If we’re lucky, home is a personal sanctuary.

At the same time that it offers us respite from the world, it often teems with reminders of never-ending to-dos. When exploring mind-body self-care practices in shared spaces, it can feel really difficult to get our heads into the right mindset and temporarily detach from all of the happenings and responsibilities within these spaces.

Defining the space by claiming and clearing it will absolutely help make these mental/emotional transitions easier. Gently alert your inner being to drop busy thoughts and seek peace by setting the stage in the most basic way. Whether utilizing an outdoor space, a dedicated separate room in your home, or a small corner of your bedroom or living room, fear not-- you can (and should!) successfully create a comforting atmosphere that allows you to escape stress and distraction!

Try to keep the space immediately around you minimal, clean, and as intentionally supportive of YOU as possible. This can be the 2x6 space that your yoga mat occupies, or the entire room— but don’t let a messy space stop you from caring for yourself. Comfy and relaxing are key as you move your attention away from the world outside and nurture your five senses with items that promote a sense of joy and inner calm.

Gather a token from nature (a stone or a sprig of something from the garden), a cozy blanket, a special journal and pen, an image that sparks happiness, a yoga mat in your favorite color, a chapstick in your favorite flavor, a steaming mug of tea— you get the idea. Safely light a clean-burning candle, earthy incense, or a smudge bundle of dried herbs. Diffuse, spray, or apply essential oils. Overtime these sensory triggers will help your psyche to activate the strategy of association— when you smell, taste, touch, and view these items, your brain will remember the calming sensations that follow, conditioned toward relaxation before you even begin. It’s kind of magical how well this works.

Play soft music for auditory conditioning. My favorite sounds for meditation and breathwork are crystal singing bowl/ sound bath recordings (found on YouTube), lo-fi hip hop/ chillhop playlists, and indie folk music when engaging in mindful movement. But you do you, choosing something non-distracting, gentle, and supportive. It’s incredible how sound can completely transform the feel of a space.

I didn't have access to a private area to practice yoga, meditation, breath work, etc., for many years after becoming a mama, but I still always managed to claim time and space for myself using the above tips. For a longtime my morning self-care space was in the living room (or backyard deck during warmer weather) before the rest of the family woke up for the day. I'd continue my practices while being climbed on and snuggled with, until I couldn't concentrate any longer!

Many years into parenting I've finally carved out a space in my home that is quiet and private for the most part. It’s on the top floor and I lovingly call it the perch because the bright windows are my favorite part, offering a bird’s eye view on level with the tree tops and sunrise peaks (if I’m up early enough). It’s simple, but perfect (though 1. yes, it still gets cluttered with family items and needs periodic clearing, 2. It doesn’t have a door to lock so I do have sweet little visitors, and 3. I sometimes still choose to use the communal living room and yard just because). My point is, do the best you can with what you have. Think creatively and value your you-time by prioritizing it at the top of your to-do, and all areas of life will benefit. Family/roommates/ housemates will all learn to respect it as a non-negotiable— if you do.