What is it about visiting a resort or spa that is so relaxing? Why is it that our moods change dramatically? Soon after arriving we begin to unwind. Our minds no longer jump frenetically from one task to the next. For some, the perfect retreat is hiking in the mountains; others enjoy a week-long yoga experience. For me, the beach is nirvana. Each can be a place that we feel a little more in touch with ourselves. Somehow our minds drift back to center. We begin to refocus on who we are, those dear to us, reestablish our goals, and step back from the pace of the world.
Resorts do their part in creating a beautiful atmosphere which facilitates this metamorphosis in us. If we pay attention, there are things we can do to borrow ideas and create our own, personalized havens.
If adopting some simple principles enables you to incorporate tranquility into your life, wouldn’t it be worth it?
When you return home, does the relief you experienced while away dissipate quickly? Here are some ways to work minimalism and simplicity into your own lifestyle.
- Surroundings ~ Close your eyes and visualize the last resort you visited. Chances are your surrounding were beautiful, simple and elegantly decorated. Everything you needed was within reach — no more, no less. There was no clutter to be found. The ten hangers in the closet seemed sufficient. Would you feel more peaceful at home if it were less cluttered? Would it reduce your stress level? If there were a beautifully made bed and fresh towels waiting for you at the end of the day, would your home become more welcoming? Due to flight restrictions, we’ve reduce our cosmetics and toiletries significantly. Therefore, bathroom counter clutter is cut in half as is our morning preparation time while away. What if we applied this change at home?
- Company ~ Who were you with on vacation? Whether you’re surrounded by your family, favorite friends or fly solo, you’ve made a specific choice about the company you kept. Why do we sometimes feel more in control of our time and choices while away than when living our everyday lives? Being with people that lift us may actually make us healthier. It certainly makes us happier. Do you include these people into your daily life as much as possible? Why not?
- Packing ~ What did you pack? Does the thought of losing your luggage make you flinch? It does for most people because we bring the best of the best. So, as a Professional Organizer I ask, what’s left over? Consider reevaluating the items clogging your closet that aren’t being used. Getting ready for the day while on vacation is easy. There aren’t many choices, and, usually, they are all good. What if you boiled your wardrobe down to the cream of the crop at home? What if you removed items that don’t fit, feel good or flatter you? What would you be left with? It’s probably the things in your suitcase. Weeding through the duds doesn’t start our day with the same sense of freedom. It weighs us down.
- Location ~ As discussed earlier, we all have different ideas of the perfect location for our retreat. What’s yours? Are there places like it near home? Can you plan day trips there? Better yet, can part or all of your home reflect your favorite oasis?
- Activities ~ What did you do while away? Chances are you never used the TV or iron. We’re often focused on making the most of our time while away. Was screen time on devices reduced significantly? What would it take to make similar changes at home? What were the benefits of these changes? Did you feel calmer, enjoy better connections and communication, or simply have more fun?
There’s no rule stating that retreats are limited to once a year. Take them home with you. Turn your home into your haven. Fill your life just a little bit more – with experiences, not stuff.
It’s not about a full transformation in one day. By making small comforts ordinary, our homes can become our havens and places we crave returning to each evening.
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