The whole concept of a “relaxation station” entered my brain a couple of years ago. I was working at home full-time, but my husband was still going into the office several days a week. I worked for the same company for a few years, so when he came home drained of all his energy, I easily empathized with him.
To help ease his mind out of the office chaos and into our fun and loving home life, I created a relaxation station for him to use when he first walked in the door. It consisted of some sage for him to light, some crystals, and a few post-it notes telling him to sit down and put in his ear phones and listen to his favorite music for about 10 minutes. He loves to listen to music and that always seemed to help him snap out of the office blues.
Sage and Crystals Promote Relaxation
I think many people could benefit from having a relaxation station in their home. Creating an environment away from the stresses of daily life is not only important for your body, but for your mind as well. While not everyone has time or the money to go get a massage or go to the beach every time they feel stressed, here are some ideas on how to relax your mind and body in your own home. Read on to also learn more about the types of “relaxation stations” I have created in my home.
1- The Book Nook
The Perfect Nap Space
Taking a power nap for a few minutes could be helpful for your mind. If you aren’t one to take naps, try reading a book or magazine. There’s something wonderful and amazing about sitting in a comfy chair or couch and snuggling up with your favorite good read.
If you love this article, we know you’ll love this one too: Everything You Need to Know About Egg Chairs
Our patio book nook before adding decor
I created this comfy and relaxing “reading nook” on my porch. It consists of the following items:
1- a hanging outdoor fan (which can be hung off a hook in any room)
2- a loveseat egg chair from Target (I waited forever for it to come back in stock, and the shipping company was really slow, but it was worth it. If it is sold out when you want it, I suggest clicking “Notify me when it’s back” on Target’s website or app, then BUY IT ASAP when they send you a “back in stock” notification. It took me several tries to be able to score one, but I finally did on my birthday! I’ve also used this method to purchase several other things that have been out of stock at Target over the years)
3- a reed shade from Amazon
4- a small outdoor wood table from Amazon
5- a $5 faux plant from Target
6- some outdoor patio lights (we purchased ours at Target, though Amazon and several other stores have them too)
7- a small outdoor rug from Target
8- a chair cover to keep the chair and pillows safe from dust and rain from Amazon
9- a cute $15 pillow set from Target + an outdoor lumbar pillow from Target
10- an outdoor battery powered “candle” lantern from T.J. Maxx
11- outdoor extension cord from Amazon
12- outdoor wireless remote from Amazon (for being able to turn the fan and lights on and off without unplugging them every time)
Our Patio Egg Chair Loveseat
View my 30 second video below or on my YouTube channel “Carolyn Braden” to get the full visual of the space and the view!
I love how it turned out! It all came together in about 60 minutes, factoring in the time it took to put together the chair and hang the lights and fan.
The Patio Book Nook
My mom said she would like to take a nap in the chair and proceeded to do so. I knew I created the perfect relaxation space at that moment.
Johnny Cash hanging out in the egg chair
Even my dogs run out to the chair when we open our patio door.
Minnie Pearl hanging out in the egg chair
Even they know the importance of relaxation!
Boho patio decor
While we plan to paint the ceiling a pretty shade of “haint blue” in the near future, we went ahead and hung the fan and lights. We replaced the ceiling light months before finishing this space, and opted to add a separate fan and string lights as the space was previously a bit dark and stuffy.
Our patio outdoor ceiling fan and light
I love the retro-vibe of the fan and the fact that it only hangs on a hook. It can be easily moved at any point. It would be great in any space that feels a bit stuffy or perhaps in a spot where you enjoy your Delta 9o, which is another great way to relax.
Hanging out with my Mini American Eskimos
My dogs, Minnie Pearl and Johnny Cash, love hanging out with me in this space during the day while I drink my morning coffee.
Having my morning coffee in the patio book nook
They also love hanging out with my husband and I in the space while we watch the Florida sunset.
Relaxing in the book nook at sunset
I roll up the rug and place it in the chair after each use. I know this seems excessive, but it rains A LOT in the summer season in Florida. This will keep it in tip-top shape. I also keep the cover on the chair when I am not using it.
Our egg chair cover opened
It easily zips on and off. I purchased it from Amazon. It’s waterproof, which is great to have during some of our blowing rains. It will keep the chair, cushion and pillows protected.
Our egg chair cover closed
Despite having gutters and a roof, some rain makes its way onto the porch, so everything in this space, including the lights and plugs, are all made for OUTDOOR USE.
2- The Cupola Retreat
Boho decor adds a touch of relaxation
Meditation is a wonderful practice to start. I love doing free meditations that I find on YouTube. Even if you can only squeeze in five minutes, your mind will thank you.
Using stacked futon mattresses can be a cost-effective bed option
When we first purchased our Sanibel Island, Florida home in 2020, our neighbor said we had the perfect meditation space in the room on the top of the house. He had been in the home while it was for sale and loved the cupola, which is a small (about 10’x10’) room that makes up the “3rd floor” of the house. When he said “meditation space” I knew what he meant, because the cupola is perfect for this.
The room needed flooring, air conditioning and new windows. Read about how we renovated this space ourselves by clicking this link.
My Reiki Room
I recently added a meditation “bed” to the room (which I also use for practicing Reiki) using these items:
1- large fur blanket from Amazon (I have two of these, with the other one being on my bed)
2- two Japanese futon mats from Amazon, stacked to create a comfy “bed” (which will also be a great sleeping option for my niece when she comes to visit)
3- pillows from Target and Etsy
3- The Anywhere Stress Relief Bowl
Both my husband and I have stress that bubbles up from time to time during our work hours. I created stress relief “flash cards” that I placed in a bowl. The bowl is currently sitting in our office. Whenever we feel stress coming on, we draw a card from the bowl and do whatever relaxing thing it tells us to do.
Learn more about the cards and get my FREE downloadable and printable set by clicking this link.
4- The Pool and Bathtub
While I didn’t “create” these as formal relaxation stations, I know that water can be very healing. Anytime I am feeling really stressed out, taking a warm bath with some Epsom salt sprinkled in (helpful for muscle tension relief) it always does the trick.
Me, in a my favorite vintage swimsuit
I also love swimming. Whether it’s at the beach or in my pool, the water calms me and brings me back into a more relaxed state-of-mind.
Have you used any of my tips and tricks? If so, let me know by leaving a comment in the comment section below. Or, leave a tip on how you like to relax for others to read about.
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C.J. Braden is a regular contributor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her by clicking here.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.