How are you feeling right now?
It may be automatic to say “I’m fine” to this question, but as humans, we’re a bundle of mixed emotions at the best of times.
Whether you’re exhausted from the switch into work mode post-holidays, relaxed from your new morning routines or frustrated at the current headlines sweeping your newsfeeds, your emotions need somewhere to go if you’re to feel re-energised and stable.
According to Pinterest, Emotional Escape Rooms are set to be one of the biggest trends of 2022, with searchers in this report driving the pivot towards a place to let it all out.
The trend is gaining popularity across all age groups, with people dedicating spaces to express their emotions (including the not-so-positive ones) and we think you’re going to love it…
What is an Emotional Escape Room?
Simply put, Emotional Escape Rooms are spaces within your home that are a safe place to release any emotion you might be storing.
These spaces can be designed to let you decompress, bring on an energy boost or vent to your heart’s content. Rage Rooms in particular have seen searches increase by a whopping 150%, so it seems many of us are feeling stressed and need a safe outlet to express it.
Among the types of rooms Pinners are pinning, Crystal Rooms, Music Rooms and Home Massage Rooms are all on the rise, each with their own design that’s unique to the individual.
Self-care doesn’t *have* to mean relaxation
Contrary to popular belief, creating time and space for self-care isn’t bound to bubble baths and face masks. Although wonderful in their own right, allowing your inner emotions – positive and negative – to surface can be restorative to both your mind and body, too.
By allowing yourself the opportunity to feel your feelings, you can create more authentic connections to your loved ones, as well as yourself. Not only that, but you will feel more fulfilled by making time to safely let your anger out, rather than bottling it up and ending up snapping at your spouse or children later on.
On the flip side, if you’re feeling ecstatic, creating the space to vibe to your favourite playlist or dance around the kitchen will enhance the feelings of joy, allowing you to bring that uplifted spirit to those around you.
We believe that emotions are addictive and can influence those close by, have you ever found yourself feeling blue when a colleague is having a tough day, huffing at their desk? We thought so. So why not allow yourself to express your feelings in a more honest, authentic way, rather than keeping them bubbling up inside?
How to create your own Emotional Escape Room
Although the name may suggest otherwise, you don’t need to dedicate an entire room for this. We don’t all have spare rooms hanging around!
You can easily replicate this trend in your own home by choosing a corner or small area and bringing in specific elements that help you to release the emotion you’re feeling.
Here are our suggestions for different emotions and how to create the space for them:
When you need to unwind
This one follows the search trends for Crystal Rooms and can easily be replicated even in the smallest spaces.
Choose a corner of a room in your home, ideally close to a window, and bring in anything that helps you feel relaxed. A pot of herbal tea, soft cushions, and calming music all work here (we love this playlist on Spotify), and crystals can lend their healing properties if you’re into it.
To set the mood and get your mind in the zone, light a candle with natural essential oils, like our Calm candle, to release zen-boosting scents of lavender, peppermint and ginger.
The scent and delicate flicker of candlelight will help you unwind in no time.
When you need to scream it out
There’s no shame in feeling frustrated and angry, it’s a natural response to stress and difficulty, and it can be healthy to express it.
To make space for rage at home, it’s important to keep yourself safe. We’re not suggesting you start smashing everything in your home against the walls (as fun as that sounds!), but perhaps a space where you can give out a good old scream will be just as beneficial.
But if you really want to get some anger out, there are places that you can book that allow you to go wild with a baseball bat and some old TVs…
For a home-friendly way to soothe frustration, get yourself a large sketchpad (A3 would be great) and a pen. Spritz your space with a releasing scent, like our Cleanse Room Mist, turn to a black page and simply scribble as wildly as you like.
It may feel childish, but it’s a great way to transfer negative energy from your mind onto paper. And who knows, you might even end up with a work of abstract art!
When you’re feeling on top of the world
What brings you the most joy? Be it house plants, a playlist of 80s classics or brightly coloured linens, this space is dedicated to all of the positivity.
Look to your childhood self for inspiration. Bring in some of your old favourite games, colouring books or even (go with us on this one) a one-person trampoline!
When you’re feeling ecstatic, go to this space, blast out that playlist and jump or dance around to let that joy fill up your cup.
Colours can have a direct effect on our emotions, too, so in this ‘room’, opt for bright pastels like yellow, orange and pink.
And don’t forget that oh-so-powerful scent to enhance your feelings of happiness. Our Renew Signature Diffuser is ideal here. Leave it to infuse the air throughout the day with its natural blend of depression-busting bergamot, stimulating ginger and mood-lifting rosemary.
Are you ready to feel all the feels?
Let us know what kind of Emotional Escape Room you’d like to make in your own home, by tagging us in your snaps @HalcyonNaturals!
Sources:
Pintrest: Emotional Escape Rooms
99Designs: How Color Impacts Emotions and Behaviour