It is May 5, 2020 and we here in Scottsdale Arizona have been sheltering in place for about 8 weeks. Most of us only leave our homes to get groceries or go for a neighborhood walk and then we are right back to our home office desk, kitchen table, or family room sofa. There is dialogue of relaxing social distancing measures in the coming days and there is dialogue of whether it is time to relax “stay at home” regulations. The under stimulation of work life coupled with the overstimulation of information regarding uncertainties has caused what journalists are calling “quarantine fatigue”. Quarantine fatigue causes anxiety, exhaustion, and worry. Our homes have become a space of containment, not only of the virus but of the emotions we are experiencing through this trying time. We’d like to counteract this mindset with what we do best: interior design.

We are fortunate that our industry of interior design exposes us to many worlds, philosophies, ways of thinking and living. As a result, we are asked to design prayer rooms and Zen dens that allow clients to utilize a specific space for their spiritual practice. While not everyone has a specific practice or budget that would require a whole dedicated room, there are ways to create spaces that encourage a sense of balance that effectively combats quarantine stress for a couple minutes a day.

Candles or Salt Lamp- We tend to associate candles with festive occasions, gathering around a birthday cake or enjoying a meal. A moment of stillness to enjoy the beauty of candlelight will allow you to turn off the world and tune into yourself. The color of the candle can insight a specific mood and the scent of the candle’s aroma can soothe your nervous system. Dim the lights and light a candle in between Zoom meetings to take a second or turn on your salt lamp during your next yoga session. Incorporating candlelight into your relaxation ritual can create moments of peace in your day that did not exist before.

Nature- Nature is organically relaxing and healing, and plants can provide the natural elements that you want to bring into a meditative space. Plants can provide color and scent like jasmine or a bouquet of flowers, some can actually purify the air you breathe in like peace lilies and spider plants. A water fountain is another element of nature that can provide tranquility inside or outside of your home. The sound of running water can drown the sound outside of your doors and place you into a Zen like state.

Music- While not a requirement of creating a sanctuary, meditative music can help even the busiest minds quiet and relax into a meditative or reflective state. The ability to play music is as easy as setting up a speaker, record player, or even your cell phone. It is recommended that one listens to music without lyrics to sink into repose. If music without lyrics is not enjoyable for you, nature sounds are another great option.

Décor- Your own personal touch is essential to your curated space. Items reflect your style or what you find important. Often times, symbols of bells, chimes, crystals, stones, beads, and artwork are depicted to offer ways of creating a zen like retreat however, your décor can be anything meaningful to you, a photo of a loved one, a piece of art, a souvenir. These items are meant to calm you and create contentment.

Fresh Air- Fresh air is important! If your sacred place can be near a window or door, it may be ideal. Fresh air is good for your digestive system, improves blood pressure and heart rate, and gives you energy. Oxygen results in greater brain functioning, improving concentration skills and helps you feel refreshed. Enough said.

While this is not an exhaustive list of properties to incorporate into your curated oasis, we think these items are great starting point to start or improve your relaxation rituals.

As coronavirus suppression parameters evolve, we are jointly grieving the loss of how life used to be, even some of us grieving the loss of loved ones and are integrating into the new normal we are finding our individual ways into. This change can be daunting yet encouraging, it can be depressing yet instill hope, it can be scary yet exciting. Whatever this change means for you we think we’ll be better equipped to cope with the instability of the moment once we’ve found our balance.

The Art of Zen and Coronavirus Maintenance