Everyone needs time to relax and center themselves, especially right now. Kids, adults and pets alike are finding that their homes are increasingly becoming spaces of work and productivity, which can make relaxing at home more of a challenge than a treat. That’s why it’s important to carve out spots of self care in your home, so that when it’s time to turn off for the day, you can rest easy.

Declutter Your Space to Declutter Your Brain

The first step to creating a calming home is an ongoing one: take this opportunity to do some decluttering. There’s a simple joy to getting rid of that pile of clothing or box of knick knacks that have been sitting in the corner of your eye for a while. Sorting through your belongings not only can free up some breathing room in your home, but also may help you feel more in control of your space. It’s hard to relax when you know you’ve got a pantry to organize or a bathroom to wipe down.

Spa Day All Day

But once that bathroom is wiped down, turn it into a home self-care spa! Choose some beautiful candles in relaxing scents like eucalyptus, lavender or jasmine to set the scent scene. Some even like to hang a sprig of fresh eucalyptus in their shower to activate with the steam. Pick your favorite skin and hair items and spend an afternoon pampering yourself. Take a long luxurious bath with no time set. Splurge on a few plush towels and maybe a pair of slippers. Treat yourself like you deserve it, because you do!

A Cozy Nook and a Good Book

Make a space somewhere in your home for quiet. Cozy reading nooks make a great addition to a bedroom, living room or any room with a little extra space. Carve out a little corner and fill it with a comfortable chair or chaise, a charming accent table, a soft blanket and plenty of pillows. Make sure to dedicate this space to relaxing, not work. This is a great place to keep your favorite novels to read. It can also be an excellent place for journaling, one of the top self-care tips given by experts. Picking up a journal and jotting down your thoughts for the day is a great way to quiet the chaos in your head. It focuses your emotions and helps you put them into words. It’s also a great gift to yourself in the future, to remember your life as it is now!

Kitchens that Calm

For some, baking and cooking is something that calms them. For others, it’s a stressful task that needs to be completed. Whichever camp you fall into, keeping your kitchen clean and functional will minimize your daily stress. Make sure your kitchen is a place that you feel happy and comfortable in, and that meets your needs. Those who find themselves frequently stressed about a lack of counter space may want to turn to a kitchen island for a kitchen command center that centers you. Cold feet? Beautiful and plush rugs will help insulate your toes from the cold and will add some style to your space.

Make your kitchen a place you want to be, so that stepping in and feeding you and your family becomes a joy rather than a chore. One great way to take care of yourself and your loved ones is meal prepping. Spend some time in your kitchen preparing meals for the week so that when you end your day tired, all you have to do is pop something in the oven. That’s self care that you can eat!

As for general design, try to bring in as much natural light as you can. Replace heavy drapes and curtains with light and airy ones, or bring in a new mirror to help brighten up the space. Whatever you can do to get that precious Vitamin D will be worth it. Cool colors are your friend when looking for relaxation, as they’ve been shown to help decrease heart rates and reduce anxiety.

Self-care at home is just as important as your other homebound tasks, if not more. Taking care of yourself can keep you healthy, happy and ready to take on another day. Make sure your home is hospitable to your self-care strategies, and focus on you!