The Glossed Over Blog

Tips to make your safe space

Throughout my college experience, I have realized what it means to have my own space. For context, I grew up with two brothers and being the only girl, I always got my own room. When I was young I would rearrange my space every month, just for fun. Now as I am moving back into college, I have a blank canvas for how I want to make my bedroom feel like home. Here is where I started and how it turned out:

1. Set the Mood with Color and Lighting

Giving your space the right lighting can change the whole vibe of a room. Overhead lights can be harsh for my small space so adding in lighting for aesthetics helps your mind wind down. My sunlamp creates the perfect cozy lighting for me, I also prefer soft lighting like warm toned light bulbs in my lamps. With creating your retreat, fill it with colors and textures that make you happiest. Make sure you choose something that is pleasing to you.

2. Declutter and Simplify

This one may be obvious but keeping a clean and organized place helps reduce your stress. Looking at a clean (whatever your definition may be) space can help you get less distracted on other tasks. Be conscious when you are choosing storage or furniture, choose something that can be multi-purpose to save space. Along with keeping your space clean, create an  organization system to maintain cleanness. Organization makes it feel like you have your life together a little more. When things feel crowded, take time to change something that isn’t working. 

3. Incorporate Personal Touches

My favorite part of making spaces feel like mine is showcasing all the crafts I make and things I’ve been gifted. Pieces that tell a story and feel like me. From my time in Italy, I collected post cards, tickets, receipts, etc. to make a collage of things that remind me of how lucky I am for that opportunity. Fill your space with pictures and reminders of who you are as a person. Without adding your own touches, your room would have no personality, and who wants that?

4. Create Rituals That Enhance Rest

Create a calm space for night time routine to do your journaling, skin care, reading, etc. I recommend playing some slow music or white noise to start to turn your brain off. This post isn’t about night routines, but doing so in a space you genuinely feel safe in can change your mentality about giving your body and brain rest. Also in the morning and throughout the day, keep your blinds or curtains open to create more natural lighting. Light exposure is a good way to start your day!

Your bedroom should be a place where you feel at peace. Remember that this is not a space to be perfected, but to be your most authentic self. I encourage you to start small and make easy and maintainable changes that are meaningful to your space. Your area will start to evolve with you when you take the time to make it your own. 

I appreciate you!

♡ Hattie