Remember in March 2020 when we are all in lockdown? It’s hard for me to think about it because it was traumatic for me. Yet I’m also grateful for the oasis I had at home. Now we are mid-way through the third year of the pandemic. I have to say, I am thankful that I still have a refuge to return to after my stressful days working at the hospital. Our home is one of the places we can have control over. In this article, you’ll find out how to create an emotional escape room so you can release your stress, and cultivate self-care.

What are emotional escape rooms?

An emotional escape room is a place where you can escape and be on your own. When you’re trying to determine how to create an emotional escape room, consider that this space can come in a wide variety of formats.

Perhaps you want a space to meditate and do yoga, or just curl up and read a book?

Or maybe you want a space where you can cry, scream and let out your anger?

If you have children, an emotional escape room is a great place for them to be alone to decompress or even spend time with their friends.

While all emotional escape rooms share a goal of letting you release your feelings, they vary in their design.

According to Pinterest reports, rage rooms, music-themed rooms, crystal rooms, tiny library rooms, and home massage rooms are all trending search terms.

What goes in an emotional escape room?

Start with setting an intention for your emotional escape room. This helps you clarify what you want, and helps you make better decisions while saving you time and money.

When you’re thinking about your intention on how to create an emotional escape room ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I want to feel in my emotional escape room?
• What kind of space do I want my children to relax/decompress in?
• How do I want my emotional escape room to function?
• How much time and money do I want to invest in creating this room?

Once you’ve set out your intentions, then you can start planning on putting it together.

Benefits of using emotional escape rooms

If you’re like me and trying to find more peace and calm at the end of every day, then it’s time to take those first steps right in your own home.

Learning how to create an emotional escape room is also a practice of radiating self-expression and self-care.

Feeling burned out or need to release your anger? Then consider making an invigorating rage room where you can (safely) break things.

If you don’t want to break anything, find some old phonebooks and use a bat to smash them. Once you’re done you can recycle all the paper!

Need a space to zen, meditate and unwind? Then it’s all about a cozy meditation space.

I absolutely love to read because it helps me escape and calm down. So if you’re like me, set up a tiny library or cozy book nook.

Know that learning how to set up an emotional escape room (or area) is a great self-care activity.

You can search for inspiration on Pinterest and create your ideal space.

Ideas for bringing an emotional escape room to your home

If you’re unable to dedicate an entire room and are limited on space, you can still find a way to emotionally escape. Take these ideas into consideration:

• Use the outdoors
  • An emotional escape space doesn’t necessarily have to be inside. You can use your garden to create an area where you can meditate.
  • Other ideas include your balcony or backyard to create spaces that nurture your emotions and release your stress and anxiety.
• Set up a temporary area
  • An emotional escape room does not have to be a permanent, dedicated space especially if you have a limited floor area.
  • Bring in items like candles, an instrument, or even a journal, and store them in a basket when you’re not using them.
• Limit what you need
  • Simple is ideal so incorporate items that help you best deal with your stress, anxiety, depression, etc.,
  • Candles and low lighting are ideal, as are paper and pencils if you like to draw.
  • Use squishy balls, which you can throw if you’re feeling irritated (plus they don’t break anything!).

Wrap-up

Whatever you do, there are plenty of creative ways you can boost your mental wellbeing with a small remodel.

Whether you or someone in your family needs a place to be alone and work through feelings, working on creating an emotional escape room can also bond and cultivate your relationships.

Remember, your home should be your safe haven and a place that nurtures your emotional and mental health.

Having a personal space can give you a sense of security and well-being thereby improving your quality of life.

Do you have experience with how to create an emotional escape room? If so, what tips and suggestions do you have for newbies? What worked well and what did you find less helpful? Please share your stories and comments below.