Creating a positive work-from-home environment equally prioritizes business success and our happiness. It deeply motivates and boosts our productivity. If you work in a dreary home setting, you will be less likely to produce the results you want. Surrounding yourself with good feng shui inspires your creativity and supports good working habits at home.

Feng Shui, which literally means “wind and water”, is an ancient Chinese practice which has been around for thousands of years. Feng shui teaches us to live in harmony with the outside environment; so that there is a balance between the external energy and our internal energy which will help us achieve harmony in life. Living life to the fullest is one of the greatest benefits of feng shui. It can positively affect health, relationships and happiness.

In today’s society where everything is constantly changing, the truth is that we need feng shui now more than ever. We need to find harmony and balance amidst all this complexity. Feng shui is based on the concept that the world is full of “Energy” or “Chi”. 

Chi and Feng Shui

Chi is the universal energy which surrounds us. In feng shui, chi is the energy found in our body as well as the external energy which is present in the things that surround us. Chi can be affected by different colours, dimensions and shapes. The goal of feng shui is to direct the chi found in our homes to us which directly affect the chi residing in our body. The better the chi flow in our environment, the easier it is for us to achieve positive chi inside our body.

Here are some Feng Shui home tips for your work-from-home corner:

1. Place your chair and desk in a Power Position(a place from which you can see the entrance of the room when seated).
2. Position your chair in such a way that it has strong backing maybe against a strong wall. 
3. Decorate the room with small live plants, water fountains and other feng shui items for the home. Experts believe that live plants can create positive energy within us. Use eco-friendly home decor to spruce up your work at home environment.
4. Declutter the desk you work on. This is very important since it also impacts your mind.
5. Separate your office life from personal life by creating a space just for work. This will help you concentrate better.
6. Choose the right colour for the room that you work. This plays a vital role in affecting your mood, especially when you are working for long hours.
7. Surround yourself with work of art and inspiring mottos of abundance, prosperity and success. 
8. Always try to use natural light, artificial lights such as yellow-tinted bulbs and fluorescent light cause fatigue. If you should use artificial lights, opt for incandescent or full-spectrum light bulbs.
9. Use desks and furniture with curved edges. Sharper edges cut the surrounding energy and shouldn’t be pointing towards you while you work. If you have furniture with sharp edges, soften the edges with fabric.
10. Place an aroma diffuser nearby which keeps the room smelling great and transforms the place into a tranquil nest.
11. Keep the room clean and arranged. This allows positive chi energy to enter your room.
12. Having a nice view from the nearby window such as your home garden can be soothing.
13. If you have an unpleasant view from your windows such as a busy road or construction site, try to block it with a nice curtain which still lets natural light in.
14. Adding some decor of your choice will encourage personal growth and inspire you.
15. Use a visually pleasing wallpaper or screensaver on your laptop or desktop. You can also use wallpaper with inspiring quotes or images that symbolize what you want to accomplish.

Colour is one of the most effective ways to adjust the chi of your home working space. The right colour can make all the difference, so make sure that you surround yourself with colours that make you calm to create a serene environment. Observe the colours of the walls of your room. Dark colours will make it hard to keep up your energy, but at the same time, bright tones can be overstimulating. Opt for softer tones can dramatically increase the feng shui in the room.
Working from home especially during this pandemic can be mentally and physically draining, This is why taking care of your mind and body is the key to a balanced lifestyle. These feng shui home tips can help attain work-life balance, even if it’s all done in the comfort of your home. Speaking of comfortable homes, if you are looking for a property that strikes just the right chord between luxury and sustainable living, visit Assetz Property Group today and let you and your family thrive in the ‘chi’ of life!

In the last several months, COVID-19 has brought significant changes to our everyday lives. This has impacted various human activities on a large scale, which has generated impactful change. For example, lockdown measures taken by countries around the world halted travel by air and road which resulted in a massive drop in the levels of air pollution.

And while it has been a difficult time to cope with the fears that the pandemic has brought, the environment has fared much better with lowered levels of human intervention and activity. As cities begin to slowly return to normal, it is important that we make the most of the positive impacts seen and change our ways.

An easy way to meet a wide range of sustainable goals in a post-COVID-19 world is through eco-friendly developments and sustainable housing. 

