How to Create a Mini-Escape
Too harried to be healthy? Time to find a spot where the responsibilities of work, family and life just melt away.
Article By: Jason de Beer

It's hard to stay motivated when it seems like you're spending every waking moment taking care of everyone but yourself. But the resourceful members of our Community have found some creative, easy ways to free up time and space, allowing them to slip into blissful quietude.

Read their inspiring strategies for carving out some much-needed "me time," then think about ways you can schedule in your own self-pampering asap.



Create a space of serenity
“Instead of using the overhead lighting that came with the house, I use lamps. This way I can get that nice, cozy glow that I want in my home instead of being bombarded from above. I even use lamps in my kitchen, because it only has a fluorescent light.” —HOLVICH

“I insist on keeping my home as neat and uncluttered as possible. It's especially important that my kitchen, which is the first room I enter from my front door, is neat and the table is clear or has a vase of flowers or a decorative bowl on it.” —KLAROTONDA
Take time for you
“My favorite haven is a hot bath with no light except a great scented candle.” —SANDYP99

“I get up when it's still dark outside and very quiet inside. I enjoy my coffee, maybe I’ll read or watch some news, but this is my time.” —GINNYLV

“Exercising is purely my time. “Whether I'm on the elliptical or in a kickboxing class, I think of nothing but working out and what is happening in the present.” —LAURABETH22

“My favorite spot to meditate is on my cushion in a quiet part of the house. I light a candle, set a meditation timer for 10 minutes and allow myself to enter a tranquil space, putting down my burdens for at least that portion of time.” —EARTHINSONG
Carve out solo space
“We have a fourth bedroom in our house that has been set aside as my ‘office.’ I painted and decorated the room to my liking. In there I have my computer, TV, books, workout equipment and exercise DVDs. The best part is, it's on the opposite side of the house from the noise and bustle of the TV room. My boys know that it is ‘Mom's area.’” —KATIENAP

“The bathtub is my sanctuary. I grab the bubble bath, and either a good book or my laptop to watch a movie while I relax. I always bring two glasses of water in with me — it's a good time to get in two of my eight.” —MOONLITMAGNOLIA
Embrace nature
"I lead an extremely busy and hectic life, but one hour per day is mine. During that hour I walk or jog alone in the hills where I live. That hour always helps me to refocus and to relax, and when I’ve returned I feel energized, refocused, and ready resume my busy life.” —KCA195

“My peaceful time to myself is after I drop my grandkids off at school. I walk along by the river. It is a beautiful walk that relaxes me and gets me off to a good start for the day. When it is warmer, I sometimes take a book along, and just enjoy the river and people going by." —BDBOWTIMOM