Research shows that spending time in nature is a good way to relieve stress and improve mental health, and the best part is that people don’t need to go on woodland retreats. Just getting outside in the backyard to enjoy the summer sun and listen to the birds can be enough.
Because people have been spending so much time outdoors in the past few years, there has been a greater emphasis on improving yards and creating comfortable spaces to relax, unwind, and socialize outside of the home. The four ideas below can help any homeowner further improve upon this practice by creating a relaxing oasis out of an otherwise boring lawn.
- Install an Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
There are few things more enjoyable than dining al fresco, and more Americans than ever are doing just that in their own backyards. Home chefs will love how much easier it is to prepare and serve food made in a fully functional outdoor kitchen compared to running back and forth from the fridge with meat, veggies, and other delicious summer treats. Anyone wondering what belongs in your modern outdoor kitchen should note that while the size of the yard can be a limiting factor, there are plenty of ways to fit in all of the most essential fixtures and appliances.
While some people find cooking to be a relaxing experience, others just want to enjoy a delicious meal with their families or close friends. Creating a comfortable dining area on the patio or even beneath a pergola is a great way to accommodate them. Just don’t put it too far from the kitchen.
- Liven Up the Landscape
It’s the 21st century, and boring lawns are out. Even the lushest and most verdant stretch of grass won’t provide the same level of enjoyment as some well-placed landscaping plants and gardens. Incorporating trees, shrubs, flowers, and even vegetables has multiple benefits when it comes to relaxation.
First, research shows that the act of gardening is relaxing. Second, being outside and exposed to green spaces can improve mental health. Finally, planting privacy hedges and other unique landscaping installations makes a yard even more comfortable and relaxing.
- Luxuriate in a Home Spa
Worried about what will happen when fall rolls around and makes spending time outdoors too cold for comfort? Adding a hot tub will have homeowners and their families looking forward to relaxing in their home spas when the nights start to take on that characteristic autumn chill. Like gardening, soaking in a hot tub is proven to reduce stress. In this case, that applies to muscle stress as well as general anxiety.
- Create a Quiet Corner
Using a combination of hardscaping and landscaping features to create a quiet nook that’s secluded from the rest of the backyard is a great idea for anyone dealing with a large family. Adding a hammock can make it even cozier, providing homeowners with comfortable spaces to relax with a good book on hot summer days and get away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Start Making Changes
Summer is already well underway, so it’s time for homeowners who want to improve the prospect of relaxing outdoors to start making changes. The best part is that, once these projects are completed, they’ll help the builders relax and unwind after all those backyard renovations.
