Is there a time-out chair in your house? I send my kids to a certain spot until I’ve calmed down and have a minute to deal with them…and so they can chill out before I get there.

But where do the grown-ups go when they need a time-out?

Several years and several children ago, my husband surprised me by turning one tiny corner of our bedroom into a retreat for me. It had a chair, a small table with candles, and a stash of chocolate hidden from little eyes. I could cry out “Sanctuary!” and run and hide in my chair for five or ten minutes. I always respected the time limit he gave me and he always respected my request for a break.

In the house we live in now, I have two time-out spots (perhaps my time-out needs have expanded just a bit!) . The first is the same spot I send the kids in my room. I can shut the door and pretend the Little People aren’t waiting outside to pounce on me.

The second spot is my over-stuffed chair right in the middle of all the chaos. Because sometimes I can’t leave my kids alone for five minutes.

But I can sit in my chair and be safe.

And still.

And I can breathe.

Want to set up your own time-out spot?

Put a candle, a plant close by, a stash of chocolate or candy, whatever makes you relax and breathe. I think one specific Scripture written on a card would be lovely. Maybe the one we’ve talked about before: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10, NIV)–whatever verse helps you breathe and put your world back into perspective. Keep your Bible close at hand, even your journal. Snatching five or ten minutes to journal and study is a great way to still your mind and heart. (And feel free to ignore the world around you; it will still be there when you are done.)

There’s no right or wrong way to create a space for yourself. But it’s so helpful to have a location to go to that gives us all the signals we need to relax. To feel safe. To breathe. And to remember Who is really in control of our spinning world.

Where’s your time-out spot? How have you created a cozy nook for yourself? Share your ideas in the comments!

Photo courtesy of the author, who had no idea her special chair was SO DIRTY!

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Lora Lynn writes about life and laughter in a family with five kids under five at Vitafamiliae. When she remembers, she runs a home-based business. And she craves chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.