horizons

To make relaxing at home even easier, designate a space for unwinding. Bring in these seven elements to create a space in your home that triggers you to be calm and centered.

1. Imagine your happy place ... and create it.

Close your eyes and imagine the place where you’re most relaxed. Whether it’s lying on a beach or hiking in the mountains, bring some of that serenity into your space. For example, display seashells in a glass jar in your bedroom or on your desk to spark that peaceful feeling.

2. Hang prints with positive affirmations.

Hang up a print, or transfer lettering onto a wall, with a motivational saying that makes you smile, reminds you to be thankful or highlights a goal. “Put it in a prominent area,” suggests Christa O’Leary, an interior designer and author of Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life. “As you walk by, you’ll begin to connect to your aspirations and the calmness you desire on an unconscious level.”

3. Go green to be serene.

Bringing a little nature indoors not only invites tranquillity into your home but also can help keep you healthy. Bamboo palms and Barberton daisies are beautiful and can cleanse your house by removing toxic chemicals from the air, notes O’Leary.

4. Add dimmers.

Avoid harsh lighting by bringing in a dimmable floor lamp or ceiling fixture, says Tiffany Brooks, an interior designer and HGTV host. To delineate a specific space as a tranquil zone, use an overarching lamp to define the area.

5. Soften your space with soothing hues.

For maximum mellowness, soften a space with comfy pillows in soothing hues like light green and blue. “Colors have a powerful impact on mind and body,” explains O’Leary, who also suggests nature prints of flowers and leaves. Toss a pillow on your favorite chair, or use one in the corner of a room that’s dedicated to meditation.

6. Choose cozy textures.

For any items you’ll want to curl up in, lay at the foot of your bed or lounge on top of, choose textures that are soft and luxurious. “I like faux furs or a heavily upholstered chair,” says Brooks.

7. Ban technology.

Make sure your room, meditation corner or calming space is devoid of phones, tablets and televisions, suggests Brooks. Unplugging frees you from stressful emails, upsetting news updates and anything else that might disrupt your peace of mind.

As previously posted on EatingWell.com