The pandemic that we’re experiencing has just reached its first anniversary, but there is truly no reason to celebrate it. Until now, its ill effects are still felt globally and all indications reveal that such a crisis would continue throughout 2021 and well into 2022.
Among the most wide-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people are the mental health issues that have been making life miserable for the survivors.
Data showed that 4 in every 10 US adults reported anxiety and depression, as well as sleeping difficulty, eating disorder, and worsened chronic conditions. Others also admitted to increased substance use and alcohol intake as their way of coping with the psychological effects of the pandemic.
Fortunately, there was also a great number of affected individuals who chose to deal with the effects of the crisis differently. Reports back in 2020 revealed that there was a surge in home improvement activities among property owners, which is why businesses involved in selling construction and gardening supplies reported a 22.6 percent year-over-year sales increase.
Now, if you’ve decided to do some improvements to your to make it more relaxing for your entire family, there are some inexpensive tricks for you to consider. Generally, these tricks would fall under Zen interior design, which is characterized by elements that allow the home to look minimalist, yet totally relaxing with natural elements such as wood, stone, and bamboo. It’s a design philosophy that originated in Japan and traces its roots from Zen Buddhism, which is of Chinese origin.
Take a quick read of these five penny-pinching hacks to achieve a tranquil Zen atmosphere in your home:
Go for a natural wall look using faux bricks
Your home’s walls are among the most noticeable parts of your property, which means they need to look as homey as possible if you’re going for a Zen vibe. And when it comes to achieving a Zen look, natural stones are the best materials to use for the walls. However, they can be costly and thus not practical for those with a limited budget or who don’t want to spend a lot on the project.
Fortunately, there are stylish faux bricks that you can buy online and have your order delivered to your home. Faux bricks offer the aesthetic appeal of natural bricks but without the hefty price tag. These decorative products can be easily installed since most of them have double-sided tapes already, so it’s essentially a peel-and-install affair. They are also easy to maintain using just a feather duster or a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Invest in essential oils and scented candles
Scents, specifically natural scents, are a part of any Zen-inspired home. As such, you should invest in scented candles and essential oils that would invoke a feeling of being one with nature.
These would include bamboo, lavender, lemongrass, chamomile, wood, and bergamot. Sourcing these products won’t be a problem since the market is flooded with them.
Aside from essential oils, you should also invest in diffusers such as reed and humidifiers. Some sellers bundle diffusers and scents, so just look for them to have one convenient place to buy the two products.
Think green
You can’t call a design setup without including some greenery in the equation. Whether it’s bamboo or bonsai, you need a piece of nature inside or outside your home if you want a Zen atmosphere.
With the right greenery, your interior and exterior areas would be perfect places to just sit down, take in the calmness of the moment, and just be one with nature. Such a simple exercise can do wonders for your mental health, for sure.
Less is more
Zen design is primarily minimalistic, which is why it’s an ideal design choice for those who don’t like clutter or who prefer a setup that’s easy on the bank. From furniture pieces to artwork, Zen is all about simplicity in appearance and construction.
With Zen interior or exterior design, you only need to go for the simplest possible appeal that you can achieve. As long as the setup allows you to feel at ease and undisturbed, then it would be an ideal approach to decorating your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Have running water
Another key example of Zen element is running water, which is proven to have a therapeutic effect. As such, you should allocate funds for a simple water feature such as an artificial waterfall or mini fountain.
There are ready-made kits that you can buy for easy setup or you can do a custom one with a few simple items such as pebbles, river rocks, and a water pump. You can also choose to hire a professional installer if you have the money but a DIY one would be just fine.
With a Zen-inspired home through these tricks, your family would surely have a more relaxing experience amid the worries brought by the ongoing pandemic.
