Creating a designated space at home that's calm and free from distractions can really help the mind settle down and stay focused. Here are some easy ideas:

1. Choose Your Space.

Most of us don’t live in huge mansions, so don’t worry - you don’t need to dedicate an entire room to your calm space—maybe you can choose a sunny corner in your living room or a small table in your kitchen or you could simple use a favourite chair in any room.

If you want something more defined, try transforming a bedroom corner into a private space, by using a sheer curtain as a divider, Try to think about somewhere you can be quiet and won’t be disturbed. Maybe set yourself a time – for example 30 minutes after tea – and tell the rest of the household that you’ll need a bit of peace and quiet at this time.

2. Get organised.

Finding ‘homes’ for things, so they’re no longer cluttering up surfaces, can really help to create a clean and clear space, which in turn can help make the home more tranquil.

Declutter your space by organising your stuff into three piles: one for keeping, one for donating/car booting, and one for recycling /throwing away. Get rid of things you haven’t used for 12 months and store small items like notepads and pencils in tins or boxes to reduce the look of clutter.

3. Eliminate distractions

Ok, we know this is the real world and there’s always noise – in the home and outside of it - but you can still avoid distractions: move the laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

4. Increase natural light

Open the curtains in your space to let in more natural light. If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your home, invest in a lamp. If you find dark spaces more relaxing, opt for candles or lamps that provide mood lighting. Use the candles safely!

5. Choose calming colours

Fancy a bit of decorating? Calming colours like light grey, lavender, and light shades of blue should be in places where you intend to be more mindful. Neutral colours like whites, creams, and soft beiges can also help create a calming space. Add a neutral-toned throw, or soft cushions to your space, for a more relaxing and cosy feel.

6. Use natural elements

Nature has a calming effect on most of us. If you don’t have an outdoor space to utilise, bring natural elements inside your home by surrounding yourself with plants. If you’re new to indoor plants, start with the easy ones like spider plants – fairly indestructible!

7. Personalise your space

Choose colours and an overall decorating style that avoid distractions and allows you to pay closer attention to your surroundings. However, you can still include a few personalised items that inspire you and bring you peace. Ideally, have a shelf or side table nearby, filled with simple items. Maybe you could lean a picture of a sandy beach on it and place a shell that you’ve collected. Or perhaps put one of your new plants.

No matter what else is happening in your home, your calm space is a dedicated reminder of your desire to take a breath and dedicate some time to yourself.