The students in your school contend with more stress than you may realize. For example, they may have school-related concerns, such as anxiety about tests and grades, fitting in with peers, or bullying. Yet school isn’t the only source of stress for many students. A large number of children at your school might be coping with the stress of divorce, new siblings, and becoming part of blended families. And for these reasons, many teachers and school administrators introduce classroom relaxation spaces and Zen dens for their students. Today, explore the benefits of Zen dens and the positive impacts that relaxation space school furniture can have on sensory learning student outcomes.
A need for relaxation and sensory relief in learning
There are chronic, severe stressors that may impact your students. For instance, some of your students may experience poverty, violence, incarceration of parents, or the loss of loved ones. Plus, students still feel the effects of the pandemic, which led to a 29% increase in diagnoses of anxiety and a 27% increase in diagnoses of depression among school-age children, according to APA. This all adds up to a greater need for students to have a place to relax and take a break from their stress. Zen dens offer the sensory support students need and can improve their learning experiences in a big way.
Benefits of Zen dens, relaxation spaces, and wellness centers in today’s schools
See why so many K-12 districts include Zen dens, relaxation spaces, and wellness centers in schools and classrooms.
Reduced anxiety and stress
A Zen den supports your students to manage their stress and anxiety by offering a peaceful environment filled with soothing elements like soft lighting, comfortable seating, and gentle sounds. This quiet retreat provides students with a space to decompress and build a positive emotional state, improving their overall well-being.
Emotional regulation
A Zen den offers a quiet, safe space where your K-12 students can practice self-regulation strategies and calming techniques during moments of frustration or overwhelm. By having access to this space, students learn how to prevent emotional outbursts and maintain a sense of emotional stability, building lifelong skills in emotional management.
Improved focus and concentration
When students step into a Zen den to take a brief, restorative break, they return to their classroom tasks with a clearer mind and renewed energy. This ability to relax and reset enables them to better focus on academic tasks and engage more effectively with classroom activities.
Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Zen dens create the perfect setting for your students to develop SEL skills they need in life, like mindfulness, self-awareness, and empathy. Teachers can use these spaces to guide students in relaxation exercises or mindfulness practices, fostering a deeper understanding of emotions and strengthening interpersonal skills.
Accessibility for diverse needs
Zen dens provide an inclusive environment for students with diverse learning needs or emotional challenges. For students who experience sensory overload, learning differences, or other unique needs, the Zen den becomes a sanctuary where they feel supported and understood.
Positive classroom environment
When you're able to provide a designated area for students to manage their emotions, your Zen dens can contribute to a healthier and more supportive classroom culture. This resource not only reduces tension but also promotes a positive atmosphere where all students feel valued and respected.
Relaxation spaces and Zen dens work best when you first seek input
If you want to make the most informed decisions and maximize the usage and benefits of your relaxation spaces or Zen dens:
Seek input from staff, families, and students.
Ask your school counselor what needs are most prevalent.
Talk to teachers and staff about the problems they see and what solutions might help.
And, perhaps most importantly, speak with your students and their families. It’s important to learn what stressors impact them the most and what helps them feel more comfortable and relaxed during school.
For example, when a school in Utah asked students what they wanted in their relaxation space, the students suggested weighted blankets. The school took their suggestion, and today, weighted blankets are the most popular items in the relaxation space. However, school administrators may never have thought to include weighted blankets had they not asked their students for input into these new spaces. Similarly, your students may also have suggestions and preferences for wellness center amenities they will most likely use. Ask them what they think and let their responses guide your purchasing efforts.
Zen dens don’t have to be big
You can start small if you don’t have a free room to designate as a relaxation space. Zen dens don’t have to be big in order to be a big help to your students. For instance, this portable sensory den easily fits into the corner of a classroom, office, or cafeteria. The soft sides create a perfect calming den for overstimulated students. Plus, the top attaches with Velcro, so it’s easy for teachers to access if necessary.
Sensory cocoons and sound shell chairs are also excellent options for creating a Zen den in a small space. The most important thing is to make a space where your students can relax, take a break from stress, and recover before returning to their lessons.
Relaxation spaces and Zen dens are perfect for sensory learning
While all students benefit from relaxation spaces and Zen dens, they’re especially helpful for sensory learning. Whether you have early learners, students with autism or sensory processing disorder, or students who become easily overstimulated, Zen dens are a perfect addition to your sensory learning space.
It’s also helpful to turn a relaxation space or Zen den into a learning station for elementary students, according to Edutopia. Teaching students to use Zen dens early in their school experience allows them to become just another part of their regular rotation. These efforts to normalize Zen dens and relaxation spaces, in turn, destigmatize their use. Instead, they simply become a normal way to calm down and engage in sensory learning.
