March Madness is typically a time for college basketball, wagers, brackets and other things I don’t understand. For me, March Madness is about getting through that last long month before spring officially begins to bloom. I’m not “good at” winter. I don’t ski or snowboard and I can’t stand the cold. Because of this, I tend to hibernate from December until March when I carefully peek my head to see if it’s safe to come out.

This creates the need for me to build my own indoor sanctuary. A place where I feel safe, warm, and comfortable. A place where I can relax and enjoy a documentary on a good day, and The Bachelor on a great day. Here are the five essentials I must have to create my own personal sanctuary.

• Dim Lighting

I’m not talking bedroom dim, but I can’t stand when bright lights are shining down on me like an annoying sun yelling, “GOOD MORNING!” I prefer a few lamps over overhead lighting and curtains that can easily be drawn at night.

• Candles

Pending the proximity of small children and animals, candles are a must-have when I’m relaxing in my sanctuary. Musk-scented, woodsy candles throughout the room create a sense of peace and warmth that allow me to relax and let go.

• Scents

I’m an incense burner, but I realize many people aren’t. If you’re not into incense create your own scents using homemade natural room sprays from essential oils. A few sprays of lavender, mint, or citrus will brighten up a room, settle your mood, and ease your mind.

• Comfortable Sitting Spaces

Comfortable places for multiple people (ehem, dogs) to sit are a must in my personal sanctuary. If you only have room for one couch in your living area, group several large, plush pillows and a decorative blanket on a small bench or the floor for a variety of lounging options.

• Minimal Distractions

After a long day you take a hot bath, put on your most comfortable pajamas, and settle into your couch. With the remote in one hand you look to your right and see – a stack of bills you should probably pay while you’re sitting there. Minimize these and other distractions from your personal sanctuary to make it the one area in your home you can truly relax.

Still not feeling relaxed? Here are some additional luxuries that should help put the U in lounge:

• A glass of wine (I like something as simple as Alice White Chardonnay)
• Dark chocolate (The darker and the fairer the trade the better)
• Comfortable pajamas (you can’t go wrong with lounge wear)

Let’s face it, sometimes we just need to turn off the ticker in our minds and let the stresses of the day roll off our back. Creating a sanctuary in your home where you can do that is essential for not only getting through winter, but for getting through tough days throughout every calendar month.

How do you relax?