When you enter a retreat center, you are submerged in a sea of calm: your shoulders relax, your breath deepens, your parasympathetic nervous system is engaged and relaxation begins. The words form in your mind: “I wish I could stay here forever.”

What is it about these places that captures and delights our senses and fills us with a sense of calm and peace? More importantly, how can we create this sanctuary for ourselves in our own homes?

A good place to start is getting clear on your intention. What do you desire from your retreat center? We all need a place where we can take refuge, a space to seek clarity, a personal space where we can withdraw, be still and relax. For some, that space is also one to reflect, pray and meditate.

I live in a small Manhattan apartment, so setting up my retreat space took some creativity. I wanted to infuse my home with the love, gratitude and healing energy I felt in these larger retreat centers.

1. A grounding Welcome Home mat greets me at my doorstep. A small Om symbol hangs outside the door. These details welcome me home with a sense of peace.

2. When I come in the door, my shoes come off. This makes me more comfortable and I am consciously not bringing in the “muck” from outside.

3. Sometimes I make a ritual of lighting a candle for myself, my family and all beings, before I do anything else. This is a simple but powerful act, reminding me to imbue my time and space with awareness, love and compassion.

4. Try putting on soothing music, instead of the television. It can be your focus or simply the backdrop as you read, journal, cook dinner, do your work or just close your eyes and breathe.

5. No yelling in the house. Make it a rule and lead by example.

6. Alone time can be a challenge to schedule, so consider including your loved ones in some of your practices. Children generally enjoy doing yoga poses and breathing exercises. Have journaling, painting or other creative sessions with your family. This may even enhance performance when it comes time for homework, since a relaxed, open mind can approach academic work with more ease. If incorporating your loved ones is not an option, or you’re really craving some time alone, there’s always the shower. Splurge. Buy yourself some delicious lavender sea salts or scrubs. Honor yourself and your body with gratitude and care.

7. Place pictures of beautiful and peaceful images throughout your home. Use images of anything that soothes you—pictures of water, spiritual images, gardens—anything that upon viewing brings you a sense of peace.

8. We may also use objects to remind us to relax. On any mantle or counter-top, placing little statues of anything you love can create a sacred space—angels, animals, stones, crystals, religious icons, pictures or anything that resonates with you.

9. Essential oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage and Neroli Rose have calming and relaxing properties. For full effect, be sure you use 100 percent essential oil. Use them to scent your sheets, your clothing or your space.

10. Take the time: Whether it is five minutes or sixty, begin to make time for yourself in your retreat space. Once it is a part of your routine, it will seem as simple and effective as other daily tasks.

The more you can integrate wellness practices into your everyday life, the deeper the root they will take, thus enhancing your life and the lives of those around you. The size of your retreat space is not important; it is the intention you put into it and the quality of presence you bring to it that matter.