As parents, we spend most of our lives dedicated to raising our children. 

From the moment they are born, we focus on nurturing and protecting them as they grow and learn. However, eventually, the time comes when the kids leave home to pursue their dreams and goals. 

For many parents, this is a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, we are proud of our children and excited for them to begin this new chapter of their lives. On the other hand, we’re left with an empty nest, a home that once echoed with the sounds of laughter and play is now eerily quiet.

As an empty nester, navigating this new chapter in my life was sometimes dispiriting. To cheer me up and to help ease the transition, I decided to focus on creating a space that is uniquely my own. 

For me, this meant turning the family room into a wellness oasis that engages all five senses.

Smell 

I have always loved fragrances, and I knew that the right scent could create an atmosphere of relaxation and calmness. After researching different options, I settled on a diffuser that could fill the room with the aroma of lavender, my favorite scent. I also splurged on a number of heavenly-scented candles that I could light when I wanted to create an even more serene ambiance.

Sight

The family room was once a dimly lit space with a massive TV as the focal point. I decided to strip the room down to its bare bones and start fresh. I started with dimmer switches and soft, warm light bulbs to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The dark walls were replaced by a fresh coat of pale yellow paint that now warmly envelope the room. The space now exudes tranquility thanks to some minimalist decor, potted plants, and plush floor pillows. Taking away that big black screen has greatly impacted my overall mood. 

Touch 

I invested in a comfortable chair that I could sink into after a long day. I added some plush throw pillows and a soft blanket, which looked inviting and provided a tactile experience. I placed a plush rug on the floor to create an even cozier atmosphere – something I would have never done with the kids at home.

Hearing 

I decided to add soft music to the room to engage my auditory senses. I invested in a high-quality Bluetooth speaker to connect to my phone and create playlists of my favorite songs. I also placed the speaker in a spot that would be manageable but could still fill the room with sound.

Taste

While adding a sense of taste to a room may seem odd, having a small snack or drink nearby can make a huge difference in how I feel. I added a small mini fridge to the room and filled it with bottled water, my favorite tea, and a few healthy snacks. The fridge nearby allowed me to enjoy a little refreshment without leaving the room.

Creating a personal wellness space in my home has profoundly impacted my mood and overall well-being. Taking the time to design a space that intentionally engages all of my senses has promoted relaxation, helped reduce my sense of melancholy, and even improved my sleep quality.

By prioritizing my own self-care and creating a space that supports it, I’ve managed to uplift my mood and enhance my daily life.

As a side note, creating an oasis in an unused room was one way to ease the transition to being an empty nester. Another is staying connected with my kids. They may have left home, but that doesn’t mean our relationship has to diminish. Scheduling regular phone calls and video chats to check in helps. To my surprise and delight, I have found they also need to connect – because they miss me just as much as I miss them.

Adaptogens to the Rescue

Are you searching for ways to combat stress and anxiety to improve your overall health?

Look no further than adaptogens.

Cultures have used these plant-based substances for centuries, and they are gaining popularity in our modern times.

And among them, functional mushrooms are emerging as some of the most powerful. Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, and Shiitake all contain unique compounds that support the immune system, enhance energy levels, and reduce inflammation.

Making Stonehenge Health’s functional mushroom blend, Dynamic Mushrooms™, a part of a healthy lifestyle, can help you adapt to physical and mental stressors and support your brain and immune system health. Dynamic Mushrooms™ can give you that extra natural boost you need to tackle the day.