Practicing meditation is all about finding inner peace and investing in the wellness of your mind, body, and spirit for a few minutes each day. It’s important to take the time to focus on nothing but your breathing, forgetting about the stresses and worries of the day.

When you’re just starting out, meditation can be frustrating and have the opposite effect it’s intended for. Create a space that’s right for you and meditate with ease.

People may think there are rules when it comes to meditating, but this isn’t the case! Meditation is personalized to you—it can be as long as you want, and it doesn’t require you to think about a certain thing or sit a certain way. To make a space feel right for meditating, tailor it with things that make you feel calm: fresh flowers, aromatherapy with your favorite essential oil, or a space free from clutter and technological distractions.

This space should radiate peace, so you’re not tempted by things like stressful email notifications or loud background TV noise. Plants are one way to bring positive energy into your space, specifically of the rosemary, lavender, orchids, or peppermint variety. If you’re going the aromatherapy route, try calming scents like rose, bergamot, chamomile, and vetiver. Candles and incense are also viable options that are great for creating a soothing atmosphere.

The healing art of meditation can be a great way to relieve feelings of anxiousness, stress, and irritability, especially when practiced daily. Creating a space that’s designated specifically for meditation—or other relaxing activities, like reading, knitting, and writing—will do wonders for your mental health. It’s important to invest in your mental wellbeing just as you would a new pair of shoes.

The basis of meditation is focusing on your breathing and your thoughts so you’re fully present and aware, without allowing distractions to overtake your mind. This awareness heightens the senses and is the beginning of bringing more harmony into your life. Creating a meditation space is all about ensuring that for a few minutes each day, nothing else matters but the present moment.