Sustainable waste management

With the lockdown measures in place, many cities and residents came to realize that solid waste management was not as easy to deal with. Employees of municipal corporations continued to handle operations, but this was at a decreased capacity to ensure the safety of the workers. With waste piling up for several days, many welfare associations took it upon themselves to begin compost pits to manage wet waste better. 

Eco-friendly developments are usually a step ahead as builders realize that waste that is left to rot in a landfill can lead to the production of harmful gases that affect the environment. To curb this, they plan and execute structural designs within the building itself. This is why solid waste management measures are in place already which help to fertilize plants and provide nutrients to the soil. Many eco-friendly housing developments also have biogas plants that convert waste to repurpose as a source of renewable, clean fuel. 

Water conservation 

As the world has witnessed stark changes in the environment, there is a growing consensus that we need to rethink our habits and do our bit to continue seeing positive change. Water conservation is one such key area that needs to be focused on. 

This is where the need for eco-friendly developments comes in as these homes integrate simple design and structural concepts to enable effortless and efficient water conservation. With measures like rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plants, groundwater recharging, and dual piping systems, an eco-friendly housing development saves, collects, and repurposes water for responsible usage. 

Energy-saving measures

Since most people have been working from home, a majority of companies have found that remote working is a practical option to remain functional while keeping everyone safe. This has also helped to conserve energy considerably and save costs. Because it will take time for the pandemic to settle down, many companies are also considering alternate work setups and policies that allow for continued remote work. 

If more people will be working from home, it may become essential to re-evaluate energy consumption patterns at home for many. Especially since there will be a higher number of air conditioners, lights, fans, and other electrical appliances in use on a daily basis. Eco-friendly developments incorporate smart technology and structural designs to make this simpler. With LED lighting, solar panels, and well-insulated homes, it is a lot easier to conserve energy at home.

Green cover

COVID-19 has made us realise the importance of green outdoor spaces. Having been cooped up inside for months on end makes us more appreciative of nature and all that it offers us. Many have reported seeing more plants and flowers blooming and growing, and an increase in the number of birds they can spot in and around their area. Green spaces also provide us with fresh air and help us practice positive thinking to remain stress-free. 

There is a need for eco-friendly developments all the more for this reason. These residential structures provide plenty of green cover with an abundance of trees, parks, plants, and more. This makes it easier for residents to step out and enjoy the outdoors, as it is within the vicinity that they live in. More importantly, a larger number of eco-friendly developments allow higher oxygen levels, cleaner air, and clearer skies.

Thus it is abundantly clear that an eco-friendly development can help achieve these goals effortlessly. They provide all the necessary amenities and meet all the requirements to help you live sustainably. In the current scenario with the pandemic, and even in a post-COVID world, sustainable housing projects take care of all needs. Waste management is no longer a hassle, electricity bills are not steep, and there is a longer list of things to do at home with wider, greener spaces around.
If you would like to live more responsibly for the environment and are looking at ways to reduce your carbon footprint, finding an eco-friendly development is a great step. Assetz Property Group’scarbon healing homes are a great place to begin, checking all the boxes for a sustainable home, providing all these features, and much more.

Property investment refers to the purchase of a property for the purpose of ownership or gaining returns on it. This may be done by either improving the property and selling it, or by renting it out. This is usually considered to be very profitable. But with the effect of COVID-19 on the global economy, several industries across sectors are experiencing uncertainty on what the future holds. 

However, if you are keen on investing in real estate but are on the fence, you can rest assured that real estate will continue to be a safe option post-COVID-19. Understanding the different factors that contribute to this can help provide clarity.

Increased number of buyers and investors

The economy during COVID-19 has taken a hit, and with businesses impacted everywhere, stocks have dropped drastically. This has led to an increase in the number of investments as the prices are at an all-time low, and property investment is more affordable. Moreover, the number of homebuyers has not declined during COVID-19. People have continued to purchase a rental property for sale, especially units that are ready to move in.  

This trend will carry on, even over the course of the next several months, as different cities see the lockdown lifted. This is because the economy will take time to rebuild. In order to increase consumer demand in the market post-COVID-19, interest rates and prices will remain low. These favourable conditions will make property investment a top choice, even more so because the potential for strong negotiations will also be possible.

