You love your spouse and kids deeply, but sometimes their antics can get on your last nerve. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might wish you had a place to escape for a while. Luckily there are places to hide in your home when you need a moment to yourself. Here are 9 spots where you can take a breather, from the attic to the garden shed.
1. The Bathroom
One of the best places to hide in your home when you need a break is the bathroom. Your kids may try to follow you, but luckily you can lock the door to get a breather. If your bathroom is big enough, we suggest getting a stool so you can sit somewhere other than the toilet. Stash a few magazines and a candle in the cabinets so you have some reading material and mood lighting. If your kids and spouse are being loud, try turning on the bathroom fan for some white noise so you can truly unwind.
2. The Laundry Room
The laundry room is another good place to hide in your home when you need a break. Your kids and spouse probably have no desire to help with the laundry, lowering the chances that they’ll follow you in. The smell of laundry detergent and fabric softener can be comforting and stress-relieving, so this isn’t a bad spot to rest for a minute. Like the bathroom fan, the white noise created by the washing machine and tumble dryer can drown out screaming kids and help you relax. Plus, you can use a pile of clothes as a makeshift stool or nap zone.
3. The Garage
Are your spouse and kids getting on your last nerve? Retreat to the garage and sit in your parked car for a while (just remember, you can’t turn on the car while the garage door is closed). The garage is usually cool and dark, making it a great place to hide in your home and take a nap, especially if you recline your seat. Consider getting a neck pillow for extra comfort and a car air freshener for much-needed aromatherapy.
4. The Man Cave
Your husband probably has a man cave somewhere in the house, whether it’s the basement or his office. If you don’t have your own she shed, consider borrowing his private retreat when you need a moment to yourself. Most man caves are already outfitted with comfy recliners, a beverage fridge, and a big-screen TV. What more could you need? If he’s relaxing down there, don’t feel bad about kicking him out for a few minutes and putting him on kid duty. You probably need a break more than he does!
5. The Attic
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the attic can be a decent place to hide in your home. Just tell your family members that you’re working on sorting through and rearranging all the boxes. No one will want to help with that task, which could take weeks, buying you plenty of moments to yourself.
If you can ignore the cobwebs, the attic can be a quiet, restful place to find your calm, especially if you stash a comfy chair up there. Looking through old pictures and possessions can also provide a nice trip down memory lane. Nostalgia can improve your mental well-being and ease feelings of boredom, so reminiscing isn’t a bad way to spend your limited downtime.
6. The Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is an obvious place to hide in your home when you need a break. Unfortunately, this means your family will probably find you quickly. The key to getting some alone time in your bedroom sanctuary is to suggest that your kids play a game of hide-and-seek. Make it clear that your bedroom is off-limits and lock the door behind you. This hack will buy you a few minutes, at least until the kids inevitably get into some kind of disagreement!
7. The Shed
Sheds have always been a favorite hangout spot for rebellious teens who are mad at their parents. But who says they’re just for kids? Many women have reclaimed this space for themselves, turning it into a dedicated “she shed.” If you have an artistic hobby like sewing or painting, a converted shed can become a cozy, private studio. Love plants? Turn your shed into a gardening zone with a potting bench and storage space for your supplies and tools. With a little imagination and creativity, an ordinary shed can become your new haven—no spouse or kids allowed.
8. A Pantry or Closet
A walk-in pantry or closet can be a dark, cozy place to hide in your home when you’re losing your patience. You can even turn a corner of your closet into a reading nook. There are lots of online video tutorials that can show you how to transform your wardrobe space into a retreat. Adding accessories like string lights, comfy pillows, and even faux plants can turn former storage space into a hidden oasis.
9. The Backyard
If you have some acreage, there’s no better place to hide in your home than the backyard. Clusters of trees provide tons of privacy and allow you to relax undetected by your spouse and kids. Grab your Kindle on the way out of the house and enjoy some reading time in the sunshine. Nothing is more healing than spending time in nature when you need a moment to yourself.
You Deserve a Break
Being a mom is a round-the-clock job. Being “on” for your kids and husband all the time is exhausting. You deserve a break whenever you need one, so don’t feel guilty for finding places in your home to hide. Hopefully, this post will help you turn a random corner of your home (like a shed or closet) into a relaxing nook where you can catch your breath uninterrupted.