Creating a sanctuary to recharge your spiritual battery
Modern life can be very busy especially as due to Smartphones people feel they are accessible at all times, with email, Social media and messaging apps bringing regular notifications.
Creating a peaceful space where you can withdraw your energy back inward can be very calming as it allows you to take a break from interacting with others and having an outward focus to more of an internal restorative one.
This allows you to check in with your own energy levels, notice how you are feeling and make any necessary adjustments to improve your wellbeing.
Space will be different for everyone- you may have a larger home with an outdoor area or you may just share a room with someone and have more limited space. You can adapt my ideas for whatever space you have so I am focusing this on if you just have a small area in a bedroom.
There are small things you can do that do not have to cost a lot of money.
To begin with, opening a window in an indoor space, even for a short time can be very beneficial. It is trickier in winter but just five minutes in the morning or evening can reset the space and clear the air.
House plants have be shown to calm the nervous system and help lower blood pressure. Certain varieties such as Peace Lilies and Sansevierias absorbtoxins and release fresh oxygen. These are availiable for about £5. They also help you feel connected to nature.
Cleaning and dusting your space also can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed so a weekly 10 minute ritual of dusting then hoovering can help keep the space refreshed.
If you have any clutter, sorting this can boost mood. Throwing away rubbish, donating to charity of family/friends or selling unwanted posessions can lessen visual cues for the brain and free up more energy for clearer thinking. The act of cleaning can also release dopamine, one of the brains mood boosting chemicals that gives you a sense of acheivement.
Scent can really affect your mood. Aromatherapy is the art of using fragrance for theraputic benefits. Scents are processed by the brai via the amygdala and hippocampus which process. emotions and memories. Pure essential lavendar oil can be very supportive for anxiety and depression. You could diffuse some drops to fragrance the air, place a few drops under your pillow or even on a tissue in the bottom of a laundry basket or bin. If you have any allergies or dislike the smell, other soothing options can be rose, jasmine and vanilla. If you want to feel more positive neroli and orange can be very helpful to boost mood.
Lighting can also be very helpful to consider. Instead of over stimulating harsh lighting, a small lamp such as a Himilayan salt lamp can be very calming. Candles are also an option, including LED ones if having a lit flame is dangerous. Softer lighting can let the brain know it is time to unwind and not be on high alert.
A small corner or even one work surface can be your anchor for tranquility. You could place a photograph of something that makes you feel good to remind you this is your safe space. A notebook and pen, to journal and release thoughts can be purchased from a supermarket for a very low cost to help you move away from technology. Finally, a book, even one borrowed from a library can help you relax. There are many wellbeing books available to support you to rest and recharge.
Some books I personally recommend are:
The things you can see only when you Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
The Book of Magical Living by Jamie King
The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle
Sacred Seasons by Kirsty Gallagher
Prajna by Mira Manek
The most important thing is you feel you have a space o retreat to to recharge your battery. It may be journalling, resting, meditating , reading or listening to music. Just giving yourself permission to enjoy the space you are in and refresh your energy can make a big difference to your overall happiness.
