The summer season is ideal for stepping back and finding your inner calm. Designing a calming meditation space in your home can support this process.
Did you ever wish for a peaceful nook to simply be yourself, particularly on those long, hazy summer days when everything seems just a little too loud, too quick, or too much? Summer may be filled with sun and social plans, but it can also be the ideal time to unwind and get back to yourself. With some thoughtful touches, you can create a calming summer meditation room that nurtures your body, calms your mind, and is your sanctuary.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Season for a Mindful Reset
Summer has always been a season of bloom and energy. But for many, it also brings mental restlessness, screen fatigue, and that “I’m always doing something” kind of burnout. A 2017 analysis of 45 studies found that meditation may play a role in lowering physical indicators of stress.
How To Create a Relaxing Summer Meditation Space at Home
1. Choose Your Calm Corner
You don’t need an entire room or a fancy outdoor space to start meditating. You just need a quiet corner, somewhere that is safe, serene, and yours. Perhaps it’s that sun-kissed corner by your bedroom window, a shaded area of your balcony, or a quiet area under the ceiling fan in your living room.
If you live with others or in a smaller space, don’t worry. You can have a temporary meditation space with room dividers, floor cushions, or even a light curtain to establish boundaries for your practice.
2. Let Nature In
Place a potted plant or fresh flowers nearby to bring nature into your meditation space. If you have access to a garden, even better—sit under a tree, listen to the birds, and let the natural light kiss your skin. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that just 20 minutes spent in nature can help reduce cortisol levels, which are linked to stress.
3. Simplify Your Setup
Keep it simple. A cosy cushion, a mat or rug, and a light throw or shawl at most. In summer, select light fabrics, such as cotton or linen that do not retain heat. If cross-legged sitting isn’t your preference, go for a supportive chair. Mindfulness doesn’t involve pain or perfection—only being present.
Lighting also counts. Warm, soft lighting is best for morning or evening sessions. You can utilise fairy lights, salt lamps, or plain tea lights to set the mood.
4. Add a Touch of Scent
The aroma can quickly alter your mood and mindset. Experiment with calming essential oils, such as lavender, sandalwood, eucalyptus, or chamomile. You can use a diffuser, incense sticks, or simply create a summer spritz with water and a few drops of oil to mist the area before commencement.
5. Create a Ritual
The beauty of mindfulness is in its simplicity. However, establishing a soft ritual around your practice can help you stick with it. Start with five deep breaths. Light your candle. Put your phone on aeroplane mode. Then sit. Even 10 minutes a day can work wonders for your mind and nervous system. You can also incorporate journaling or gratitude lists into your post-meditation routine.
6. Keep It Flexible
Your meditation space is yours. Allow it to change with your moods. One day it may be your quiet retreat, another day a breathwork station or yoga mat. Don’t confine it. Allow your space and your mind to remain open and flexible, like summer itself.