Remove barriers to the use of Zen dens and relaxation spaces
Students used to be expected to ask permission to leave class for everything from using the restroom to visiting the nurse. While it may be difficult to let go of that traditional mindset or the worries that students might use the Zen den to get out of lessons, removing barriers to the use of Zen dens and relaxation spaces is essential. That’s because students who need those spaces may not use them if they face barriers like embarrassment over asking permission in front of the class or being limited to specific times.
For example, the school we mentioned in Utah found that more children remained in school all day after they created a wellness center (relaxation space) at the school. Rather than encouraging children to ditch classes, having free access to the wellness center gave students a place to go instead of retreating to the bathroom or calling a parent to pick them up. Indeed, one of the goals of relaxation spaces and Zen dens is to help students learn to self-regulate. When students have free access to a Zen den or relaxation space, they learn to identify their emotions, take action to regulate them, and return to class ready to learn.
What to consider in a relaxation space room design
If you’re looking to add a relaxation space or wellness center to your school or classroom, you’ll want to consider thoughtful room designs and layouts to make the most of your space. Here are a few other layout considerations to keep in mind as you explore your options and various Zen den-related products.
Purposeful design
Use soft lighting, cozy soft seating, and calming colors (think blues, greens, and earthy tones for a more calming vibe,) to create a space that soothes and relaxes students. Incorporate natural elements like plants, quiet music, or gentle nature sounds to enhance the tranquility and sensory appeal of the area.
Accessible location
Place the Zen den in a quiet and convenient part of the classroom or school so students can easily access it when they need to step away. A location with minimal distractions ensures the space remains calming and effective.
Teacher training
Equip teachers and colleagues with knowledge and techniques to help your students make the most of the Zen den. This may include showing your K-12 students how to use calming tools, guiding them in mindfulness exercises, or helping them navigate emotions during challenging moments.
Student ownership
Involve students in personalizing the Zen den to reflect their preferences and needs. Allowing students to contribute to the design or maintenance of the space fosters a sense of responsibility and connection, making the area more meaningful and impactful.
What should I include in my school’s Zen den or relaxation space?
As we mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to speak with the students and staff at your school when you design your relaxation space or Zen den. That way, you get the best input on what will meet your students’ needs. However, it’s also helpful to research and make some suggestions of your own. See what other districts are doing with their spaces, and let our School Outfitters furniture experts show you some of the most popular products and room designs to consider. Here are some amenities that work well for relaxation spaces and Zen dens:
Calming toys - Calming toys provide both tactile and soothing engagement for your students, helping them relax and manage stress in a peaceful way. These toys are ideal for redirecting anxious energy and encouraging focus.
Sensory lights - Sensory lights create a visually calming atmosphere by offering gentle and soothing light patterns. They help students feel at ease and promote relaxation in a Zen den or calming space.
Peapods - Peapods provide a secure, cocoon-like seating option that gently hugs students. This supportive design helps students feel safe and calm while they decompress.
Fiber optic soft chairs - Fiber optic soft chairs combine comfortable seating with a mesmerizing light display. They engage students’ senses while offering a relaxing space for quiet time.
Star carpets - Star carpets feature soft textures and calming starry designs to create a visually tranquil environment. They provide a comfortable surface for students to sit or lie down while unwinding.
Fidget toys - Fidget toys allow students to release nervous energy through quiet, repetitive movements. These tools help improve focus and provide sensory input in a calming space.
Weighted lap pads - Weighted lap pads rest on students' laps, offering gentle pressure that promotes relaxation. They help students feel grounded and improve their ability to self-regulate emotions.
Sensory stations - Sensory stations offer a variety of tactile, auditory, and visual experiences for students to explore. These stations provide focused sensory input, helping students calm and reset.
Water beads - Water beads provide a soothing tactile experience as students run their hands through the soft, squishy textures. They help reduce stress and foster relaxation in a sensory-friendly setting.
Listening centers - Listening centers give students access to calming music, guided meditations, or stories. These audio tools help students relax and escape into a peaceful, distraction-free environment.
School Outfitters Has All Your Sensory Furnishings
Relaxation spaces and Zen dens are popular in modern classrooms, primarily because they can help your students. Give them a space to manage their emotions and cope with stress so they can learn effectively during the school day. If you are ready to add a relaxation space or Zen den to your school, we can help. At School Outfitters, we make flexible learning spaces easy to furnish, with quick ship options, free room designs, and dedicated help. Browse our products today to get a free quote. Our furniture experts find exactly the right classroom furnishings for whatever your school needs to bring these supportive new spaces to life.
