She has also had 16 wellness books published by major publishers including the bestselling Easy GI Diet, The Macro Method, Quit Alcohol (For a Month) and Eat 5. Her books have sold over one million copies.
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If you want to start trying meditation, it’s good to have a space that suits the three things you need to be when trying to switch off your mind – comfortable, calm and quiet – but, you don’t need to live in a mansion or, buy fancy furnishings to create the perfect space. Here’s what to consider.
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1. Choose the Right Spot
The first step is to find a spot in your home where you can meditate without distractions. Ideally, it should be:
- Quiet: Choose a location that’s as far as possible from noisy appliances, busy roads, dripping taps or other things that might disturb you.
- Low Traffic: If possible, avoid shared or high-traffic spaces. A corner of your bedroom, a part of your living room, or even a large closet or space under the stairs can work well. Also, remember your meditation space doesn’t need to be inside; if you have a quiet balcony, a covered spot in your garden, or even an old garden shed, it might not take much to claim this as your chillout zone.
- Light-Appropriate: Some people prefer a space flooded with natural light, believing that sunlight enhances the energy of the space, while others may prefer darkness or soft lighting. There is no right or wrong answer here; choose the option that best suits you.
- Cozy: Cozy can mean a couple of things – it could refer to the room’s temperature, as if you’re too hot or too cold, you’ll focus on that rather than letting your thoughts drift. However, your meditation space should also be a place where you feel calm and content, so add touches that make it feel welcoming.
What Happens to Temperature as You Meditate
Meditation can cause some people to feel cooler as they enter a state of relaxation, but others find their temperature rises. This is particularly common if you haven’t yet mastered regulating your breathing.
Until you know more about how your body reacts, it’s a good idea to cover both bases – wear layers so you can remove something like a cardigan or wrap if you get too warm and have a soft blanket or throw handy in case you get chilly.
2. Create Boundaries
If you’re in a small or open-plan home, consider using a room divider, curtain, or even a tall plant to create a subtle boundary that marks this area as special and separate. Ask others in the house not to disturb you while you’re in that space and/or the curtain is drawn or the screen is up.
If you live in a small house or a noisy area, using white noise can help screen out background noise, making it less distracting. Sounds like waves or falling rain can also help give you something to centre your thoughts on. You don’t need a special machine to do this, just download the White Noise app on your smartphone.
3. Keep It Minimal and Clutter-Free
Clutter is the enemy of calm. It’s been shown to raise levels of cortisol and reduce our ability to focus, both the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve with meditation. Your meditation space should be uncluttered and straightforward, allowing your mind to settle easily.
4. Add a Comfortable Seat
Surprise, meditation does not need to be done cross-legged, nor do you need to be sitting on the floor to still your mind – in fact, you might find it harder to do if you’re sitting on the floor, or crossing your legs and are uncomfortable because of it. The goal is to feel comfortable yet alert, and you can achieve that just as effectively in an armchair (or lying on the floor) as on a fancy meditation cushion. Bed might be a bit too relaxing though.
What is a Zafu?
A zafu is a fancy meditation cushion! If you start taking meditation seriously, you might want to move your practice to a position where you do sit on the floor, but this can be hard on the body if you’re not used to it. A zafu is a rounded cushion that’s shaped in a way that causes your knees to fall lower than your hips. This position aligns your pelvis in a neutral position, relieving pressure on your lower back and making it easier to sit upright with good posture.
Find a selection of zafu in different colours here if you decide to kick things up a notch.
5. Use Calming Scents
Scent can immediately shift your mental state and signal your body that it’s time to relax. Essential oils, incense, or naturally fragrant items like dried lavender can all help create a peaceful mood.
Here are some wonderful essential oils for meditation:
- Lavender: Calming, soothing, helps ease anxiety
- Frankincense: Deeply grounding and spiritually uplifting
- Sandalwood: A traditional meditation scent, earthy and centering
- Bergamot: A light citrusy scent that reduces stress
- Patchouli: Musky and grounding, good for slowing a racing mind
- Clary Sage: Great for introspection and mental clarity
You can use an essential oil burner, a diffuser, or even place a few drops of oil on a tissue nearby. If you prefer incense, choose high-quality sticks with gentle, non-overpowering aromas.
6. Create a Visual Focal Point
A focal point provides your eyes and mind with a point of focus, which can help you clear your thoughts. You don’t need anything elaborate—just something meaningful.
Some options include:
- A small altar with a candle, stone, or statue
- A framed quote or image that inspires peace
- A plant or fresh flower for a touch of nature
- A mandala or sacred image
Keep it simple and personal—whatever helps you feel present, grounded, and inspired.
Do You Need Religious Imagery in Your Space?
No. While meditation is linked with spirituality and religion, you don’t need to involve any specific deity in your practice if you don’t want to.
7. Incorporate Nature Where You Can
Bringing nature into your space instantly enhances calm. Even a small touch of greenery can help regulate your nervous system and boost a sense of connection.
Consider adding:
- A potted plant (peace lilies, snake plants, or succulents are low-maintenance.)
- A small bowl of stones, shells, or crystals
- A glass of water or a mini fountain for a soft water sound
- Natural textures like bamboo mats, wooden trays, or linen fabric
If you can’t access real nature, even a photo of a peaceful landscape can offer benefits.
8. Don’t Stress About It All
You don’t have to have a space that looks like something out of a yoga journal or a design magazine, nor do you have to incorporate all of the things above to create a meditation space – the key point is that when you enter this space, your body knows: this is my time to pause.
9. Use It Regularly
Even the most beautiful meditation space won’t mean much if it goes unused. Try to visit it every day, even just for a few minutes. Let it become a ritual, a reset, a returning.
Whether you sit for 5 minutes or 30, the regularity of showing up in this space will reinforce its power over time. And remember, you don’t need to spend hours meditating to get positive results. If you haven’t yet read our expert guide on how long you should meditate for, head there next as you might be surprised…