negative vibes because you just want to get away from it. It creates a sense of uneasiness or even stress.

But have you ever walked into a space and instantly felt a sense of calm? Like a bookstore or a coffee shop? The best are yoga studios because they are intentionally trying to make you feel that sense of calm.

When I’m stressed, all I want to do is find that sense of calm. But that calming energy isn’t just a physical place – it’s a place within you. So creating that sense of calm has to be both internal and external. You have to figure out what helps you personally feel relaxed. For some people it’s a relaxing bath, sometimes it’s a bike ride, or sitting quietly reading a book. But when it’s a space you want to physically be in, it’d be nice to have that in your home or work space.

Here are some ways to create a calm space:

Minimize it

Make sure it’s a space with minimal distraction. Keep the colors calming with soft greys and blues, neutral greens – even soft pastel colors. It should also be a space without too much clutter. Clutter is distracting and can also be overwhelming. Keep it simple.

Make it comfortable

Soft pillows, cozy blankets, and even fuzzy rugs are just comfortable and relaxing to the touch.

Let there be Light

You never want harsh lighting for your calm space. Soft and warm lighting from candles or yellow bulbs are a comfort like a sun and make it easier to relax. If you can be in a room with a window and natural lighting – even better.

Clean air

Improving your air quality might not always be something you think is relaxing, but having pollution, unpleasant odors, or even mold in the air can impact your breathing and fuel low key anxieties. Salt lamps purify the air, naturally clearing pollen, smoke, and dust particles. Himalayan salt crystals also have calming and soothing properties.

Related: 3 Simple Vitamin E Face Mists

Make it Green

Adding plants to any space can make it almost instantly relaxing. Plants also purify the air and certain plants help you sleep! Plants such as Aloe Vera, the Snake Plant, English Ivy, and Bamboo Palm are just a few that help create calming spaces and purify the air from toxins.

Related: Low Maintenance House Plants & 5 Essential Tips for their Care

Make it Aromatic

Aromatherapy is good for so many things but for the purpose of this article – it’s amazing for reducing stress and anxiety as well as boosting energy. An essential oil diffuser is one thing you will always find in an intentionally calm space. They’re always in yoga studios and I even saw one the other day in my dentist’s office! Some of the most common stress-relieving scents are lavender, lemon, and peppermint (not necessarily combined). 

What about You?

Now that you’ve created a calm space, you should be calm in it. You can read a book, do a face mask, drink your favorite tea, color, listen to music, meditate, or find your inner yogi! Try applying these techniques to a space you find stressful – maybe the kitchen or your office.

Related: Homemade Honey Facemasks

Bonus tips for work – keep a plant on your desk. Change the settings on your computer to cooler colors. My favorite and go-to is turning the night light on your display settings because it takes away that harshness when you’re constantly staring at a screen.

Holding onto stress can manifest in very physical ways that you might not even realize are stress related. Even incorporating one or two of these suggestions can help.

If all else fails, I recommend cuddling the nearest dog. That always takes away my stress and brings me joy. What are some ways you deal with stress? Do you have any recommendations for a calm space?

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Christina

Christina is a twenty-something living with her beagle, Mash, and husband, Nate in their van. She loves traveling, shopping, art, and photography. She’s also a vegetarian, pop-culture enthusiast, book-lover, and Dave Matthews Band fanatic. Catch her somewhere around the country in a converted camper van or at home in Florida for a visit.