With the sudden spread of Covid-19, many of us have found ourselves spending a lot more time at home. Whether you’ve transitioned to working from home, have had to stay home to take care of your children, have been laid off or are just practising the art of social distancing and self-quarantine, I’m guessing you can relate.

You may be experiencing fear, anxiety, uncertainty and worry. Things are changing day by day. In such a crazy time, having a space that grounds and calms you is essential. 

Making our home a cozy retreat is one of the things we can control right now (along with our self-care practices, our reactions, our mindsets, and how we treat and show up for others).

Here are some of my top tips to turn your home into a haven:

✨ Create designated spaces for your favourite activities.

This could look like a tidy, organized kitchen where your inner master chef can come out and play at a moment’s notice. It could be a corner of your home office that’s set up with your yoga mat so you can practise your morning sun salutations without having to rearrange a thing. Or a tranquil, cozy nook where you can meditate, read a novel or play the guitar. Whatever you love to do, set up your home so that there’s space for it and so that you can integrate the activity more seamlessly into your everyday life.

✨ Have fun with colour.

Some people love minimalist white spaces, and if that’s you, then rock it! Most people thrive on colours, though, so I always recommend embracing them and having some fun. You can incorporate colours that subtly change your mood through small changes, like switching up pillows and throws or painting a wall or two. Wondering what colour to choose? Just follow your intuition. The colour that’s resonating with me lately is blue. It’s calming, soothing and signifies stability. 

✨ Make your bedroom your personal sanctuary.

Your bedroom is your personal retreat and a space that is truly yours, especially if you have kids or roommates. Do whatever you can to make this the most tranquil, relaxing room in your home. Ditch the tech, keep it uncluttered, add cozy touches like candles and a plush blanket, incorporate artwork that you love, install ambient lighting… the options are endless.

✨ Embrace organization.

Tidying and organizing your home isn’t always the most fun activity, but there’s a reason that Marie Kondo is so popular — when you’re done, you feel amazing and so does your home! Digging out all your things from the closets, cupboards and drawers then organizing them, ditching or donating what you don’t want, and putting the rest back in perfect order is deeply satisfying (I also recommend throwing in a deep clean somewhere in there). Do it once and your home will feel completely different. 

✨ Reconnect with yourself and bring your home to life.

This means different things to different people. You’ll know what it is for you. Speakers in the kitchen so you can blast John Mayer and have kitchen dance parties? Soft, scented candles in the bathroom ready for your next reading-in-the-bubble-bath evening? Plants, flowers and a windowsill herb garden? Incorporate more of whatever brings you joy into your home so you can enjoy it everyday. It’s worth the effort.

Are you nesting right now? What are your top tips? Reply and let me know!