Cleaning as a Zen Practice

How to Get a Clean House and Mind

A common thing in spiritual practices is the Inside/Outside connection. Meaning, what one has around them is similar to what is in your mind. Often times, papers littered around the room or disorganized drawers can signify a littered or disorganized mind.

clean zen temple — *Built with peace in mind, the temple structure can bring satisfaction just by sight.*

Now, not everyone has a spiritual connection, but that doesn’t mean the psychological benefits to Zen practice are off limits. Everyone can reap the rewards of good mental health care. This can be used as a supplementary meditation practice.

We see Zen temples and their wide open spaces, simplistic structure, and peaceful atmospheres. These vibes all can be brought to your home without spending too much money through a cleaning Zen practice. Here’s your guide to a clean mind and house in three steps: reduce, cleanse, and maintain.

Reduce

The reduction part is the decluttering step. Like the tidy guru, Marie Kondo says, “The best way to find out what we truly need is to get rid of what we don’t.” This should be your intention during this step.

Pick up your clothes that you haven’t worn in forever, maybe the ones you’ve promised to wear again when you lose weight. Take a second look at those tourist knickknacks you bought on a whim because you felt like you should, and leaf through the stack of important papers or mail taking up counter space.

Do you really need to hold on to those? Are we keeping them because it satisfies some security need, or do we actively need these things taking up space in our lives?

Most likely, we have mental attachments to the unnecessary physical items in our homes. Taking stock of these will bring up why exactly we feel this way. When you start throwing things away, you’re giving yourself permission to let go of the factors holding us back.

Cleanse

Keeping with the same theme is the cleansing step. You’ve finished pushing out all the unnecessary from your home and now you’re left with the items that support you. But, they all have become dirty from the dust buildup or simple day to day life.

person meditating on clear zen landscape — *Putting yourself back into moments-even small ones- throughout the day can help reduce stress.*

Cleaning is an act of kindness for your home and its inhabitants, even if you’re living by yourself. When you wash the dishes or sweep the floors, you’re lowering dirt and grime that can make you sick. It will uplift you with a sense of pride; you’re making your own corner of the world a nicer place. Even if it’s just for you, that can impart a sense of accomplishment.

All these good feelings can come from picking up a broom or a rag at home. Of course, it feels good at the moment to relax on the couch after work, or scroll the media on your phone, but the sense of a job well-done carries through your life, bolstering you in other endeavors.

Maintain

The final step is recognizing this is a cycle. It’s not going to end, ever, and that’s okay. You don’t want to stop improving yourself and your surroundings in small, meaningful ways. It’s part of life.

Illuminating this aspect may settle some dust in your mind. You may think “Oh, I have to clean today,” or “Oh man, I hate all this upkeep,” when in fact, the upkeep of the house may be just the mental boost you need to keep your spirits high.

It’s all about perspective.

zen archway over calm meditative waters — *With clean, purposeful action comes clean, purposeful thoughts. Utilize this mind-body connection.*

Just remember to keep these things in mind as you take these steps:

Be Present. Don’t worry about how much you have left to do, or what else is coming up in the day. Just relax and focus on the work.

No Judgment This work is going to be in an intimate setting, so the judgments fall on you and those you share the space. Judging won’t solve things while you clean.

Gratitude You have things to clean, or you have a space to take care of. Some people don’t. Even if you feel like you’re not in the place you want to be, cherish what you have. We humans easily get comfortable in what we think is a given.

So, remember: reduce, cleanse, and maintain. If you pick up those papers and organize your car, not for anyone else, but for yourself, then you’ll reap the mental benefits of reduced anxiety and a sense of well-being.

Tips To Help Seniors Manage Holiday Stress

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but in reality it is a stressful time for a lot of people. This is especially true for seniors, because it can accompany grief, as well as depression. Travel plans, party planning, shopping, and entertaining guests are just some of the stressful things seniors may deal with. While on the other hand, some can not be with their families during the happy season. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind, and exercise in order to reduce the stress of the holidays.

*Create a schedule for when you travel to make it less stressful.*

A Solid Schedule

The holidays can get very hectic. Traveling to see your loved ones is one of those hectic times. It is important to set a schedule and stick to it. Work around your current day to day schedule. This includes taking your medications on time, and eating and sleeping as close to your normal times as you can. It can be a lot to travel, and then try to stay up late with family members. But it is important to take care of yourself too, and get the rest you need.

Be Realistic

If you can not travel during the holidays, it is okay. It can be both physically and mentally exhausting for anyone, especially as we get older. If you do decide to travel, then make sure you get enough time for rest. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make it somewhere if you are not capable.

Watch Your Wallet

A lot of seniors live on a fixed income, so if you do, then you are not alone. Because of this, it can be really stressful to buy gifts, food, pay your bills, and pay for travel expenses. Plan ahead and stick to a realistic budget.

