In short
- A third space sits alongside home and work
- Sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the idea in 1989
- Three steps: notice it, claim it, repeat it
- Five minutes a day is enough to start
- Jamu has been practised in Indonesia since the eighth century
Feeling overwhelmed? Find your third space for mental balance
A third space is the place beyond home and work where you can simply be. You find it by noticing where you already relax, making that place your own, and returning to it for five minutes a day. That is all there is to it.
Do you ever feel like you are constantly juggling responsibilities, deadlines and social obligations, and leaving no space for yourself? It is easy to get lost in the chaos. A third space helps you regain balance and clarity.
What is a third space?
The concept of a third space was introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989. A third space is an environment other than home (the first space) and work (the second space) where you can relax, socialise and make room for mindfulness or a ritual of your own. Below is a simple three-step process to find yours.
Your three-step guide to finding your third space
1. Pay attention to where you feel most relaxed
Is there a spot where you feel truly at ease? Perhaps your balcony, a park bench, or your kitchen while the kettle boils. Pay attention to the places where tension seems to disappear on its own. That could be your third space.
2. Make it your own
Once you find that space, claim it. Light a candle, play music, leave a notebook there. Your third space has to be genuinely yours and match what you need from it.
3. Create a daily habit
Consistency is what makes this work. Even five minutes a day in your third space makes a difference.
Your third space might be as simple as a five-minute ritual
A third space does not need to be complicated. It can be a five-minute skincare routine, or five minutes of sitting still. What matters is how you feel there. Soft music, a warm drink, and your mind settles on its own.
Why a third space helps you keep your balance
In a culture that idolises busyness, time for yourself is not a luxury. A third space gives you two things:
- Less stress and unease. A place separate from home and work gives your mind somewhere else to be, so you can unwind and recharge.
- More focus and clarity. Stepping into a third space creates a dedicated environment for calm and reflection, which clears your head and helps your concentration.
And the good news is that you do not need an expensive retreat. Your third space could be as simple as brewing yourself a comforting drink and allowing yourself to pause.
The role of Good Jamu in your third space
One easy way to make your third space your own is to bring Good Jamu into it. Jamu has been practised in Indonesia since the eighth century, and on 6 December 2023 UNESCO inscribed 'Jamu wellness culture' on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Our blend combines turmeric, earthy and lightly bitter, with ginger for warmth and lemongrass, fresh and lemony without the sourness of lemon. One glass, and a moment that is yours.
Picture it: a hot cup of Tropical Turmeric, a deep breath, and five uninterrupted minutes. A small ritual that marks a pause in the day.
Good Jamu is an experience, a respite, a moment of reconnecting with yourself. It honours what the generations before us already knew: a good day comes from taking the time to pause. A small good habit helps you in the long run.
The ancient tradition of third spaces
The concept of third spaces is nothing new. Our ancestors understood the importance of stepping away from daily routines to reconnect with themselves and with nature. Whether through ancient tea ceremonies, self-care sanctuaries or quiet fireside reflections, these traditions were deeply embedded in daily life. Adapt them to fit your own life and rediscover the value of intentional breaks.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a third space?
A third space is an environment outside your home and your work where you relax, meet people or take time for yourself. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the idea in 1989. Think of a cafe, a park, a library, or a fixed corner at home you associate with nothing else.
How do I find my third space?
Spend a week noticing where tension falls away on its own. Pick the place that comes up most often, mark it with something small like a candle or a particular mug, and go there for five minutes every day. Repetition makes the place, not the decor.
Can my third space just be at home?
Yes. What matters is the separation in your head, not the distance. A chair by the window you only use to do nothing works just as well as a cafe around the corner.
How much time do I need?
Five minutes a day is enough to start. Short moments repeated daily do more than one long stretch scheduled once a month.
In short: start small, stay consistent
Finding your third space is not complicated. It can be a cosy corner at home, five minutes with a glass of Good Jamu, or a simple daily ritual. Small, consistent rituals are what make a third space work. Take that moment for yourself and treat it as a sanctuary in your life.
Read next: jamu as a coffee alternative, global wellness rituals and everything about jamu.
Ready to create your third space? Discover our jamu.
