What if your home had a secret place for you to zen out (or just hide from your exploding email inbox)? Well, you can build that sanctuary. Some adults are creating an “adult calm corner,” a dedicated nook in their house to help them unwind. These spaces encourage relaxation through calming elements like cozy seating, sensory items, nature-inspired visuals, and mindfulness tools. Basically, they’re a little paradise tailored for mental well-being. The inspiration comes from “calm down corners,” which have been the classroom MVP for years, giving kids a much-needed haven to pause and sort out big feelings. So, why not bring that magic into our grown-up lives? If calm corners can stop a sugar-fueled tantrum, they might help us relax after a stressful Zoom meeting, right?
Caitlin Slavens, 36, a psychologist in Alberta, Canada, created her own “calm area” after seeing its benefits for her clients. It’s now her go-to space when dealing with decision fatigue, sensory overload, and the overwhelming challenges of parenthood—like tantrums or sibling rivalries. “It’s a small space, but it has everything I need: a comfy chair, window, weighted blanket, and some fidgets to help move some of the anxious energy,” Slavens tells Well+Good. “I’ll head there when I need to decompress after a long day or when I’m feeling overstimulated or anxious.”
Think of these sanctuaries as a personal recharge station. And here’s the fun part—building your own calm corner is like curating a personal escape pod. From plants to aromatherapy diffusers, it’s all about what makes you feel relaxed and serene.
Integrate a calming corner into your routine
Calm corners can offer a counterbalance to the daily chaos: a space to step away, breathe, and regain some semblance of chill. You can make a calm corner part of your daily routine by penciling it in like any other must-do task. Maybe even set a recurring calendar reminder.
Use it to enjoy a morning beverage before diving into a busy day, take a mid-day breather, or wind down in the evening after work. Consider this spot sacred, so ensure it’s not disrupted or cluttered. This will keep it inviting and remind you that this corner is a space void of stress.
Don’t have tons of space? That’s not a dealbreaker. Elizabeth Reese, 40, co-founder of Chasing Paper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, transformed a small, unused space on her stairwell landing into a calming corner. “I installed a beautiful wallpaper, added tons of comfortable pillows, a soft fabric bench, and books,” says Rees, who likes to unwind by reading books in the space. She also uses it to teach her daughter the importance of taking mindful moments for yourself.
How to create a calming corner
Curating a calm corner is a personal experience, so don’t be afraid to customize it with objects that meet your specific needs and make you feel more centered. That could be plants, books, pillows, or even body care products.
Emily Mendez, 50, founder of boutique marketing firm Priceless Copy in Indianapolis, Indiana, has a calm corner decked out with smart light bulb mood lighting, an Alexa that plays relaxing sounds, and a peaceful picture displaying an outdoor scene. There are also comfy elements, like a cozy chair with a soft chenille throw blanket draped over it.
It’s all up to you! Everyone is different and has varying relaxation preferences. Need some ideas? Here’s some inspiration for anyone looking to create their own corner of calm—with a bit of style.
A comfortable seat
While the folks we spoke with opted for cozy chairs, you can choose any comfortable seating option. Consider floor cushions or a soft rug, which are perfect for meditation.
Codi Meditation Pillow: This oversized pillow with a mandala cover doubles as decor for your calming corner. Shredded memory foam makes it extra soft, so it doesn’t flatten over time. (Amazon, $30)
Soft lighting and visual aids
Some prefer total darkness or natural light, but soft mood lighting and warm bulbs are popular too. Electric candles and string lights are also great, but consider a calming starlight projector if you want something more immersive.
Rossetta Star Projector: Experience the serene nature of stargazing from another plant with this star projector, which features built-in Bluetooth speakers for music and white noise settings. (Amazon, $32)
Calming sounds
If you’re often overstimulated, you may want to opt for silence. However, soothing sounds can help quiet a racing mind. Beyond sound machines, sleep headphones are also helpful.
Magicteam Sound Machine: According to reviewers, this white noise machine features 20 soothing sounds to help reduce stress levels. (Amazon, $21)
Sensory items
Weighted blankets, textured pillows, fidgets, and calming scents can help the nervous system decompress. Stress balls are also a compact but useful tool.
Topblan Weighted Blanket: This blissful weighted blanket with glowing reviews has double-sided textures—a shaggy sherpa on one side and cloud-like fleece on the other. (Amazon, $43)
ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser: Scented candles and incense can be fire hazards and be overwhelming for the scent-sensitive. Instead, transform your calm corner into a spa with an essential oil diffuser. (Amazon, $25)
Fidgets
Pushpeel Sensory Activity Board: Fidget spinners are available in most places, but this family-friendly silicone activity board is a durable lifesaver for sensory overload. (Amazon, $20)
Creative mindfulness
These tools can include an easel for painting, drawing materials, or a journal to write in.
The Mindfulness Journal: This journal can help clear the mind with daily writing prompts and inspirational quotes. (Amazon, $17)
These are just a few ideas, but it all depends on what you need. Take inspiration from your self-care routine, vacations, and even your favorite spots around town. Now go get started on your nook—and get relaxed!
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