How to have more Zen in your life
Introduction – How to have more Zen in your life
At one point or another, most people have experienced stress in their lives. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of the UK have experienced some form of stress that left them unable to cope in 2023.
Some people thrive on a certain level of stress as it can keep them motivated and stick to deadlines. But if stress goes out of hand, it can cause mental health issues such as burnout, anxiety or depression and lead to heart disease and back pain.
With our 24/7 hustle culture, is it any wonder that people feel they can’t cope? Only 1 out of 3 workers in the US take a lunch break. (Zipdo) 53% of millennials wake up at least once every night to check their phones.
Due to rent increases and property prices, people live further away from their workplaces, leading to longer commutes. Those of us working from home often don’t have a dedicated workspace and are blurring the boundaries between work and leisure time.
Due to economic pressure and the need for many companies to keep costs low and thus minimise their workforce, the responsibilities of each worker have increased.
Social media and the Internet at large make us anxious if we are not keeping up with the Joneses. ‘While many of us enjoy staying connected on social media, excessive use can fuel feelings of addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and FOMO.’ HelpGuide.org
While we have come a long way from the times of our grandparents in terms of gender equality, women still do the bulk of childcare and are CEOs of their households. One look on Instagram presents us with women who are impeccably groomed, have 2+ high-achieving kids, have a fantastic sex life, and just got promoted at work. Women experience higher stress levels by 4% compared to their male counterparts, states the World Economic Forum.
On the flip side, some people reject consumerism, live in a tiny house in the woods, nibble on dried fruit all day and meditate for hours on end. While this may seem like the dream life, especially while stuck in boring team meetings or on a packed Central Line train in the morning, it is not a solution for most of us.
Five Tips on how to have more Zen in your life.
In the blog post below, I want to introduce you to five activities to have more Zen in your life and be less stressed without completely revamping your life or going on an expensive yoga retreat.
1. Have regular Tea breaks.
While sitting at your desk or running around the house doing chores, it is essential to take regular tea breaks. (Or coffee, if that’s your poison) You don’t need to pause for long; 10 minutes away from your desk can work wonders. Sit in silence with a cup of tea and stare out the window. It will restore you and give you renewed energy to focus on the task ahead.
2. Walking in nature
Walking or sitting in nature is a source of Vitamin D and a great way to unwind from a busy day or gather your focus for what lies ahead. I am an avid hiker and have solved many problems with work or private conundrums on long hikes. I have faffed over countless cute four-legged creatures. Who doesn’t feel heartwarming at the sight of a cute sheep or goat?
3. Listen to Music
Listening to relaxing music is a great way to have Zen in your life. I often listen to classical music while working and attend live music events on the weekends. It goes without saying that not everyone can concentrate with music in the background, and tastes may differ. I am not forcing anyone to listen to Ravel or Chopin. Jazz, Blues and certain types of pop music can be equally chilling.
4. Have a Bath or sit in the Sauna.
The weirdo that I am, I love taking a bath and listening to Gregorian Chant on full blast. Sitting in a bathtub or a sauna without your phone or chatter from other people can be immensely therapeutic. It also helps with sleeping better.
5. Practice mindful eating
Make a healthy meal and eat it away from your desk, mobile or the TV. Concentrate on the food you’re eating or the person sitting opposite you. Wolfing down some microwave meal in front of the TV or scrawling social media does nothing for your health, relaxation or the appreciation of good food.
Conclusion- How to have more Zen in your life
You can introduce The above five activities daily to make it more Zen. There are many more. Journaling, Meditation, or having a clean house are just some of the many things you can do.
What is your favourite Zen activity? What has and hasn’t worked and why? Let me know in the comments below.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,