Creating a Peaceful Space

With the current crisis of the pandemic, future plans in limbo, to-do lists, worrying about those we love and on and on and on. Things can start to stress us the hell out and disturb our much-needed rest. For the days when you just need a break or an escape the best thing to do is turn off the tv, shut down social media and create a space that’s tranquil. 

Living in one eye of the storm in New York City has been tough. I can’t control the situation on the subway or work but I can control my space. I’ve been using this “quaran-time” (see what I did there) to slow down, to spend time with God and revisit some projects that have been on hold. Some of my favorite things to do to create that kind of space are easier than you may think.

1. Clean House. Sometimes I can be a hoarder where I believe that “someday” I’m going to read that book or wear that skirt I’ve had for years. Sadly that day never came and I still have those things taking up space. Many studies have proven the astounding positive effects that cleaning and organizing have on the brain. I know this to be true it’s a total mood changer for me.

2. Turn on the diffuser. I love these diffusers that are on the market now that change colors soothing blues or greens are my go-to colors to use. Add your favorite essential oil (mine is lavender oil) and prepare to be swept away. The smell of lavender has the power to take me to my happy place and put me in sleep mode in 0.2 seconds. 

ASAKUKI 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser, 5 in 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Fragrant Oil Vaporizer Humidifier, Timer and Auto-Off Safety Switch, 7 LED Light Colors Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, Ceramic Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser for Aromatherapy, White, 90ml Capacity

3. Listen to Music. Try listening to Lovely Day by Bill Withers and NOT smiling…I dare you. There’s something about this song that just makes everything ok again. Here are a few Spotify playlists you should consider following:

4. Shut down. 1 hour before bed turn your phone off. That’s it. Seriously, while your phone is off and you’re preparing for sleep you could read a book, list things you’re grateful for, do number 3, drink a cup of tea or call your mom. 

5. Get under a weighted blanket. Or a really big comforter, the weight is said to help alleviate stress. Think of a screaming baby and the moment it’s swaddled. There’s something about being completely wrapped up in a big blanket. Personally I love a comforter straight from the dryer that smells like Suavitel or cotton scents. 

truHugs Organic Hemp Cotton Adult Weighted Blanket | 23 lbs | Un-Dyed White | Queen | Breathable Weighted Blanket with a Temporal Cool Touch | Premium Quality Natural Heavy Sensory Duvet

Bando x Sheltered Co. Weighted Blanket
Gravity Blanket

Peace, Love & Hand Sanitizer,
Chenise