Guys have their basement bars and garage workshops. The kids have their bedrooms and their backyard clubhouse. The dog even has its own crate. It seems everyone in the family has a place to escape to—except you. Here’s how to change that. First:
4 Rules
Keep it work-free. You want a place where you can forget about everything you have to do and focus on what you like to do.
Tend toward timelessness. Ever look up at the clock and notice an hour has passed? If so, think about what you were doing then. Anything that takes you away from the world like that is worth doing more often.
Choose active or passive. Your space could be for doing or being. One isn’t any better than the other. Just pick one.
Make it you. Just as deer heads and neon beer signs might make your hubby happy, your space should have things that make you smile—photographs, flowers….
Now that you’ve got the concept:
8 Refuges
Garden spot. Vermont Wildflower Farm offers a Perfect Perennial Garden seed mix that contains 19 different flowers. Come spring, simply plant, water, add an Adirondack chair and gnome, and you’re set.
Bathtub. Get the kids’ toys out of there and tell your husband to stick with showers. Stockpile some tea lights, incense, and lots of bubble bath, and you’ll have your own personal spa.
Book nook. Pick a quiet, cozy corner with a comfortable chair, a thick afghan, a bright light, and a fat cat. And just like any library, make sure everyone knows to shush when you’re in there.
Craft room. Dedicate an entire room to your hobby, whether it’s painting, making jewelry, or scrapbooking.
Sipping spot. What window in your home affords the best view? Make that your place to sip coffee or tea. Buy a Buddha Bowl (from flavourdesign.com) to savor it from, plus a few bird feeders for the friends who’ll be joining you.
Home gym. Having a place to exercise will make it more likely you will. Consolidate all your fitness stuff into one room. Hang some inspirational posters and stock some kick-butt CDs.
Zen den. Find a place in your home that’s relatively quiet and has enough space for a yoga mat and a few cushions. Use this as your spot to stretch, sit, and breathe. A great CD to listen to while doing it: “Seven Metals Singing Bowls of Tibet,” Benjamin Iobst.
Car bubble. If all else fails and your house is just too cluttered or busy for even a few square feet of personal space, then take to the road. Make the driver’s seat your daily treat. Music, scent sticks, multiple cup holders, satellite radio, beaded seat covers, tinted windows, fuzzy dice…whatever helps you pass the miles with lots of smiles.
Comments from Members
i love the book escape that is my easiest way to relax for me
I agree with you Toni!! A book can take me right out of this world and put me anywhere and everywhere!!
Being in the bedroom is a way of life for me...if I don't have to interact with anyone, go anyone or finish a list of 'to do' items, that's where I am! All I need is a lock on the door and a 'do not disturb' sign that would always be up!
My bedroom is my refuge. I have my computer in my bedroom. I also love to read as a way to relax.
My Bedroom is where my computer, hdtv & books are & my husband's tv & pc is in another room so the dog & I go there for relaxation. I usually have fresh coffee or green tea while I'm enjoying my "free" time. 
my bedroom is my refuge, thats where my books and novels are.
I am goimg to move my bedroom aroudn to include a chair by the window for me to sit and drink coffee in the mornings. I already do the bathtub idea. Needing some good morning time though. That's a great place to pray! Thanks! 
A good book and a glass of wine~
We have a bench by our floor to ceiling windows that we NEVER use. I think I'll try to start having coffee there on Saturday or Sunday mornings. We'll see how that goes.
