Guides
Self-Care at Home: Design as Therapy, According to Experts
We asked our experts for their favorite home self-care practices. What we got in return? A jam-packed list of easy ways to unwind and get out of a rut.
1. Swap Social Media for a Podcast
The best way to break a habit? Replace it with another. Ditch the scrolling and give your eyes a rest from screens. Instead, try giving your ears some media. Audiobooks or podcasts are a great way to keep your mind engaged (if that’s what you need) while resting at home.
Recs From an Expert:
“To keep yourself from reaching for your phone/tablet when you’re at home and bored, set up a space that invokes the senses and is more conducive to grounding. I love bringing in fresh plants, which are known to clear the air and calm nerves. Create a seating area that’s not centered around a TV. Add tactile things to encourage you to stay cozy and zen: soft throw blankets, floor pillows, scented candles.”
Meis Elnoiemey, Interior Designer
For Cozying Up to a Good Book
2. Take a Bubble Bath
If there’s any self-care practice that is sure to lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and has made the top of our staff’s lists, it’s got to be a bubble bath. Drawing a bath forces you to slow down, breathe deeply and live in the present moment.
Recs From an Expert:
“Our mental states are often impacted by the spaces around us. Design, visuals and tidiness have a huge effect on calming and centering. Create a bathroom space that helps you stay peaceful during morning routines and night routines. Candles and plants on the counter are great for this. For baths, essential oils, a nourishing cup of tea and a chic bath tray will just enhance the calming vibes!”
Meis Elnoiemey, Interior Designer
For Tea Time
3. Give Yourself a Manicure + Pedicure
Audiobooks and baths not quite your style? A just-as-simple (if not more so) self-care at home practice is the at-home mani-pedi. Treat yourself to a new bottle of polish (any excuse for a shopping pick-me-up is as good an excuse as any!) and paint away during your off-hours. You’ll literally have to watch paint dry, but you’ll get a fresh new look out of it (and some forced quiet time).
Recs From an Expert:
“Interior design can be sneaked into any self-care ritual, even a mani-pedi. Have you ever considered a DIY home nail salon? Transforming a vanity desk with a mirror into a manicure station makes it easy to pamper yourself at home. Show off bottles of nail polish, files, nail clippers and more. Add a tip jar — for yourself!
Meis Elnoiemey, Interior Designer
4. Get Artsy With a Coloring Book
For many of us, a mental block or problem is often more easily tackled when stepped away from for a little while. To get your mind off worries, a simple, repetitive task that requires simple focus can help. This is why adult coloring books have garnered so much popularity. They make the perfect at-home self-care ritual — just before bedtime, on a Saturday afternoon or while you sip morning coffee.
Recs From an Expert:
"For those looking to improve their well-being through the hobby of crafts or coloring, I advise a second look at vanities and desks! The beautiful thing about the vanity desk is that it’s so versatile. Throw away the idea of it being for makeup. Set it up as an arts station, crafting desk, or anything hobby-specific. The drawers come in handy for organizing tools, mediums, papers and books. Find one that will help you turn your goals into routines and realities!"
Christopher Frean, Interior Designer
For Devoting Yourself to the Craft
5. Re-Evaluate Your Skincare Routine
We’re not experts in skincare, so we won’t tout the benefits of face masks. We are, however, experts in feeling good in your space — and more than a few of our staff love a good skincare routine for an endorphin-boost. Whether your current routine is non-existent, or you’re already on top of the exfoliating game, taking a fresh look at fresh products and trends makes for great self-pampering.
Recs From an Expert:
“In my work, I try to look at a home’s design in a way that will support a client’s routines. It differs for everyone. For someone to whom multi-step skincare plays a role in their wellness goals, a bathroom or bedroom lounge space that caters to it will help make skincare second-nature. Comfort and convenience are the “C”s to think about when designing this space. A chair you’ll love to sit in. A clean table with organization. Bright, fresh lighting to invigorate!”
Meis Elnoiemey, Interior Designer
Skincare Routine Organizers
6. Get Up for the Sunrise
Maximize the health benefits that come from hydrating in the morning — by hydrating with the sunrise. Get out in the open air and use your porch or patio space to meditate or reflect before the world wakes up. If waking up is a struggle, allow yourself 15 minutes to adjust after the alarm clock: after 15 minutes of walking around, soaking in the sunrise and getting fresh air, you’ll feel brand new.
Recs From an Expert:
“One major design trend right now is looking more to your outdoor spaces. Realizing that they can be just as beautiful as your indoors. Even the smallest porch space can receive these benefits! Rethink your sunrise-watching space, and you just may find yourself becoming more and more of a morning person, one patio accent pillow at a time!”
Christopher Frean, Interior Designer
Almost As Good as the Actual Thing
7. Treat Yourself
Self-care activities don’t have to be health-focused. If takeout + a movie makes you feel comforted and cared for on a Friday night, there’s no reason not to call it self-care. Amp up movie night with theater-like chairs, mood lighting and your favorite pajamas. If needed, let yourself fall asleep on the sofa: there’s perhaps no greater joy in life than an unplanned nap!
Recs From an Expert:
“It’s amazing what the right theater seating can do to virtually transform a TV room into a movie theater zone. Choose from features such as adjustable footrests, adjustable headrests, reclining seats, armrests with cup holders, and !”
Christopher Frean, Interior Designer
Just Add Popcorn + a Movie
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How Do I Start Self-Care at Home?
While there are tangible ways to get out of the funk, the best thing to do is to listen to your body. Your mind and physical health give you signals for a reason, so if you're feeling tired or anxious, resting is critical. From walking on a treadmill, which gets your heart pumping, to taking a wind-down bath, do activities that keep you focused on the present.
What Are 5 Things I Can Do for Self-Care?
First, try closing your eyes for two minutes and focusing on your breath. Second, reading a book offers a reminder that there are other, more valuable ways to spend time besides social media. Third, take a bath, which can feel like a warm, cozy hug, especially when the senses are invoked via candles, too. Fourth, Write a letter or call a friend; communicating outside of texting or screens can foster deeper relationships. Fifth, cook or bake from scratch, which forces you to focus on the task and can help omit intrusive thoughts or time to worry.
What Is a Favorite Self-Care Activity?
Some of the most popular self-care activities are ones that are free, easy and actually work. These include taking power naps, meditating, brewing and enjoying tea while curled up with a good book and crafting. The best self-care activity is one that is personal to you: whatever calms and grounds you, and afterwards, revitalizes you.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
