by Eva Pronovost

Created on: December 09, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2008

An island of calm in the midst of a busy life is a literal lifesaver, and the health benefits associated with relaxation are well documented. Oddly enough, though, few of us have a haven to retreat to when the kids are screaming, the dishwasher is broken, and life is generally overwhelming.

Most of us hide in our bedrooms when we need to relax, but not every bedroom is relaxing. Creating a sanctuary takes a little effort, but the reward is a calm, serene space to catch your breath and get reacquainted with yourself.

SMALL STEPS
Your space reflects your state of mind, so if the dresser is cluttered with knick-knacks and there's a messy pile of laundry on the floor, it's likely that you feel a little chaotic, too. A relaxing sanctuary should be clean, simple and aesthetically pleasing, so hide dirty clothes in a hamper with a lid and ruthlessly eliminate knick-knacks - this is your sanctuary, and you need space to breathe!

MAKE SPACE FOR QUIET
Space to breathe also includes a break from electronics, so banish computers and televisions from your bedroom. Computers nag us to "be productive" and somehow turn relaxation into procrastination, while TV programming is designed to engage the viewer and keep them tuning out. 'Relaxing TV time' is therefore often just a brain numbed by sensory overload.

Hide electronics in cupboards if there's nowhere else to store them - out of sight, out of mind.

SOOTHING VIEWS
Bedroom walls painted in a serene color prime your mind for relaxation the moment you walk through the door. Blue is associated with tranquility and peace, while green is linked with nature, harmony, and luck. Peach or apricot tones create a warm, optimistic glow reminiscent of sunsets, while muted browns and taupes are soothing to the eye and spirit. Avoid oppressively dark shades and energetic colours such as red and pink.

SOMETHING SOFT
Textures are as soothing as colours, so invest in sheets that are smooth to touch and blankets or duvets that wrap around you like a warm hug. Invest in an area rug in neutral cream or tan to dig your toes into, and find a comfortable chair for reading, journaling, and daydreaming. Eliminating irritating little distractions like itchy sheets and cold feet makes it easier to breathe deep and leave the world behind.

SET THE MOOD
Spas and romantic restaurants are softly lit for a reason: lighting really does set the mood! Inspire calm using lamps and nightlights, and avoid harsh overhead lights that jar the eyes. If you have a partner, soft lighting will create an intimate atmosphere. During the day, open the curtains to take advantage of natural light: we're chemically wired to find happiness when the sun shines!

It takes a bit of effort to create, but a calm sanctuary to shield you from the daily grind is both beneficial to your physical health and to your happiness. A bedroom sanctuary allows relaxation without guilt intruding on 'me' time, and in the long run, having a haven to run to will improve your quality of life immeasurably.

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