The joy of the Zen Den

Zen Den IT’S ALL ABOUT THE

Forget about man caves and she sheds. To find your happy place, the Zen Den is where it’s at for good mental health…

WHAT IS A ZEN DEN?

A “Zen Den” is a popular concept that is centered on creating a healthy, peaceful and meditative space within your home. A sanctuary that allows for a sense of calm and tranquility. It is a place that you can go to relax and connect to yourself while expanding your awareness of the present moment. Zen Dens are meant to build stronger mental health to then carry you through the chaos of daily life.

While on the surface, they may appear to be “hang out” spaces – they have been known to affect health and wellness in a positive way. Stress, anxiety and depression not only leave you feeling fatigued but affect your physical health. Using a Zen Den space to meditate, practice yoga, or simply nap has been shown to drop stress and anxiety levels, aid in weight loss, and promote mental clarity and creativity.

HOW TO CREATE A ZEN DEN

Whether your Zen Den is an entire room devoted to morning meditation or something as simple as a cozy reading chair next to a window, the goal is to create a peaceful respite. Here are a few tips on how to create your own Zen space…

When designing a Zen Den, it is important to take into consideration your needs for the space. Will you be doing yoga? Will you find yourself most often on a comfy chair sitting still and meditating? Will you take your time out in the den to read or take a short nap on the couch? Do you prefer the space to be outdoors (weather permitting of course) or indoors? Zen Dens can really be created in any room of the house – a spare bedroom, a loft space, a relegated corner in the dining room, a back patio or sunroom. Once you have answered these questions and are able to gauge both the vibe and the needed size of the space, you are set to personalize and design.

The first hard rule of a Zen Den is that it is technology free. It is specifically designed to help you unplug, relax, and give yourself a mental break. While at first it may be difficult to leave the devices behind, it is essential that you do so. You won’t achieve a sense of calm with alerts beeping every few minutes. Also, don’t bring work or any other type of baggage into the space. Remember, the den is meant to be a simple place that allows for zero distractions.

In terms of design and décor, Zen Dens are generally of a neutral color palette. Light and soft tones lift the mood and promote a sense of calm. Nature is sprinkled in through a modest smattering of fresh plants and cut flowers. In your design, think about a singular piece of artwork that brings you a sense of calm. Specific textiles that you feel will make the room cozy, such as a fuzzy Mongolian lamb pillow or throw. Sounds – whether through an open window that allows for birdsong, a small water feature that yields the sound of babbling water or the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl – are important to remember as well.

However, what is most important in décor is to not go overboard. The belief is that a messy room often leads to a messy mind. So, make sure you clear this space of clutter and keep it clean and organized. Aim for a sense of lightness. Minimalism at its best.

HOW TO USE A ZEN DEN

Once you have finished putting the final touches on your Zen Den, it is time to use it. Perhaps you will decide to use it every day at 8:25 am for yoga practice. Or every afternoon at 3:00 with a cup of chamomile tea in hand to watch squirrels run up tree trunks and around tree branches. Or, a few times a week to take out a sketchbook and draw or a few times in a month to take a short but restful nap. The beauty of it is that you decide on the time of day, how many days a week, and what you would like to do in the space. No stress. No judgement. That is what a Zen Den is all about.