How to Build a Garden Shed for Meditation & Yoga
A garden shed can be a private hideaway to get away from life's stresses and rejuvenate yourself.
There are several DIY shed building plans online that will show you how to craft your personal outdoor meditation room. Here are some tips on how you can craft the perfect shed for meditation and yoga.
1. Build a spacious shed
While a small 8x10 shed may be sufficient for storage, it is best to craft a shed with extra space when you are going to use it for meditation or yoga.
A cramped space can make it harder to relax, and it will also be difficult to have a group session if you want to call over some friends.
Construct a wooden shed that is at least 10 feet by 12 feet in size to use as your yoga and meditation room.
2. Keep technology away
Your meditation shed should be a tranquil haven for self-discovery. Hence the only electronic gadget in it should be your music player.
Keep all your other gadgets like consoles, phones, tablets, and laptops out of your shed. The constant noise and vibrations from these devices will disturb the stillness of your shed.
3. Adjust the lighting
Your meditation shed should have large windows that allow ample light. And at the same time, make sure to place the shed in such a location that the windows don't let in too much sunlight at times when you are most likely to use it. If that is not possible, then use curtains to limit the intensity of light entering the shed.
Your shed should be well lit but not overly bright. If your shed is located in an area that doesn't receive too much natural light, then set up adjustable electric lights where you can control the brightness.
4. Allow ample ventilation
There should be a constant flow of air going in and out of the shed. This will ensure that there is enough oxygen inside when you sit to meditate or do yoga for long durations.
Install a ridge vent or cupola in your shed to ensure there is always ample ventilation inside your shed.
5. Add nature into your shed
Place a potted plant inside your shed. You can even consider adding a small, indoor waterfall that will provide you with the gentle sounds of flowing water.
Fill bowls with sands, rocks, or seashells and place them in key areas around the shed to bring a touch of nature into your sanctum.
6. Choose soothing colors
Use gentle pastel colors to paint the inside of your shed. These colors will have a soothing effect on your mood when you sit to meditate or practice yoga. Different colors may have different effects on people, but generally, softer shades of blue and green are known to have a relaxing effect on the body and mind.
Choose curtains and carpets that match the wall paint color and create a serene environment inside your shed.
7. Fill your shed with calming scents
Install a diffuser inside your shed and let the gentle wafts of aroma from essential oils create the perfect surroundings for peace and relaxation.
Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, jasmine, chamomile, rose, and lemon can eliminate stress and soothe your nerves. They can also improve your overall health and boost brain function.
8. Free up space
Keep the contents of your yoga shed to a minimum. A few vases, potted plants, and a music player is fine. But don't clutter your space with desks or chairs.
It is best to use a yoga mat or a rug for sitting on, along with a pillow for support. You can also carpet the entire floor and then use a rug or mat for sitting on for your practice sessions.
9. Pick the right music
Music can help create the right ambiance that will put you into a deep state of relaxation. You can pick from a mixture of nature sounds, like a babbling brook, crackling fire, or gentle rain.
You can also select from a wide range of instrumental music like piano, violin, harp, or flute, depending on what kind of mood you want to set for the day.
Building a yoga and meditation shed is a worthy investment in yourself. By constructing a place to escape from the worries of the world and relax, you will reap huge dividends in terms of physical and mental well-being.