Jade Small
Jade Small
November 26, 2023 ·  3 min read

Zen Dens Are The Newest Trend For Your Home And We Need One

Move over She Sheds and Man Caves. The newest trend is all about stress-relief and relaxation- and it’s called a  Zen Den. In the modern world, one thing is a constant. Stress. We all have it, and we all have to find a healthy way to manage it. “One-third of Americans are living with extreme stress and nearly half of Americans (48%) believe that their stress has increased over the past five years. Stress is taking a toll on people – contributing to health problems, poor relationships and lost productivity at work,” reports the American Psychological Association.

If you needed another reason why should decrease your stress levels, well, it can kill you.

“There are a number of ways chronic stress can kill you,” says Carol Aldwin, director of the Center for Healthy Aging Research at Oregon. “That includes increased levels of cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, and increase blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease.”

The newest trend in 2019 is taking care of yourself, and your well-being starts at home.

Let’s talk about Zen Dens and why you definitely need one:

Zen Dens are “a designated area in a home devoted to expanding one’s self-awareness to experience maximum relaxation,” according to the Plan Collection. “Zen Dens are used as a meditation room or a space to practice yoga and—in an open floor plan—a nearby place to “get away” from too much activity.”

Essentially, zen dens are a dedicated space in your home you would use to unplug, unwind, and let go of the stress of the day. The best part is you don’t need to build anything or use lots of tools/paints/cement; they can be as simple as a modified walk-in closet, a spare bedroom, or a small space in the corner of your  room. Your Zen Den is a personal space for you to relax- only you. So make it your own.

Wondering where to start? Don’t stress, we have you covered.

Try to pick out five different things that give you a sense of calmness and tranquility. Your space shouldn’t have more than five because you don’t want to overwhelm your senses; remember, this is about relaxation and calming the mind. Always add textures you enjoy. Feathers, wool, soft things- whatever you prefer as long as you surround yourself in comfort.

There is one rule for any Zen Den, and that is: no technology of any kind. That includes white noise machines, phone chargers, electric blankets- none if it. Your space should be as natural as possible. Electronics overstimulate us in our daily lives, and your Zen Den is designed to help you escape for a few moments from those things.

Remember, less is more. Find a soothing print, some soft pillows, a comfortable throw, a few plants, wind chimes- and you’re on your way to a healthy, happy space. Your very own Zen Den awaits!

And if you don’t have the space inside, there are creative ways to turn your outdoor space into a Zen Den as well.

We hope you enjoy these gorgeous example of Zen Dens, and if you decide to go ahead and create your own stress-free space, we hope you think of us.

Read More: 6 Awesome Zen Stories With Important Life Lessons