Eat Well

*During the holidays, make sure to eat as healthy as possible.*

What else can we expect during the holidays other than good eating, and lots of sugar? As much as you want to indulge in all the delicious and savory sweets, you must be mindful. For seniors, it is especially important to watch what we eat. Try not to eat too many sweets, and stick to nutritious foods such as fruits, proteins, and vegetables. Eating these foods will help your body fight against diseases like the flu. It is important to stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water.

Speak Up

If you are overwhelmed, depressed, or just need help getting around, then speak up. The holidays are a super stressful time, and can bring on depression, especially if you lost a loved one. People do not want to let their family down, or have them worry, so a lot of times they will keep our feelings of stress and overwhelm to themselves. Speak up and notify your family so they are aware and can accomodate you and your needs. Families love and support each other, so do not feel like you have to please everyone. If you can not make it to something, or plan to have family over your house, ask a family member for help. Take some of the stress off yourself. Make sure you are healthy and your energy is up. Your family will help, but only if they are aware.

Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do during the holidays, because if you do not, then you will not be around for it. Your family members are there to help when you need them to be, but this can only happen if you talk about it. Tell them what kind of schedule you need to follow, your limitations, and the help you may need. In order to reduce the stress of the holidays, plan wisely with your expenses, and time. It is okay to indulge during the holidays, but be mindful of your health. If you plan to travel, stick to your schedule and rest. Do things in moderation if you need to. The holidays are about being happy, feeling loved, and enjoying your family. The only way to do this is to be prepared, and minimize stress as much as possible.

Tips For Mental Wellness This Holiday Season

The holidays can bring on a lot of stress, accompanied with anxiety, and depression. This is known as the “holiday blues”. If you feel these blues, just know that you are not alone, because it can affect anyone at any age, and are mainly triggered by a life event. Not to mention the pressure to impress people with gifts, attend parties, and deal with family or toxic people contributes to the blues. The holidays are also a time that people remember those who are not there any longer to celebrate. Some things that one may feel, especially if they have mental health ailments, are fatigue, tension, frustration, loneliness, and sadness. But there are ways to tackle on the blues, and tips you can do to minimize the stress and depression.

Budget

It is okay to opt out of gift exchanges if your budget is tight. or if finances are a stressor for you. Instead of buying presents for everyone, ask them to donate to charity instead, create a homemade gift, or a low budget activity for you all to do. If traveling is too expensive for you, then ask family or friends to help pay for the ticket instead of giving you gifts. If you can not make it, then ask to skype, or FaceTime with the person, or persons so that you can still be a part of the festivities. Plan your budget in advance so you know what you can do.

It Is Okay To Say No

The seasons are a difficult time, especially when you commit to too many functions, or to unrealistic expectations. If you say yes to something when you should say no, it only causes a rush of overwhelming and resenting feelings. Our schedules are hectic enough with work, and limited time off. Do not try to be too many places at once, because then you can not enjoy the time. You will be too busy rushing to get to the next party, or worry about hosting your own. Go at your own pace, learn to say no. You can say no to some of the parties and choose to spend more quality times with the people you do choose to see. Prioritize and stick to your limits.

This also goes for family functions. If you are not comfortable about doing something or being around a toxic relative, then you do not have to. We all have that one or multiple toxic family member that always says something witty, and push the limit. Set boundaries with your family. If a toxic family member talks with you, then just remove

*Spend some time focusing on you this holiday season. Listen to some music or so something for yourself.*

yourself from the conversation.

Get Some Me Time In

Take a breather from the busy schedule you have set and make time for yourself, Spend some time alone, whether it is to read a book, go for a walk, or listening to some music. Relax and refresh from everything you need to do so you can reduce stress.

Stay Healthy, Don’t Overindulge

Think about all the desserts and foods you will be eating and drinking during the holidays! While some of us can’t wait or stay away from the treats, it is important not to overindulge. Overindulging will cause you to feel bad about yourself and upset that you gained weight and lost self control. Get some exercise, even if it is a short walk. Allow yourself the time to be active, so that you can enjoy all the yummy treats. Try to have a healthy snack or meal before a party, and get a good night’s rest. This way you feel good about yourself and avoid added stress or guilt.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

Loneliness can be a problem for some people during the holidays. But you do not have to be lonely if you do not want to be. You can join a group, volunteer at a soup kitchen, go to community activities, and make new friends. Let your neighbors, friends, or coworkers know you will be alone and would like to get together.

*It is okay to grieve those you have lost. Your family can remember them by looking at pictures together.*

Dealing With Loss

The loss of a loved one has a major impact on us during the holidays. It is okay to acknowledge the grief that accompanies the holidays. Take the opportunity to keep your loved one’s memory alive by continuing their tradition, looking at old pictures of them, and express your feelings.

Professional Help

If all else fails, and the feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety can not be shaken, then talk about it. Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional if you need to. It is not something to be ashamed of, because mental health is just as important as physical health.

Make the holidays an enjoyable time, instead of something dreadful. Use the helpful tips provided to prevent the holiday blues. Focus on you and realize your limitations, but more importantly, have some fun.

Tag: reduce stress