Long term assets

The world has seen epidemics and recessions before as well and has always managed to bounce back from the decline. Market volatility is short-term, so investors with long-term assets need not worry. Moreover, any investor knows that long-term investment, like commercial property investment, is more favourable than a short-term one, as they generate higher returns. Buying rental property even after COVID-19 will remain lucrative for this reason. 

NRIs can leverage devaluation

For NRIs, sometimes the best real estate investment opportunities appear when things are most uncertain. The Indian currency has witnessed devaluation like never before, and NRIs investing in real estate can actually stand to benefit from this greatly. With the decline in the rate of the Rupee, citizens abroad will find the real estate market cheaper than before and can leverage this as the economy reopens gradually throughout COVID-19 and after. 

Uncertainty prompts action

During this lockdown and pandemic, many have experienced uncertainty with regard to significant aspects of their lives. For some, it has been about their job security, and for others, it has been about living in rented accommodations. Because of this, the questions regarding occupancy vs ownership have risen. But many have realised the importance of real estate investment as both a source of income, as well as a means for safe shelter. Buying a rental property and leasing it out can guarantee a steady stream of earnings, which makes it a promising investment. Property investments also ensure security with regards to housing arrangements in comparison to rental agreements.

Appreciation of real estate

Real estate continues to appreciate in value with time, and the best real estate investment returns are generated when the property is maintained and cared for. This can be taken a step further by redecorating the house. Interior design styles are always trending, and the look and feel of a home play an important role in the value renters or buyers give to a property. Therefore, buying a rental property does not have to end with the purchase – renovating the house can help increase the appreciation of any real estate.

Government assurances

The real estate sector plays an important role in the economy and public welfare. Which is why governments may step in to help drive growth with certain initiatives. Governments may also offer grants or aid when the real estate sector isn’t performing too well. One example of this is the tax-saving benefits that can be leveraged by first-time home buyers. Moreover, the government of India has also set up committees throughout the country to reinforce and protect buyer rights and ensure the timely delivery of completed housing. This committee is known as the Real Estate Regulation Authority. These resources can be leveraged to bolster your commercial property investment or housing deal.

Urban growth

Certain cities see better growth in terms of property investments. This is because of the exponential growth they witness and attract. A prime example of this is Bangalore. The city is the startup hub and IT capital of the country, which is why it has been deemed the Silicon Valley of India. Companies and people will continue to migrate here for the sheer number of opportunities. Since land is limited in metropolitan cities but the opportunities continue to grow, the demand for real estate will continue to go up in the long-term. 

All these points make it clear that real estate is a safe investment option, and will continue to be post-COVID-19. If you are looking to invest in real estate in India, Assetz Property Group has properties in the best areas to live in Bangalore, where luxury and comfort are never compromised. Get in touch today to know more.

There are a number of ways the pandemic has affected us all. Most of us can see the social, physical, and even financial disruptions these times have had on us. However, it’s important to take stock of our mental well-being as well. Many of us may be feeling overwhelmed with different fears weighing over us, combined with the separation from loved ones and the lack of freedom we are now experiencing. Moreover, for many people, job security, fear and uncertainty of the disease, financial insecurity, and the stress of working from home can all add to the burden. 

In times like this, it is more important than ever to learn how to relax your mind and practice positive thinking. Since people cope differently, you should consider different ways to stay mindful to see what works best for you.

Try a calming activity

It can help to control our inner worlds when the world outside feels chaotic. This can be done with different activities, from yoga for positive thinking to meditation for relaxation. Holding your thoughts, your balance or a pose can help you create a stillness within. These calming activities can often refocus our thoughts and help us realize that several of our fears and worries grow when we pay them too much attention. 

Yoga for positive thinking works to synchronize the body and mind, and fixing your breathing, circulation, and diet can help promote a more relaxed state of mind. Practising mindful deep breathing helps to soothe any nervousness and tension as well. Mandalas and other types of art can also serve as meditation for relaxation. Some people also turn to jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, word searches and other mind-stimulating activities that can be done at one’s own pace, while simultaneously working to divert attention away from negative thoughts. And, something as simple as taking a warm bath with candles and your favourite essential oils can also be rejuvenating.

Change your space

Since many of us are working from home, we may often find that we are practically tethered to our work stations for the better part of the day. And staying stuck within the same few walls at home can have a negative impact on mental and emotional health. Which is why it is important to get up and switch rooms every so often. 

