It’s no secret that spending time in nature is good for the body and mind. A growing body of research suggests that exposure to natural environments can have many health benefits, including reducing stress levels, improving moods, and even boosting immunity.
So it only makes sense to bring some of that natural goodness into your backyard, transforming it into a therapeutic retreat that you can enjoy whenever you need a mental or physical health boost. Here’s how you can do just that:
Identify where to set up your therapeutic retreat.
The first step in creating a backyard oasis is identifying an appropriate space for your retreat. Any outdoor area best suits your needs, such as a patio, deck, or garden.
If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, that’s okay too — you can turn even the smallest outdoor area into a relaxing oasis with the right furnishings and plants. You can also get creative with vertical space by hanging potted plants or installing a living wall.
Nonetheless, the best way to ensure that your backyard retreat has a therapeutic impact is to choose an outdoor area with plenty of natural light. This way, you can get the full benefit of spending time outdoors.
Add soothing elements to your space.
Once you have identified a suitable spot for your retreat, it’s time to start decorating. To create a peaceful and uplifting environment, include elements that promote relaxation in your backyard oasis.
These elements might include furniture that allows you to sit or lie down comfortably, like a hammock, lawn chair, or daybed. You may also want to add some soft flooring, such as grass or sand, and decorate with calming colors and soothing lighting.
What you include in your backyard oasis is up to you, but be sure to choose elements that promote relaxation and make you feel good.
Choose the right plants and flowers.
Of course, an outdoor oasis would not be complete without plants and flowers. Not only do they add beauty to your retreat, but the right plants and flowers can also have a therapeutic impact on your body and mind.
For example, many people find that simply smelling certain plants, like lavender or rosemary, can help reduce stress and improve moods. You might consider adding some of these scents to your backyard oasis with essential oils or candles.
Other plants, such as bamboo and aloe vera, improve air quality. So if you’re looking to create a beautiful and good space for your health, these are great options to include in your backyard retreat.
When choosing plants and flowers for your backyard oasis, consider what will thrive in your climate and how much maintenance they require. You want your retreat to be a low-stress space, so choose plants that are easy to care for. Doing so will help you enjoy your oasis to the fullest.
Maintain the walkways and landscape.
Ensuring that your backyard retreat is well-maintained with pathways clear of debris, shrubs trimmed, and plants healthy is essential to maintaining the therapeutic impact of your space.
You can start by clearing any debris in the area, including leaves and sticks. Doing so will allow you to move around without tripping on unwanted items. Keep pathways clear of overgrown plants or weeds and ensure any garden beds are well-maintained.
A well-landscaped backyard also allows you to enjoy the space without worrying about doing too much work. However, you might want to avoid doing any landscaping yourself if it’s something that causes you stress. In this case, you can hire expert landscape designers to do the work for you. You can enjoy your backyard retreat without worrying about maintaining it.
Regularly use and enjoy your backyard oasis.
An essential part of creating a therapeutic backyard retreat is to use it regularly. Whether that means spending time in your hammock every afternoon or hosting yoga classes once a week, the key is to use your space and reap the benefits of being outside.
Whatever works for you, it’s essential to make sure that your backyard oasis becomes a space where you can relax, unwind, and recharge. After all, the goal of this space is to promote wellness and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. So make sure that you are enjoying your backyard retreat as much as possible.
Creating a backyard oasis is a great way to promote relaxation and wellness in your life. By choosing an ideal location and adding plants, flowers, and features that appeal to you, you can create a perfect space for enjoying some peace. Be sure to keep the area well-maintained and use it regularly for the best results. With a bit of work and dedication, you can transform your backyard into a therapeutic retreat that will help you feel good both mentally and physically.
