Your Special Space

No matter where you are in life or what your role is within the family, you need someplace that you can make your own - your sanctuary. Having a quiet place to retreat to and be completely alone - even for an hour - helps us to unwind, and re-energise ourselves. Your special space should be somewhere that you feel safe and comfortable and that you put your personal stamp on.

For young children it could be a reading corner with a beanbag and teddies to cuddle. For teenagers it may be somewhere that they can express their individuality and independence; somewhere they can listen to music, be creative or set up their computer or game console.



Your sanctuary may be a studio, craft room, workshop, home gym, den or office. I’ve always dreamed of having a library room with floor to ceiling books and a big comfy chair (and a locking door.)

If space is an issue, maybe escaping to the bathroom for a nice bubble bath or extra-long shower, or a secret shady little spot in the garden with a swing chair, or maybe digging in the vegetable patch is your idea of blissful solitude.



For me when my children were young it was my bedroom. I loved it and it was the one room that didn't need to be kid-friendly. My children knew that mum was having some quiet time and they could knock if they really needed me. It was never viewed as something secretive, because they had their own special place as well, and it was just accepted. Now that they’re grown and it’s mostly just me, I can pretty much make my whole home the sanctuary I’ve always wanted. I like that I get to choose the furniture and the colours and to decorate it with my own style – which is minimalist and light.



Some things that can help you to personalise your special space might be:
- A big comfy chair or beanbag.
- A soft throw rug.
- Colourful, soft cushions.
- A folding screen or room divider.
- Restful or cheerful colours – whatever you fancy.
- Candles, oils.
- Soft gentle lighting or lots of natural light.
- Flowers or potted greenery.
- Posters, photographs or artwork that you love.
- Memorabilia that invokes good feelings.
- Arts, crafts or hobbies you enjoy.
- Radio, CD’s or DVD’s.
- Books, magazines.
- Computer or games console.

Only you can really know what you need from your special space. What is important is that your family understands and respects your need for time out and that you do the same for them.



#_happiness
#_relaxation
#_stress_management
#_time_out
#_wellbeing

%selfavenue