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Some of us already have a clear vision as to what we’d like to come home to after a long day at work. Be it a bubble bath surrounded by candles, and your favorite YouTube playlist just waiting for you to hit “play”, or a glass of wine paired with homemade pasta, the choices are endless, while the substance is the same. We all crave some quality alone time with our thoughts and emotions, to process a day’s worth of events, and a few of our own rituals to relax and unwind.
If you’re greeted by a pile of laundry waiting its turn or an empty fridge, you at the very least need a backup plan to give you that much-needed dose of Zen. It takes a little practice and some refinement, but you can indeed set up your space in such a way that it naturally exudes serenity, and that is perfect for your Zen rituals to take place. Combine the following décor and habit-making ideas to add more tranquility into your home one day at a time!
Embrace Greenery
Some medical institutions have started prescribing time in nature as the best possible medicine for various ailments, and reducing stress is certainly one of the main perks you can expect. But when you have no time to go to nature, let nature imbue your home for a similar effect. When you’ve spent your day surrounded by tense people, concrete, and noise, you need the exact opposite to wait for you at home: a green oasis of your own.
The simplest way to nature up your space is to add resilient, low-maintenance plants all over your home, preferably a versatile selection that mixes pure green leafy plants and flowers as well. Put them into those well-lit corners that need some life in them, add them to your mantle for a charming, rustic feel, pile them on your shelves, and adorn your window sills with pots and pots of ferns, fronds, and climbing plants to keep it interesting.
Use Lighting to Set the Mood
No matter the season, we need proper lighting in order to function properly, let alone feel good in our own home. This can become quite a challenge come winter, since the lack of sun can turn even the perkiest of places into gloomy dwellings. First and foremost, consider adding LED lights instead of the traditional incandescent ones to your rooms, so that late winter evenings can become more pleasant. Of course, it would be ideal if you can dim the lights to really pinpoint the perfect mood.
Additionally, certain old-fashioned tactics are actually ideal for inspiring your inner Zen and adding to the atmosphere all in one go. Keep a stock of long-lasting scented candles that have a wide array of different scents for different moods. Earthy and soft for that bubble bath, while citrusy and vibrant for a morning meditation session will do you good.
Self-Care at its Finest
Sometimes the simplest of answers can be the most effective ones in times of stress. For example, what you treat as a simple chore can actually be transformed into a self-care ritual that boosts your mood and elevates your spirit. In case you’ve come home drained and your hair feels heavy, bring out your favorite organic oily hair shampoo with a soothing herbal fragrance, and turn your regular shower into a sensual delight. Add a facial scrub and a moisturizer to shed the dullness away, slather a rich facial mask you’ve whipped up in your kitchen, and you’ll be able to bask in your bath.
How about a foot soak to seal the self-care deal of the day? Pick your favorite essential oil, find some Epsom salts to boost the power of your bath to help you relax, and fire up your Kindle. Some beautification afterward with the right nail polish can make all the difference for your mood.
Invest in Comfort
For some, the idea of a relaxing evening ends in a beanbag, while for others, there’s a massive knit blanket and a cup of cocoa involved. Whatever helps you feel like a kitten next to a fireplace, that’s your sweet spot for comfort and Zen. Consider adding a few throw pillows, a few covers, and some heavenly rugs for your living space. The more opportunities you give yourself to relax when you get home, the better your chances are to truly unwind.
A pair or two of fluffy slippers strategically placed next to your reading nook and your bed can help you stay warm and cozy. Quality, organic materials are not just a godsend for your skin, but they come with the promise of comfort, and they have a soothing effect on the overall design of your space. You can also add curtains and sofa covers that are of contrasting hues and add more pastel warmth to your home.
Conclusion
A little can truly go a long way when it comes to crafting a Zen atmosphere in your home, and adding a few healthy, calm-invoking habits that will further help you feel liberated as soon as you put on those slippers and pick up your favorite book. Add a little imagination to your ordinary habits, and soon enough, your home will become a true Zen oasis.
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