Six tips for cultivating a zen lifestyle
Love to feel less stress and go with the flow a bit more? Here are six tips for cultivating a zen lifestyle.
There are so many different things in life that have the potential to bring you down. Work, traffic, noisy neighbors, and rude people can all add to your anxiety levels and trigger bouts of anger or depression.
Fortunately, you have the power to cultivate a safe space where you can close the door on those negative influences and focus on the positive energy you crave. Follow these six steps to develop a more zen lifestyle within your home.
1) Fill your home with plants
Plants connect you to nature and can help you relax. You can appreciate the vibrant colors of an orchid or watch an indoor houseplant grow toward the sun. Plants can also purify the air, pulling out stale fumes and releasing fresh oxygen in your home.
You don’t have to have a green thumb or a living room full of bright light to keep houseplants alive. In fact, many indoor plants don’t require direct sunlight at all.
Start with a few durable options that don’t require much maintenance. A rubber tree plant or peace lily both work as good starter plants, and you can get more complicated indoor plants after you get used to caring for these first.
2) Discover a spirituality that motivates you
One way to develop a zen lifestyle is to understand that you aren’t alone. Many people turn to meditation or community organizations that help them better connect with nature or the universe.
Consider testing out different spirituality groups in your area to see what clicks with you. Be sure to go into each of these experiences with an open mind, whether you are getting a psychic reading or visiting a Buddhist temple.
Psychic readings can give you insight into your decision making and lifestyle choices A psychic reader can use tarot cards, numerology, astrology, and more techniques to give you an interpretation or prediction of your experiences.
A psychic reader can also act as a guide, using what’s in the tarot cards or dream interpretation to give you advice. If it’s your first time visiting a psychic advisor or an online psychic, consider looking at a psychic website first so that you come prepared. Check out the Peninsula Daily News for more information on psychic readings.
3) Evaluate your diet
The phrase, “you are what you eat,” can directly apply to your lifestyle. If you rush through your breakfast and lunch each day, you aren’t able to appreciate the food and be mindful of what you are doing. If you eat a lot of junk or fast food, your body won’t have the energy to respond well to other sources of stress.
Evaluating your diet doesn’t mean you need to only eat healthy things. Instead, consider participating in the slow food movement or research different probiotic manufacturers to find a supplement that makes you feel good.
You’ll want to find a high quality supplement with the right formulation, so make sure to look into a number of dietary supplements and probiotic supplements before you choose the one that’s best for you.
Not all dietary supplements are vegan, gluten free, and made of all natural ingredients, so research the supplement manufacturing process. Once you’ve found the right probiotic or other dietary supplements for you, they can be a great way to boost nutrition and improve your overall wellbeing.
4) Set clear boundaries
“No,” is one of the hardest words for some people to say. Many agree to work extra hours or to attend social events when they need quiet time. If this sounds like you, take time to establish boundaries. Create off hours after work when you cannot be reached, and take time away from social media and the internet to really relax.
No matter how stressful life becomes, you will always be able to look out for yourself as long as you set clear boundaries and ask people to respect them.
5) Declutter your home
Clutter and mess can become sources of stress if you constantly need to reorganize or clean up your space. Spend some time sorting through your items and considering what you really need and what can be donated, sold, or recycled.
You may want to look into the KonMari method, which adds a meditative aspect to organizing.
6) Reflect on your feelings
Do you often react to a situation without thinking through what you are doing or why? You may benefit from more reflection. Each day, set aside a few minutes to think quietly, write, or use a bullet journal.
Find a quiet corner at home to sit down and ruminate on your emotions and thoughts. You can light an aromatic incense stick to help soothe your mind and spirit and get you into the right mindset to unpack mental and emotional clutter. You can also enjoy a refreshing cup of fruit or flower tea to dispel any gloominess and reinvigorate yourself.
This will create a space to think about your values and feelings. You may be better able to control your reactions if you understand your mental state.
Developing a zen lifestyle will take time. Focus on taking steps that are good for you and leading the life you want. When life knocks on your door, you won’t feel angry or upset about answering it.