For example, you can try to ensure that your lunch is at the dining table instead of at your desk. You can also make time to be in some green spaces. Going outside for a walk or jog is unsafe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of a balcony or a set of large open windows. Pull up some beanbags or chairs every day with a pitcher of iced tea to watch the sunset. Revelling in the colours of the golden hour on the trees and plants around can work wonders when you’re deliberating how to relax your mind after what feels like an endless day.

Another great way to practice positive thinking is to utilize other spaces around the house. Designate a table that goes unused most of the time for a clutter of art supplies so that you can lose yourself with a painting after work, or clear out the hallway for an energetic dance workout. You can even carve out a tranquil space to practise yoga for positive thinking on your balcony with the serene views of the sky. 

Try something new 

It can be easy to fall into a slump with boredom and inactivity, which is why it’s important to mix things up a little from time to time. Trying something new to practice positive thinking because it helps shift your energy and mind towards something fresh and imaginative. 

There’s a long list of things to do at home, which can range from donning those gardening gloves to pulling out a new recipe to finally put that kitchen garden to use. If activities like meditation for relaxation aren’t your groove, it’s possible you need to keep busy with recreation that makes you happy. You can try something new by changing up the interiors to design your bedroom differently. Vintage decor is relatively easy to recreate, which can further lead you to many other eco-friendly home decor ideas. 

Shift your focus 

Instead of focusing on what you cannot control, it can help to think about the future. Practice positive thinking by analysing what changes you can implement to work towards the goals you have set for yourself. By understanding how you can get to work on them now, you can shift your focus and energy towards affecting real change. 

This can take shape as personal goals, family goals, financial goals, or even sustainable goals. This pandemic has definitely opened more minds up to the fact that our way of living can tend to be unsustainable, and a lifestyle that is environment-friendly is not out of anyone’s reach. With such a stark difference seen in the pollution and noise levels, a positive impact has been created on different ecosystems everywhere. This balance is important for our own survival as well. 

With eco-friendly housing developments, you can learn to imbibe sustainable living as a way of life. Moreover, these projects are surrounded by nature. Living around greenery can help you practice positive thinking with a happier, healthier lifestyle for you and your loved ones. And with vibrant, open spaces around you, it can be easier to put all of these tips into practice. Check out Assetz Property Group to know more on homes that enable you to live life alongside nature, without any compromise on luxury. 

When buying a home, a common dilemma is whether to choose to live in an apartment vs independent house. An important aspect of this decision comes down to an economical standpoint, but at the same time, there are other factors to consider before making such an important choice. 

Family

The number of people that will be living under one roof can greatly impact the debate between flat vs independent houses. Many people choose to opt for an independent home if the family is a large one, such as a joint family. Nuclear families, on the other hand, are seen to be more inclined towards an apartment. Many times, couples that are just beginning to start a family choose to buy an independent home for the suburban lifestyle, offering plenty of space for family activities. 

Living space

One difference between a house and an apartment is the space each offers for households of different sizes. This also means that the two types of residences can be utilised differently, with apartments being more compact and independent homes more spacious. Apartments generally follow a fixed floor plan for each unit, but with a house, you have the freedom of choice with design and construction. You can tailor the interiors of either residence to your liking and convenience, with designated spaces like offices, home theatres, and more. 

And with independent houses, you have the added benefit of building an extra room or expanding it by breaking down a wall. Moreover, you can choose the flooring, walls, built-in shelves, and other specifications of the like based on how you envision the space. For example, if you want to bring in a rustic vibe with some vintage decor, you can choose customised wallpapers, lighting and floorboards to set the tone. At the same time, apartments follow a cohesive design, making decorating and renovating a lot more simplified and hassle-free. An apartment space also gives you the opportunity at creativity to make the best of the space provided and prevents clutter, which might get away from you with an independent house.

Cost 

A defining factor in the debate of apartment vs independent house is the costs incurred. An independent house that you are constructing will obviously prove more costly, with expenses for material and labour. Moreover, there are costs like the price of the plot, and other government approvals and clearances, which need to be paid to set up electricity, water, and other amenities. Apartments are a lot less expensive, with such costs being taken care of by the builder. 

