How to Create a Zen Home

Want to create a zen space, but don’t know how? Hint: it doesn’t have to involve burning incense and candles. In fact, there are some simple steps you can take to create a zen space - no burning required! 

The meaning of zen describes a state of mindfulness which is accompanied by feelings of inner peace, tranquility and relaxation (how good does that sound). It is a way of life and living. Creating a zen home comes with many benefits and creates a haven away from the whirlwind of modern life. Let’s dive into  the power of simple practices on how to create a zen home, exploring the impact of clutter on mental wellbeing and the influences of natural light, greenery and artificial lighting. 

Decluttering your Home

We’ve all been at a point of our lives where you’ve looked around the room and thought, “how on earth did I get this much stuff?” It happens when there's an overaccumulation of personal items that often become disorganised (guilty as charged). Unsurprisingly, disorganised clutter may have a negative impact on mental wellbeing, contributing to feelings of overwhelm and heghtened stress. Living in a cluttered environment may also create a continuous source of distraction, which may make it difficult to maintain focus.

The good news? Regular decluttering will keep your environment organised and help you to create a zen home. Think of decluttering as the adult version of playing Tetris; it’s turning a bunch of ‘stuff’ into an organised system, so the end product appears much cleaner and organised. 

The Impact of Natural Light

Not only does natural lighting completely transform the interior of your home, it create a

positive influence on your mental wellbeing too. Studies have shown that allowing sunlight to radiate through your windows may promote daytime productivity and happiness whilst promoting a restful night sleep. Start your day by opening up your curtains and blinds to create some much-loved zen in your home. 

Filling your Home with Greenery

Houseplants are like living art—they're beautiful to look at and they make you feel good, too.

Exposure to greenery, or “green space”, can help create a zen home. Studies have demonstrated that those living in urban areas with more green space experience less stress compared to those who don’t, and the same is true when it comes to inside the home. 

Creating a green space in the home allows us to experience the same benefits as being outdoors. A recent study found that the more houseplants you own along with how long you’ve owned them, were associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing and provided a greater sense of peace. 

So if you needed an excuse to go out and buy yourself a houseplant, it doesn’t get better than this!

Choosing the Right Artificial Lighting

Just like sunlight, artificial light plays an important role in creating a zen home. From different light bulbs through to lamps and LED strips  the variety of lighting available today allows you to control the colour, brightness, and timing of exposure as well as the type of room it’s found in. For example, blue light may help to improve cognition and alertness which would best suit a home office. On the other hand, blue light may contribute to poor sleep; therefore, it would be best to use dim lighting in the evening and in the bedroom to help promote a restful sleep.

Amidst the whirlwind of modern life, remember that your home can be a place of tranquility, peace and relaxation. Create a zen space by decluttering, prioritising natural light, embracing greenery and considering the types of artificial lighting you have in your home.