Wellness areas emerged in the corporate space as an escape from the open office environment. These dedicated spaces where employees can relax and take a break from work have been important for many people to focus on their mental health.
At home, a wellness area is any indoor or outdoor space that can help you take a break from your chores and focus on calmness and peace. What your area looks like depends on your inclinations. However, the benefits apply to you no matter where and how you set one up.
1. Reduce stress
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Having a space that is meant to make you feel good reduces stress. Add things that soothe and calm you in your special space, such as soft lighting, a sound machine, and comfortable chairs. When you intentionally sit in a space designed to reduce stress, your brain will find it easier to comply.
2. Practice yoga
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A wellness area is the perfect place to practice yoga to your heart’s content, far away from prying eyes. You can also store your mat and accessories in the room. Alternatively, you can make sure there is a place where you can sit and meditate after each yoga session so that you can reward yourself for your hard work.
3. Heal your mind with sound
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You are in charge of your wellness area. This means you can control what you hear as you enjoy your retreat. Sound machines, which have been shown to promote relaxation and sleep and increase productivity, can help you relax and eliminate unwanted thoughts and ruminations.
4. Promote exercise
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If you’re a procrastinator, you can easily delay burning calories by going for a walk when you don’t have a dedicated space or time for it. By turning your wellness area into a home gym or entering it with movement on your mind, you can avoid procrastination and get started exercising, significantly improving your physical and mental health.
5. Find inner peace through aromatherapy
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Maybe you already go to the gym every day, so exercising at home is not your thing. If so, turn your wellness area into an aromatherapy paradise. Pleasant scents are a good way to lighten your mood and prevent anxiety. They can also improve your sleep, appetite and depression.
6. Connect with your mind and body
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If you are a spiritual person, you can use your wellness space to connect with your body and mind. You don’t need specific furniture or design to think about your thoughts and listen to your body. Invest in a comfortable armchair or lounge chair and let your inner peace fill you.
7. Provide a stress-free retreat
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Although our homes should be our refuges, sometimes they fail to protect us from stress and worry. When you have a wellness area at your disposal, you can leave all your worries at the door and immerse yourself in relaxation. You can use a light projector with soothing light, a white noise machine, or even the company of your pet.
8. Create a reading nook
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If you are an avid reader, having a reading nook is the best way to indulge in your favorite hobby. You don’t need much space for a reading nook. Even if you only have space in an attic or corner of your office, it will feel more relaxing and inviting if you dedicate the space to reading.
9. Write your own book
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Maybe you’re not only an avid reader, but also an aspiring writer. In that case, sneaking into a desk with your laptop and favorite writing utensils in your wellness area will give you the perfect incentive to overcome your writer’s block. Again, you don’t need a lot of space for this type of space. A small unused room or even part of your garage could do the job.
10. Practice mindfulness with journal writing
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Journaling helps many people stay in the moment and overcome anxiety, stress, and worry. Putting thoughts down on paper is a great way to get them out of your head and relax. If you have a small desk in your space, you can handwrite your worries in your journal and enjoy the peace as you leave them behind.
11. Enjoy your hobbies
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Maybe writing, journaling, and reading aren’t your favorite hobbies. Maybe you enjoy gardening or making beautiful crafts or quilts to relieve stress. Your wellness area can still help you enjoy your hobbies. Set up a wellness area in your backyard if you like to be close to your flower beds. Likewise, store and play with your quilting materials in your indoor space.
12. Stimulate your senses
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A wellness area is not necessarily a room or large space. Your bathtub can be your designated space. Likewise, a small outdoor pool can be a place where you can relax or recharge your batteries. Make the most of these types of spaces to stimulate your senses. Take a bubble bath or take a refreshing drink to the pool. Likewise, you can use soft, subdued light or ambient light during the day.
13. Breathe better with plants
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The best way to make your wellness space welcoming is to surround yourself with plants. If your sanctuary is indoors, bring in your favorite flowers and plants. When you’re outside, you can take advantage of the fresh air and the plants that grow naturally. Plants such as lavender, peppermint and aloe vera reduce stress.
14. Enjoy a Zen place
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A well-appointed wellness area can become your zen spot. You can let all your worries melt away when everything around you is conducive to rest and relaxation. Be aware of your surroundings and focus your attention on relaxation. This way you can enjoy your zen place, no matter how much stress you experience every day.
15. Ensure your comfort with colors
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The typical corporate wellness room is quiet, uses muted colors and offers the most comfortable seating in the house. You should take care of your comfort by investing in the best ergonomics. Comfort brings deep relaxation, and that’s what your dedicated space is all about.
16. Increase relaxation with lounge options
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As we said, sitting comfortably is a must. However, you can take it a step further and, if space allows, bring a comfortable armchair, loveseat or even a waterbed. Invest in quality pillows and blankets if you need a nap in the middle of a busy day. They help you wake up rested and ready to get back to work.
17. Harness the power of water
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Whether you enjoy water sounds or immerse yourself in a jacuzzi, water has a powerful healing effect on the body and mind. An ocean projector with wave sounds can promote well-being in a small room. With a hot or cold bath in your backyard, you can benefit from the soothing effect of water on your tired muscles after a long day.
18. Taking a break from work and charging
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Those who work from home often realize that with the boom in skipping long commutes comes the curse of inviting work stress into the heart of their home. Wellness areas are ideal for these employees as they can get away from work and re-energize when they need a break.
19. Enjoy versatility
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The great thing about wellness areas is that you can decorate them whatever you want. If you keep your space’s decor minimalist, you can enjoy endless versatility. A reading nook can become a mindfulness station. A quiet spot outside can quickly turn into a small sitting area to enjoy with friends for a few hours.
20. Fulfill your unique needs
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You may need specific things to relax that other people don’t get. Nothing will stop you from meeting your needs when you have a wellness area in your home. Unlike corporate wellness areas, you can design and arrange your rooms according to your own wishes.
21. Increase your productivity
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There is a clear link between well-being and productivity. Having a wellness area can improve your morale and even help prevent illness. When you use your wellness space to enjoy your well-deserved breaks from work or chores, you’ll likely be able to put in a lot more effort later.
22. Make the most of an unused room
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You may have a room in your house that you’re not sure what to do with. Maybe you’re an empty nester whose nurseries are bare. Or maybe you have an attic space that you’re not sure what to do with. A wellness area is the best way to use this space and improve your physical and mental health.
23. Create your wellness ritual
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A wellness ritual allows you to find meaning in yourself, your environment and being present. You can integrate meditation and mindfulness into your ritual or close your eyes and let your senses absorb the surroundings in your wellness space.
24. Improve your mood during the cold months
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is more common during the cold, dark winter months. We don’t know what causes it, but we can reduce the symptoms. You can use your wellness area for light therapy, using a light box to simulate sunlight exposure and improve your mood every day.