In an ideal world I would close my front door and all the chaos of my life would suddenly disappear. I would kick of my heels and dive onto the softest sofa ever made and read for as long as I wish.
In my reality I walk in with 3 children in tow with school bags, basketballs, dirty lunch boxes and 3 dogs eagerly awaiting my attention. Dinner needs cooking, my floors need cleaning and everyone is trying to talk to me at once.
OK so reality looks a little different to fantasy, but if I am being honest I wouldn’t trade my reality for all the great books in the world, and that is saying a lot! The thing is though sometimes I really do need that quiet time, that moment where I can close my front door and shut everything out, but how can I create that in my home when I share it with 3 kids, and an array of animals including the husband!
My sanity relies on some ‘me time’, I am not trying to be selfish, or say that I don’t adore being around my family, however I am an introvert and if I don’t get some down time I feel so mentally exhausted, and then I am no good for anyone. My trick is creating some serene spaces within my home and garden where I can go when I am feeling a little overwhelmed, and my family benefits from this too, as they can use these spaces to relax also.
For me it is not always about adding things to these areas, sometimes it is actually about removing things that are cluttering up the space an therefore cluttering up my mind. Here are just a few tips I use to create some serenity amongst the chaos.
- if you don’t have the passion to declutter the entire house, just declutter a couple of small spaces. Be that a corner in your bedroom where you can rest, or a space in your living room.
- remove all the items from the area/s you chose that you do not like, that do not spark joy, or do not inspire relaxation.
- a great idea is to add a super comfy chair, or even some floor cushions. Choose a colour palate you love for this area. Relaxing blues, soft lemons or dusty pinks work great.
- add a soft throw blanket and comfy cushions to this area.
- a plant will add some extra serenity.
- If you have the room add an inspirational print on the wall, or some great holiday snaps that bring you to a happy place in your mind.
- grab some ear phones and relax listening to music, or a meditation app. Or put ear muffs on and read a book, or two . . .
- turn yourself away from any visible mess.
- if your kids won’t leave you alone, put on a timer, tell them if they leave you in peace for (whatever time is age appropriate) you will be so happy that you will . . . . for example, read to them, watch their favourite show with them, take them out for a walk, or even bribe them with chocolate lol. You can also set them up first with an easy activity they enjoy and won’t need your help with. Save up their favourite episode of a TV show for when you need this time out.
- remember we all need a little down time, know you deserve this and even if it is only ten minutes you will feel better for it!
Garden spaces can work just as well too, make a little garden sanctuary with some lovely trees and /or plants and add a chair where you can read. There really is no limits, get creative and like I said, remember you deserve this!
Most importantly put your phone on silent whilst relaxing, no social media and no news stories.
Do you have any tips to add?
please feel free to leave me a comment below, I always read every one.
Thanks for joining me, love Mac xx
16 comments
It may sound weird but staying awake late in the night on Saturdays reading is what makes me happy. Cleaning my kitchen also somehow feels therapeutic to me, my own me time without having to worry about anything else even if for a few minutes:)
This is a great idea – to simply declutter one part or area of your house. Managing to declutter the entire house seems too daunting a task for me – especially since both the husband and I are into art and woodworking. It’s almost impossible to declutter those areas! 😉
These are great tips Mackenzie – I really enjoy a bit of quiet time with a good book, curled up with a blanket. Su #mg
This is what I need, thanks for the inspiration. I know just the space too, I’m going to make it my own and retreat there when I need to, which will probably be quite often. I already know that I function so much better after a little time ‘away’ from it all. x
I have the odd declutter, but I really do need to focus more on one area, rather than a bit here and a bit there. I don’t need to worry too much about being disturbed by my kids though as they’re both at secondary school, so if they venture out of their rooms it’s a miracle 😉 #mg
Great tips and very practical. It’s important to ward off mental exhaustion before it hits.
I love the idea of adding throw pillows and a blanket. I also love the idea of making a corner of your room a quiet space. I usually sit on my bed to read or at my desk for blogging and writing but I reading this I got a great idea to get one of those beam bag chairs (they have some really soft ones that I’ve seen at Target). Another thing that I have done is I recently added a string of purple Christmas lights. I want to get more though so I can string them along my wall around my room. I’m still in the process of turning my room into my own little sanctuary. It’s always good for us to have our down time! #mg
I loved your tips. There are times even I feel the same with all asking for my attention. I often go and take a walk just to escape the chaos at home.
I absolutely get what you are saying. Me time is critical for my sanity. I am an introvert at heart – this doesn’t mean that I can’t or don’t want to socialise, it just means I need quieter time to recharge my batteries. blogging with a cup of tea or a glass of wine works for me, or even just walking from the station into work rather than taking the bus makes me feel a bit better. Thanks for this post Mac. Wise words as always. Pen x #mg
I am up before everybody else. I really love that time. It is just so quiet. Great tips.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week.
My me time is on the train to and from work with headphones in blasting music! Really need that time to get in the frame of mind for work in the mornings and to destress on the way home at night.
#TwinklyTuesday
Ellen x
http://www.elfeelgoodsvintage.uk
love your tips. Im a lover of house plants, I think they add such a cosy vibe too #twinkletuesday
This is my idea of utter blissfulness and I don’t take enough time to do this EVER… I need to start reading again. Sarah #mg
Yes to all of this and telling people how you feel. I told hubby recently I couldn’t go on a 10 mile walk due to feeling bleugh but to take the girls with him. Win win all round. The girls got some one on one time with their Dad and I got on with a creative project. #mg
Yes, turning that phone off and getting into your zone is vital for me too. I love to meditate and do self-treatment reiki. It literally takes me to another world. You’re so right that giving ourselves time out and/or ‘zen zone’s in the home and garden benefits our family too. Thanks so much for hosting #mg Mac.
I added a Buddha statue to my room and removed a piece of furniture which was only inviting clutter. Agreed- Downtime is really needed. Lying on my well creased bedsheet is my favorite relaxing time. Watering an indoor plant, blowing bubbles, relaxes me.
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