The world is loud. Notifications, responsibilities, stress…and it follows us. We can’t just turn off the noise when we get home, especially if we live with children or other family members. But all of this constant stimulation puts us on edge; our nervous systems become over sensitized and many of us develop anxiety. There should be at least one sacred space in our lives where our souls can exhale.
When we moved into a new home a few years ago with my mother-in-law, this was non-negotiable for me. There was a bonus room on the top level of the home, and I had claimed it as my sanctuary. Not because I needed to get away from anyone, but because I knew the importance of being able to block out the noise and find stillness; the importance of having a small space that felt safe to me. I kept it simple – a bed, a desk, and some organization. I put a few things in there that felt pretty and calming. Creating a peaceful corner of the home doesn’t require tons of space or expensive décor; it just needs a little intention.
Why Our Homes Affect Our Well-Being
Our environment shapes how we feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Clutter creates noise. Lighting affects mood and sleep. It’s important to have a peaceful environment that supports inner healing – somewhere we can retreat for prayer, reflection, creativity, or quiet time without feeling bogged down with overwhelming external stimuli. Somewhere we can relax, exhale, and focus on things that are often put on the back burner. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to pay attention to my devotional if I’m surrounded by unfinished chores, phone notifications, and clutter.
Even Jesus withdrew to quiet places. It’s ok to seek a little solace within the walls of your home. Peace teaches our nervous systems to relax in a world that is constantly threatening to overwhelm them.
Choose One Small Space
You don’t need a huge house, a separate wing of the house, or a perfectly styled bedroom. You can start with just a corner of your bedroom or a sitting room. Or a bedside table. It can also be a reading chair, a balcony, a prayer closet, or even a bathroom. The point is to make it reliably yours. This should be a cozy corner of sacred space that invites you to relax. Maybe a smaller space feels more manageable to you. A comfortable chair with a soft blanket and a little side table with your journals is perfectly acceptable. Peace is created through consistency, not size. As long as the space feels like home, that is enough.
Clear unnecessary clutter and keep it clear. Keep only useful and meaningful items nearby. Use soft textures like fuzzy blankets and squishy pillows, and keep any décor calm and intentional.
Though I do have a whole room, it’s a little two-seater sofa with a nightstand next to it that I consider my retreat. It’s where I sit to journal, rest, read, or sit quietly during the day. I could have put that sofa anywhere and made it my own.
Engage the Senses
If you have a hard time shutting off your mind, consider engaging it in a different manner. Peace can be experienced through the body as much as through the mind, and engaging your senses can bring a sense of peace while your mind is still running at full speed. Set the mood with lighting. If it’s daytime, open a window and use the sunlight. If I’m going to rest on my sofa-retreat, you bet the overhead lights are off. Thankfully, I have a large window with blinds I can pull open just for this purpose. If it’s evening, use candles or lamps. Bright, overhead lights after sunset can actually keep your nervous system on high alert and make it difficult to relax. Soft lighting tells the body it’s time to slow down.
This is a great opportunity to use scents if you’re into them. Eucalyptus can be invigorating; lavender can help you relax. Vanilla is nostalgic and soothing. Using these scents each time you relax in your sacred space can connect the scent memory to calm and relaxation.
If you can’t drown out the noise, put on some light instrumental music. Or maybe you want to use this time to worship with your favorite artists. Or you can find some nature sounds to accompany your quiet time. Tuning out distractions helps us to calm down and hear God more clearly.
Create a Habit in that Space
An intentionally cozy corner, no matter the size, layout, or décor, becomes powerful through repeated use. You can use it for anything, such as morning coffee, scripture reading, journaling, or a few minutes of silence before bed. As the saying goes, “use it or lose it.” Repeated use can help your brain to expect peace and calm when you’re sitting in your sacred space.
Ensure that everyone knows you are not to be bothered at these times. It might be wishful thinking for those of us with children but try to block off that time as much as possible so that you can fully relax and reset your nervous system while you’re there. It’s ok to start with just five minutes while the kids play with chalk. Or for just a little while before anyone else is awake. Take what you can get. Even quick, simple habits can become grounding routines that stand out against your to-do list. Peace is built in small moments repeated consistently.
Let Go of Perfection
Peace and perfection are not the same thing. Homes are lived in. It can be hard to steal a few minutes of quiet time when we’re surrounded by people who love and need us. It can be impossible to keep a home, or a corner of it, clean when other people live there and we’re busy day and night. That’s ok – these are blessings to be grateful for. Healing environments don’t have to look luxurious or spotless. Social media has distorted our idea of what a peaceful environment must look like, but I assure you it can be found in the ordinary.
Make your space simple, authentic, and tailored to you. Have grace for the rest. A peaceful space is not one that impresses people. It’s one that speaks to your heart, whatever that looks like.
Conclusion
Peace is not something that happens, it’s cultivated intentionally. It can be created through grounding habits of slowing down and being still. And if a cozy corner helps you accomplish that, then I encourage you to go for it. If you have other ways of cultivating peace at home, I’d love to hear them. Please share them in the comments below!
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