Self-care isn’t just a New Year’s resolution or something to prioritize when life gets overwhelming — it’s a year-round need. Yet, with packed schedules and endless to-do lists, it’s understandable that many of us still let our well-being slip through the cracks.
That’s why creating a self-care sanctuary for your home is so important. It takes self-care from an occasional luxury to a practical part of your daily routine. By creating a dedicated space in your home that invites calm and relaxation, you’re giving yourself permission to pause, recharge and show up for what matters most.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform any corner of your home into a personal self-care sanctuary. From choosing the right spot to adding thoughtful details that soothe your mind and body, you’ll discover how to make self-care a natural part of your everyday life, no matter how busy things get.
1. Get to Know Your Self-Care Needs
To build a self-care sanctuary in your home, you first need to understand what relaxation and mindfulness mean to you. Remember, this is a deeply personal journey — what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for someone else.
Start by asking yourself what times of day you feel most in need of relaxation. Is it after you’ve come home from work or during the weekends? If you work from home, do you need a quiet space throughout the day to decompress and clear your mind?
Next, think about the type of environment or atmosphere that would help you feel calm and rejuvenated. Do you prefer a quiet space or do you find comfort in certain sounds (like gentle music, rainfall or nature sounds)? Consider the role of lighting, colors and scents in your relaxation process as well.
Reflect on how you’d like to feel during and after your self-care practice. Are you looking for physical relaxation, emotional release, mental clarity or a combination of these? Understanding the benefits you’re aiming to get can help guide the setup of your self-care space.
2. Find Activities That Promote Relaxation
After you’ve thought about your self-care needs, it’s time to identify specific activities that help you de-stress and enhance your well-being. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some examples to consider:
- Meditation and mindfulness: Spend a few quiet moments each day in reflection or try guided meditation apps to create a sense of calm and focus.
- Yoga or gentle stretching: Relieve physical tension and manage stress with movements that support both body and mind.
- Journaling: Use a journal to channel your thoughts, process emotions and set meaningful personal goals.
- Reading for pleasure: Dive into books that spark your interest, whether it’s fiction, poetry or non-fiction. Prefer listening? Audiobooks are perfect for enjoying stories while driving, exercising or doing chores around the house.
- Creative outlets: Explore hobbies like painting, crafting and playing an instrument to release stress and spark your creativity.
- Mindful music listening: Whether you’re using headphones or a high-end sound system, listening to music in a mindful way is one of the best ways to unwind and relax.
- Exercise: Weightlifting, running on a treadmill, HIIT exercises and dancing aren’t just forms of self-care — they can help improve your health and promote overall well-being.
- Showcasing prized objects or collectibles: Dedicate a shelf or display area to items that hold sentimental value or spark joy, such as treasured keepsakes, mementos or a curated collection.
3. Choose a Self-Care Space in Your Home
Now, it’s time to choose an area in your home for your sanctuary. You don’t necessarily need a lot of room to create a self-care space — even a small corner or section of a room can work. Meditation and yoga, for example, may just require a comfortable cushion or roll-up mat. On the other hand, an artistic studio, music room or home gym will likely need more space, such as a spare room, garage or basement.
The key is to find an area that you can dedicate to your self-care activities so that it’s always there when you need it. Ideally, it’ll also be in a quiet part of your home and offer some level of privacy, especially if you live with family or roommates. If possible, setting it up near a window that gets natural light or has a view of some greenery can enhance the relaxation process.
| Tip: The best self-care space is one that is easily accessible whenever you need it. If the process of setting up your sanctuary is extensive or complicated, you might be less motivated to maintain your self-care routine. |
4. Declutter and Organize Your Chosen Area
All that’s left to do before you design your new relaxation space is a decluttering session. Start by identifying items that don’t contribute to your self-care goals. This may include work-related materials, electronics or general clutter. As you go through your things, categorize items into keep, donate or discard piles. Use storage solutions like baskets, boxes and shelves to organize the items in the “keep” pile, and relocate these to another place in your home or move them into a self-storage unit to clear up space.
If you need tips on decluttering and organizing, check out the following articles:
5. Decide What You'll Need for Your Self-Care Sanctuary
Now it’s time to think about the items that will make your space truly functional and inviting. Start by asking yourself a few key questions: What kind of furniture will make you most comfortable? Do you need specific tools or accessories? How about lighting — does the activity call for soft, relaxing light or bright, focused illumination?
Before rushing out to buy anything, take a look around your home. You may already have items tucked away in a self-storage unit or attic that you can repurpose for your sanctuary. For example, you may be able to refresh an old chair with a cozy throw or give an unused side table a second life as a spot for candles and journals. Even larger pieces, like a shelf, can be upcycled with a little creativity to suit your needs.
For smaller details, think about objects that make you feel calm or inspired. A favorite lamp, a soft rug or even a collection of books or artwork can enhance the space without requiring a shopping trip. By taking stock of what you already own and considering how to reuse or refresh those items, you’ll not only save money but also add a personal, meaningful touch that elevates your sanctuary beyond the basics.
