How to Fight Overstimulation with an Antistimulation Room

Chillmaxxing is the latest way to help with today’s overstimulating world of constantly being plugged in. It focuses on disconnecting and focusing on mental well-being. Some people are taking chillmaxing to another level by adding antistimulation rooms to their homes.

Key Takeaways

• An antistimulation room is a quiet space in your home where you can disconnect from technology, relax, and recharge.
• You don’t need an entire room. A cozy corner of your bedroom or living room can work just fine.
• Choose colors, furniture, lighting, and decorations that make you feel calm. What works for someone else may not work for you.
• Add comfortable seating, soft blankets, pillows, or other items that help you relax.
• Think about what sounds you find calming. Some people prefer complete silence, while others like white noise, soft music, or the sound of running water.
• Keep your phone, computer, and television out of your relaxation space to cut down on distractions.
• You probably already have most of what you need to create an antistimulation room, so there’s no need to spend a lot of money.

What is an Antistimulation Room?

An antistimulation room (or a quiet room, cozy corner, or low-stimulation room)  is a place in your home (not necessarily a whole room) where you can disconnect, sit in peace, and recharge. No phone, no computer, no television, a comfy place to sit and quiet. You can read a book, journal, or just sit and think with no distractions of modern life. 

Typically, these rooms or spaces are used for those with neurodivergence, but can be helpful for anyone who often becomes overwhelmed.

How Do you Create an Antistimulation Room?

What you consider an antistimulation room probably differs from another’s. Use your imagination. If you were to create a cozy little area in your home to decompress, what would it look like? Would it have:

• Do you prefer soft colors or an all-white cozy room?
• Would you like plants scattered everywhere?
• Does the space include bookshelves and a little reading area?
• Want a big cozy chair or recliner? A massage chair?
• Will you need soft throw blankets?
• How about lots of pillows?
• Do you need enough room for your pet to cuddle in with you?
• Should it include a desk with a comfortable chair where you can write in your journal or doodle in a sketchbook?
• Would a weighted blanket or stuffie be comforting? 
• Would the gurgle of a fish tank or desk fountain be comforting? Or maybe the white noise of a fan?
• Could you include fidget toys, puzzles, or coloring to calm your mind?

Using your answers, you can build your own antistimulation room. Even if you don’t have a spare room, a quiet corner in your bedroom or in the living room can work. 

You probably have everything you need already in your home. Drag over your favorite chair. Steal the cozy throw blanket off the couch. Grab the noise-canceling headphones from your laptop bag. 

You may even want to use a room screen to section off your little corner to block out the rest of the room. 

Don’t forget the lighting. Add a lamp that casts a warm glow or a few candles to make the area extra cozy. Or, if you want darkness, think about adding blackout curtains to the room.

Above all, don’t be tempted to use your phone. Even if you want music, opt for a smart speaker that you can start up with voice commands instead of picking music on your phone. Just one glance to change the song, and you may get sucked into social media, emails, or texts.

Antistimulation Room FAQs

What is an antistimulation room?

An antistimulation room is a quiet, comfortable space designed to reduce distractions and sensory input. It’s a place where you can take a break from screens, noise, and other things that make you feel overwhelmed. You can use it for reading, journaling, relaxing, or simply sitting quietly.

What’s the difference between an antistimulation room and a sensory room?

An antistimulation room typically focuses on reducing sensory input, such as noise, bright lights, and visual clutter. Sensory rooms may include lights, sounds, textures, and other features that provide sensory experiences. Both can be customized to a person’s individual needs.

Do you need a separate room to create an antistimulation space?

No. You can create a low-stimulation area in a bedroom, living room, home office, or another quiet part of your home. A comfortable chair, soft lighting, and a room divider may be all you need to make a little space for yourself.

What should you put in an antistimulation room?

Start with a comfortable place to sit and lighting that doesn’t bother your eyes. Then, add things that help you relax, such as throw blankets, pillows, books, plants, noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket. You don’t need all of these things. Just pick what works for you.

What colors are best for an antistimulation room?

There isn’t one color that works for everyone. Some people find soft blues, greens, and neutral colors calming, while others prefer dark colors or even bright, cheerful shades. Choose colors that make you feel comfortable instead of following a specific decorating rule.

Can an antistimulation room help with overstimulation?

A quiet, low-stimulation space may help some people feel more comfortable when they’re overwhelmed by noise, bright lights, screens, or other distractions. Everyone responds to sensory input differently, so experiment with lighting, sound, and other features to find what helps you relax.

Can you have music in an antistimulation room?

Yes, if music helps you relax. Some people prefer silence, while others enjoy soft music, nature sounds, or white noise. If you’re trying to avoid screen time, use a smart speaker or another device that doesn’t require you to pick up your phone.

How do you make an antistimulation room on a budget?

Start with things you already own. Move a comfortable chair into a quiet corner, grab a favorite blanket, add a lamp with soft lighting, and bring over a few books or other relaxing activities. You can also use a room divider or rearrange furniture to make the space feel more private without spending much money.