Re-purposing your adult kids’ bedrooms into space for yourself

Several years ago I renovated my walk-up attic into a bedroom for my girls, and that was one of the best things I could have ever done. It nearly doubled the space of my small ranch bungalow, gave us all more privacy and overall happiness. With the girls grown and mostly out of the house now, I’m looking to make the house more my own.

Something I’ve talked a lot about (See 10 Ways to Feel Better Alone.) is my interest in yoga and meditation, and how those habits have helped me greatly in dealing with things like empty nest syndrome, body image, aging, etc. 

Given I want to continue to practice these things as part of my daily self-care routine, it made complete sense to turn the girls’ currently unused space into a place for my daily yoga and meditation! Here are some ways I did that.

I wanted to keep this space as a bedroom in case the girls (or anyone else) was visiting, but just adjusted the furniture a bit to make room. Ie, I pulled up an area rug that was under the bed to make the perfect spot for my yoga mat, and sightly rearranged the tv and couch to make a roomier space.

Set the mood. I got this Buddha candle holder years ago that is perfect for this space…

…and a salt lamp also gives it a tranquil feel. You definitely want some calming aroma therapy! A scented candle works great. I also have an incense burner. There’s something about the smell of incense with a curl of smoke that is so soothing. Try a sprig of sage. It is said that burning this has the power to cleanse an area of negative energy! Essential oils are also wonderful…use either a diffuser like this…

…or these nasal inhalers. They make it so easy to get a dose of the perfect oil/scent you need at any given moment. Sometimes I need an energy-booster like lemon or peppermint to start my day, or calming like lavender or bergamot. Customize as you wish!

I keep all my yoga and meditation books in this space too. When I’m in this spot I’m more apt to pick up a book to be inspired or learn something new. I highly recommend investing in a few books to inspire you. Give a hint to your friends and family to get some for you as gifts!

” Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

My daughters gave me the book on the top of this pile, and I’m very into it right now. Seasonal Self-Care Rituals by Susan Weis-Bohlen. Great information about Ayurvedic practices and how to eat, move, sleep and nurture yourself through every season. Wonderful for winter blues. Get it here!

Bring in some nature. Include plants, real ones if you have the time to care for them. Even if they’re artificial, they serve the purpose of bringing a little nature to the space. I’ve practiced yoga and meditation outside in the summer, and love it. With it being the dead of winter now, I can at least have a little of that outside feeling.

Maximize all the space, to include your walls. I love these hangings with Buddha sayings. I also have lots of paintings my daughters made hanging on the walls of what was their bedrooms. See my post on painting with kids of all ages!

A basket for props. I don’t use props a lot, but occasionally I do, and keeping them nearby in a cute basket also lends to my natural theme. I have a bolster, block, strap and foam roller. I’m planning to do some posts on how to use these soon! 

I have a mini-fridge in this room that the girls used for gatorades. I kept that here so I can put some bottles of Perrier and mini wine bottles 🙂 You see on top of the fridge I have an Alexa speaker. The girls used it to play music, or otherwise ask it for the weather or whatever. It works perfectly for me. “Alexa, play yoga music”, and there you have it!

These are just a few ideas to transform some unused space in your home into a sanctuary for your self-care! I’d love to hear some of your ideas!