Creating A Safe Space

Have you ever had "one of those days?" What about "one of those moments?" For those of us in recovery and healing, knowing how to handle challenging days and moments is essential to our recovery and healing journey. And it's much better than having One of Those Days! Like Limp Biscuit.

Having a safe space at home can help alleviate stress and calm our nerves while promoting and maintaining a positive mindset. It's also a perfect place to go when you're experiencing a trigger.

Where Do I Begin?

Pick A Spot

If you don't have an extra room, that's okay. Some of us may need to be a bit creative. Before I became an empty-nester, I had my favorite comfy chair in a quiet spot of my house. I knew someone who used a walk-in closet. Someone else used their bathroom, and another person used their car. It's whatever works for you right now. The important thing is that it's quiet, peaceful, and comfortable.

Make it Yours

Adding things that make your heart smile can add a more meaningful connection to your safe space and help calm you during those challenging moments.

Be sure to add things like your favorite pictures and keepsakes.

You can use this safe space to keep your recovery and healing go-bag, a vision board, a whiteboard, or a bulletin board to hang your affirmation cards, lyrics, poems, and sayings.

Engage Your Senses

Creating a safe space that engages your senses can help tie everything together. You can include aromatherapy through essential oils, candles, and even lotion. If possible, use soft lighting and play soft music or soothing sounds like rain or ocean waves. Have a soft blanket or pillow for comfort and warmth, a journal, and some books for relaxation or dedicated recovery and healing time.

Your safe space can grow and evolve as you recover and heal. You can use it to maintain a schedule for self-care, step work, and meditation; practice boundaries (making it a no-social-media, no-email zone); and practice your grounding techniques.

Creating your safe space isn't just about the environment; it's about nurturing a mindset of peace and comfort. What works for one person may not work for another, so tailor it to your needs and preferences.

If you'd like to take this a little further, I included a more in-depth Safe Space exercise in the Bookends of Recovery & Healing Workbook to help you create one that works for you.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this resonates with you, I’d really love to know. You can comment below or email me. You’re also invited to join other Bookenders on Reddit.

And if you’re looking for deeper exercises, I wrote Bookends of Recovery & Healing Workbook to help you heal from betrayal trauma and addiction by using creative exercises, action tools, and guided reflection.

Warmly,
Laura 🌻