Purchasing a home on a loan is an option that allows you to cut high expenditure down, but lenders are more likely to sanction loans faster and more willingly for the sale of an apartment. This is because there are rigorous checks that must take place to verify the income and credit eligibility of home buyers.

Amenities

Another key difference between houses and apartments is the availability of different amenities. Apartments come readily available with round the clock security, a backup power generator, a waste management system, and a host of maintenance and cleaning staff, including gardeners. It is not impossible to hire the same staff for an independent house, but a resident must seek out this help on their own. This can have its own perks – owners can personalize these amenities better to get the best quality. In turn, the expenses on this can cut costs in the long run.

Maintenance

The maintenance and upkeep of any type of property are crucial to the longevity of the home. When looking at a flat vs independent house, buyers will agree that a flat is regularly maintained without much of a hassle, whereas an independent house requires a sustained effort by the resident. This consistent labour can be expensive as well, not to mention time-consuming. However, if you are constructing the house, you can look to use sturdy and weather-resistant materials and paints of the best quality. If done smartly, this can cut your costs and efforts down considerably. 
While it is easy to narrow in on the particulars of apartments vs independent houses, weighing the pros and cons doesn’t always have to be a choice. With rowhouse communities and premium apartment complexes, it is a lot easier to reap the benefits that apartments and houses have to offer, all available no matter what type of residence. Check out Assetz Property Group for luxury projects spanning apartments, villas and row houses that always offer the best of both worlds.

With the global pandemic and a national lockdown in place, we have all been confined to the safety of our homes. Millions of children are no longer going to school across the country, and most working professionals are operating remotely from their homes. While it is important to stay safe and practice social distancing, there is a list of things to do at home to stave off the onset of boredom. This is also a great opportunity to make the most of the extra time you have on your hands now that the hours of commuting have been cut down to zero.

Work on home renovations

If you’ve been putting off that home project for a while, now is the perfect time to get cracking. Whether it’s adding a fresh lick of paint to your walls or furniture, making the switch to LED lights, or fixing the wobbly coffee table, these can all become fun things to do at home when you include other members of your household. You can also gather the family to get creative with some eco-friendly home decor ideas to add life to bare walls and modest spaces.

Gardening

With the onset of spring, this is the perfect time to indulge in some yard work. Being out in the fresh air with nature all around can be therapeutic, especially if you’re beginning to feel bored at home or cramped staying indoors. Ensure that you are working in solitude when you step out. Otherwise, you can turn it into one of the many fun activities for kids at home by teaching them the basics of gardening. 

Put on the chef’s hat

Blow off the dust from those recipe books lining your shelves and experiment with new recipes for one meal a day. Not only is the kitchen one of the best places to explore fun things to do at home, but it’s a place you can learn so much, varying from recipes and nutrition to patience and the joy in spending time with loved ones. This can also be an opportunity to make the most of the kitchen garden you’ve been nurturing.

Get in some exercise 

Of all the things to do at home, getting enough exercise and vitamin D is critical to staying healthy – and this includes mentally, physically, and emotionally too. Make use of terraces and balconies during this time to fit in an hour’s worth of a workout, whether it’s with yoga, running laps, circuits, jump ropes, or even a brisk walk. For kids, a game of hopscotch or tag may be more fun and suitable. Even if you are utilizing outdoor spaces on your own, ensure it’s at an hour that’s relatively quiet and isolated. If there are other outdoors, maintain an appropriate distance from them.

Spend quality time with the kids

Children are more imaginative and less likely to be bored as long as there are fun activities for kids at home to keep them occupied. Ask them what kind of games or activities they enjoy, and let out your inner child to spend quality time with them. Build a fortress in the living room with all the pillows in the house, break out the board games, or marathon a few of Disney’s best classics with unlimited popcorn.

These are just a few of the long list of things to do at home. With so many online spaces as well, there is so much to learn and explore during this time. However, one of the key things to take away with the current scenario around the world is the environmental impact that has shone through in these last few weeks. With birds and animals making more appearances in the absence of humans, and water and the air becoming more clear, the reality of humanity’s impact on nature is more evident now than ever. 
We should all think about how we can carry forward this balance in the environment that is being restored as well by looking at how to reduce our carbon footprints, living more sustainably, and becoming change-makers. Check out Assetz Property’s homes that enable eco-friendly living to make it a way of life without any compromises.