May 25, 2023

How a Zen Garden Benefits Your Mind and Body

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and this desire only grows stronger when we live in urban settings. For this reason, many city dwellers build and maintain gardens in their homes to enjoy nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The importance of green spaces is not lost on property developers either. According to a recent Federal Land brand study, homebuyers feel more motivated by open spaces and greenery because they provide excellent ventilation and make them feel less constrained.

One type of garden that has gained popularity in recent years is the Japanese Zen garden. It focuses on careful arrangements of rocks, sand, and plants to encourage contemplation and calmness. Consider strolling in a Zen garden for a much-needed retreat without leaving the city.

This blog will explore the Zen garden benefits of living in a Japanese-inspired condo.

7 Zen Garden Benefits to Your Mind and Body

Zen gardens are excellent for meditation and relaxation. Below are some benefits of a Zen garden to the human mind and body. 

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

Generally, gardens are a popular means of reducing stress and anxiety. A 2021 study proved that green spaces reduce stress levels among adults, helping them care for their mental health.

Zen gardens take it up a notch further by intentionally leaning on a minimalist design to invoke a sense of peace and serenity within their enclosed spaces.

2. Sharpens focus and memory

Zen gardens consist of abstract but minimalist rock, gravel, and greenery arrangements to help the brain pause and reflect. They encourage you to slow down, breathe, and attune your senses to the scenery, which is beneficial for sharpening focus and memory.

Several studies back up these benefits as well. For instance, a 2022 study found that increased residential green spaces enhanced cognitive function among middle-aged women.

Past research also found that people perform tasks with greater accuracy and higher quality results while under the calming influence of nature. This finding is especially beneficial for people who work from home.

3. Boosts the immune system

Zen gardens can also positively affect the immune system. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that exposure to nature increased natural killer cell activity, playing a critical role in immune function. It also discovered that inhaling the greenery’s natural compounds can improve immune response.

Plus, Zen gardens are conducive to meditation. According to researchers from the University of Florida, eight straight days of intense meditation can lead to robust immune system activation.

4. Increases oxygen intake and reduces pollutants

Living in urban areas increases exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants, which may affect your health negatively. For instance, exposure to outdoor air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. When combined with improper ventilation, you may also experience dry throat and eyes, fatigue, and poor sleep.

Thankfully, your condo’s Zen garden plants can reduce air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, and improve air quality. Additionally, spending time in a garden can increase oxygen intake, positively impacting your overall health.

5. Relieves eye strain

If you spend most of your time working in front of a computer, you’ll likely experience eye strain because of your screen’s flicker and glare. And with the continued shift toward remote work, this problem may get worse. That is why eye-health professionals recommend the 20-20-20 rule. That is, take a 20-second break to focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes to relieve eye strain. 

While having a look outside of your balcony may be sufficient, a quick stroll through the condo’s Zen Garden may provide more soothing elements for your eyes to focus on. Moreover, plants may also reduce the chances of developing myopia and astigmatism, if accompanied with reduced daily screen time.

6. Improves length and quality of sleep

Zen gardens can also have a positive impact on sleep. Carefully arranged rocks, greenery, and other natural elements promote peace and mindfulness, helping the mind relax after so much cognitive activity during the day.

Past research also found that exposure to nature improves sleep quality and quantity. The findings suggest that strolling in a Zen garden may be a valuable way to achieve better sleep and improve overall health, especially if you experience insomnia and other sleep problems.

7. Decreases blood pressure

Spending time in natural environments, including Zen gardens, can reduce blood pressure. This effect may be due to the calming and stress-reducing effects of surrounding yourself with greenery and natural elements. Even spending short periods in natural environments can significantly impact blood pressure.

Achieve Peace with a Zen Garden in Your Condo

A Zen garden can provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of urban living while offering numerous benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and memory, and promoting better sleep and immune function.

If you plan to move into a condo, choose one that prioritizes green spaces. For instance, Federal Land’s Zen-inspired pre-selling condo in Pasig, The Grand Midori Ortigas, fosters serenity against the backdrop of a dynamic central business district.

As a reputable real estate developer in the Philippines, Federal Land offers many other ready-for-occupancy and pre-selling condos with landscaped gardens and wellness amenities. You can achieve peace and serenity while living in the metro as a condo dweller. Contact them today to learn more about how we value green spaces and promote relaxation amid the concrete jungle.