Simply sitting still and reflecting is truly powerful. Meditation can melt away the stress of your day, it can guide you towards healthier habits, it can even bring clarity to a spiraling mind of endless thoughts. Just 10 minutes a day of this self-care ritual can elevate your mental wellness substantially.

But, it must be intentional each day. By creating a meditation nook in your home, you’re actively taking a stance to make your mental well-being a priority in your life. Meditation nooks can help you create the ambience you need to anchor yourself to the present moment.

We spoke to our designer, Si Wai Ng, who brought us into her home in Macau (as seen below) to show us how to create a meditation nook of our own with 3 simple tips.

1. Choose the space intentionally

Choosing a comfortable, quiet space in your home sets the stage for a calming, peaceful practice. Whether it’s simply a corner of your home or an entire room, you’ll want to make sure it’s clean and free of clutter before you start to shape the ambience. 

A space with natural lighting is always recommended when possible. Once you’ve chosen your space, make sure you add comfortable seating like a meditation chair, a pouf cushion, throw pillows, a mat or floor rug, or simply a plush blanket to sit on. 

Si Wai chose a corner in her home with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the breathtaking green mountains of Macau - a space with plenty of natural light, centered around her rattan pouf and woven mat, and of course the calming view of nature. Which brings us to our next tip!

Notice the "Inhale, Exhale" art Si Was chose for her meditation nook.

2. Bring in Nature

It has been scientifically proven that nature is calming for body and mind. In fact, a study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that a natural environment allowed people to leave the stressors of their devices behind and instead focus their minds on something more pure. By centering your mind, you can relax your body.

So we recommend filling your nook with natural plants and crystals to create an oasis inspired by our beautiful earth. 

Add a small side table to your nook to place your crystals, plants, singing bowls, and candles.

3. Aromatherapy and the Power of Scent

Speaking of candles! Scent has a powerful effect on our memories, emotions, and even cognition due to its unique interrelationship with the brain’s frontal cortex. Because of this unique ability, lighting a scented candle with essential oils or using a diffuser in your space can cultivate a sense of calm and peace, which will help you unwind for your meditation ritual.

Si Wai says that not only does it freshen the air, but the presence of essential oils provides the space with uplifting and invigorating properties, which can instantly elevate your mood and stimulate your senses. As the meditation art in her nook reminds us, "Inhale, Exhale."

Namaste