6. Put Everything Together
With all your essentials ready and your space cleared of clutter, it’s time to bring your self-care sanctuary to life. Start by arranging your key items with intention, ensuring the space feels cohesive, inviting and tailored to your needs.
- Think about functionality first. Place larger pieces, like a chair, mat or desk, in a way that makes the space practical and easy to use. For example, position your meditation cushion in a quiet corner or arrange your yoga mat where you have plenty of room to stretch. If your sanctuary is for journaling or reading, ensure your chair and lighting are positioned for comfort and accessibility.
- Adjust the ambiance. If you’re struggling to dial in the right ambiance, try using calming colors (like soft blues, greens and earth tones) or warm, yellow lighting around 2700 Kelvins instead of cold white light.
- Layer in comfort and personality. Add cozy textures like a soft blanket, a plush rug or decorative pillows. Incorporate objects that bring you joy and calm, such as candles, plants and art.
- Keep it organized. Use baskets, bins or trays to neatly store smaller items like journals, art supplies, records and fitness gear. Having a dedicated place for everything makes it easier to maintain the tranquility of your sanctuary over time.
- Finally, step back and assess. Does the space feel inviting? Does it reflect your personal style and needs? Adjust as necessary until it feels just right. Your self-care sanctuary should be a place that draws you in — a reminder to pause and prioritize yourself every day.
7. Examples of Self-Care Sanctuaries to Inspire You
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some examples of self-care sanctuaries to help you jumpstart your own vision.
Meditation and Yoga Retreat Corner
Transform a quiet corner of your home into a meditation and yoga sanctuary, using a room divider or screen to partition the space. Furnish this area with a comfortable yoga mat, meditation cushions and a small table with a water carafe, candles, incense, flowers and an essential oil diffuser. Get a cute decorative storage box for any yoga accessories.
Reading and Relaxation Nook
Create a cozy nook dedicated to reading and relaxation. Select a comfortable armchair or daybed and pair it with a soft throw blanket and plush pillows. Position this space near a window to take advantage of natural light and include a small bookshelf stocked with your favorite books. Consider adding a side table for a cup of tea or coffee and a reading lamp for evening sessions.
Artistic and Creative Studio
If creativity is your form of self-care, set up an artistic studio space. This could involve a sturdy table for crafting, painting or drawing; a stool and ceramics wheel to throw clay at home; or a music studio complete with instruments, recording equipment and a record player. Get storage drawers to keep your supplies organized and paint the walls of your studio a soothing, inviting color.
Home Spa
Convert part of your bathroom into a mini home spa. This could include a small bathtub tray with bath salts or bombs, essential oils, candles and a small speaker to stream music. Incorporate fluffy towels, a cozy bathrobe and perhaps a small stool or chair for a pedicure or skincare routine.
Home Gym
Transform a corner of your home into a fitness-focused sanctuary with a sleek yoga mat, free weights and resistance bands. Add a full-length mirror to perfect your form and hang motivational artwork or quotes on the walls. Keep the space organized with baskets or shelves for your gear, and consider a Bluetooth speaker to play energizing playlists. Soft lighting or natural light will keep the atmosphere uplifting, making it a space you’ll look forward to visiting for your daily workouts.
Garden or Balcony Retreat
If you have an outdoor space like a garden or balcony, turn it into an open-air sanctuary. Buy outdoor-friendly cushions and throws to make seating areas comfortable, and add a table to hold a journal, tea or a sketchpad. Include potted plants, hanging baskets, a small water fountain and some string lights or lanterns to create the perfect vibe. If you love cooking, consider creating an outdoor kitchen you can use during the summer.
Self-Storage Sanctuary (We’re Not Joking!)
Who says your storage unit has to be purely utilitarian? With a bit of effort and creativity, you can turn your self-storage unit into a sanctuary that showcases your most cherished items. Start by selecting a corner or area of the unit to design as a cozy, inviting space. Arrange collectibles, heirlooms or objects that bring you joy on shelves or display tables, ensuring everything is visible and easy to admire.
Add personal touches like a comfortable chair or stool for those moments when you want to linger and enjoy your collection during a visit to your unit. Bring in soft lighting, such as battery-powered LED lamps, to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. A small rug or throw can further enhance the space, making it feel less like storage and more like a personal retreat.
8. Keep It Flexible
Flexibility is an important part of self-care and staying tuned to your evolving needs. Be open to adapting your sanctuary and trying different organizational hacks and strategies to make room for new activities you want to try. From time to time, you may also need to relocate your sanctuary temporarily when you need additional space. For example, you may need to clear an area to accommodate a dinner party or when you’re expecting overnight guests. In cases like these, a self-storage unit is a great way to keep your items safe and allow you to create a self-care space that can grow and change with you.
For more tips on self-care, organization and storage, head to the SmartStop blog.
