Y - Zen and the Art of Creating Escape at Home

The art of Zen involves living in the moment, something that's often difficult to do in our fast-paced modern world, where the media channels are always switched on and we're always running for the next target. Although most of us are lucky enough to live in a world of relative safety, our brains are still programmed for the fight or flight response that allowed our ancient ancestors to survive. When it comes to danger, our brains don't always make the distinction between a real threat, like a man-eating bear in front of us, and a virtual threat, like not hitting the deadline with that report we need to get finished by 4pm today. And of course, in some cases, not hitting the deadline may mean a threat to our livelihood and the security of our position. At that point, the virtual threat becomes a real threat, so the fight or flight response is completely understandable.

We live in a world where the rational, left-brained approach to life is celebrated, often at the risk of the imaginative, right-brained, holistic world. We've become very disconnected from the natural world and the rhythms of the earth, and as a result, many of us are finding it particularly difficult to cope with the synthetic, materialistic world we've created. The prevalence of stress-related illness is testimony to the fact that our world is, literally, making us sick.

Relaxation and escape have never been more important. And although there are spas and treatment centres galore, they're not always the cheapest option, nor conveniently located, and nor are they tailored to your particular needs. So to help yourself and your loved ones cope with the new kinds of threats we've created in our always-on, always-connected western world, use some of the techniques below to make your home a place where you can escape from the outside world.

Image via Marviniz .

Whether it's your family bathroom, lounge, spare bedroom, study or even the garage, everyone needs a place they can go to just be themselves. Another option is to set up a den. Remember when you were kids, and you made a den out of bedding and poles? The grown up version could be as simple as a pop up tent in the garden or even the lounge. If your only option is to set up a temporary haven in a room that's shared, like the bathroom, then establish a schedule when it's your special place, and stick to it. Have a box with candles, foam bath, and other goodies to help you make the most of it. If you're lucky enough to have a whole room, like a study or spare bedroom, make it your space by furnishing it in your taste, with your special knick-knacks.

Color me peaceful

Scientific research has shown that certain hues have a more restful effect than others. So to help build the mood for your escape at home, use gentle shades like pale green, peach, violet and pale pink around you, and steer clear of vibrant and energising reds, sky blues and yellows. Bring the color into your home via drapes, throws and curtains, or go one step further, and choose light bulbs with, for instance, a hint of pink. Some types of meditation also use color as their focus, most usually the seven colors of the spectrum. Colors are also linked with your chakras, the spinning centres of energy that many yoga practitioners and others believe operate on all levels from the physical to the spiritual.

Wake up and smell the oils

In our modern world, smell is one of our most underutilised senses. We don't normally notice how important it is until we have a cold, when half the pleasure of a good meal is gone as we can't smell the fragrant aroma rising from the plate.

Aromatherapy , which uses smell to enhance mood and as part of therapeutic massage, has been known since at least Egyptian times. It's a particularly effective way to evoke a Zen-like atmosphere. Concentrate on the more floral oils for the most relaxing experience. Try lavender, neroli (orange blossom), rose, camomile, clary sage, geranium, ho leaf and jasmine. Add 5 or 6 drops to a warm bath, or opt for a burner warmed by a candle or an electric diffuser. On the topic of candles, the scented varieties also offer a great way to turn your home into a haven. Add some pretty candle holders in colored glass and turn off the overhead lights to automatically soften any room.

Incense is another option, either in block or stick form, with options including sandalwood and frankincense. The part of the brain affected by scent is the limbic area, which is also closely connected to memory, so if essential oils aren't quite right for you, room sprays reminiscent of baking bread or apple pie and cinnamon can transport you to another time and place.

Watch a film

Another method of escape is to lose yourself in a good film. For maximum benefit, make it a feel-good option, like a musical or comedy, or an uplifting tale of pilgrimage and change like The Way . Other options are TV series that allow you to completely immerse yourself in another world, like Friends , Pride and Prejudice , or North and South . If you're a science fiction buff, the entire Star Trek , Babylon 5 or Firefly seasons will keep you occupied for quite some time. Turn down the lights and snuggle up on the sofa with popcorn or ice cream. You're bound to feel better at the end of the session.

You could also opt for a travel DVD or Internet stream that takes you to another country, another realm such as under the sea, or even another time and place, like ancient Rome. National Geographic and the BBC produce some particularly good programs, and YouTube is a rich source of excellent documentaries.

Another option is to opt for a theme, such as classic westerns, and choose to escape into their world by watching as many as you can in a time frame that suits you.

Curl up with a good book

In similar vein, curling up with a good book is a pleasure that offers a relatively cheap method of escape, whether you choose to do it via the sensual experience of print, or the more twenty first century approach of a Kindle or iPad. Whether it's a good romance, a historical family saga, or a science-fiction glimpse into the future, a good book offers a chance to enter another world for a while. If time is really of the essence, download an audio book and listen to that as you work.

The power of plants

Formal Japanese gardens are planned with great care, to ensure that they provide an experience to soothe the soul as well as the physical senses. Planning your own garden is one of the very best ways to turn your home into a haven from the pressures of daily life. If you are lucky enough to have a large yard, then apple, pear or pecan trees can give years of pleasure, whether it's watching them grow, or turning the fruit into pies and preserves in season.

Image via mattib .

Hang outdoor fairy lights or solar lights for a touch of magic in the evening, and sun-catchers to add color to the day. For those with smaller plots, growing dwarf trees, strawberries, blueberries or blackberries, or setting up a small herb garden are a great solution. Those who live in city apartments might like to build a smaller garden in containers on their balcony or windowsill or consider about indoor miniature gardens.

Tending living plants that you have grown offers a reminder of the world that is our natural home, as well as bringing scent and natural color to complement the interior design of our man-made synthetic environments.