More homeowners are starting to recognize the benefits of being outside for their physical and mental wellness. It’s not healthy to be cooped up in the house all day. If your excuse for being inside is that you don’t have a suitable backyard, then it’s time to make a change. We’ll discuss the benefits of being outdoors and some simple ways to make the space more comfortable and private.
Why People Are Getting Outside
So, why should you get outside? By going out and walking around, you increase your amount of physical activity. It’s essential that you stretch your legs and get the blood flowing whenever you can. However, you may not realize that being outside has many physical and mental health benefits... For instance, when you get away from the constant lights and sounds indoors, you can have increased focus and concentration.
Also, when we spend time inside, we’re usually looking at cell phones or TV screens, and that can hurt your vision. When you're out, looking at nature and things further away, it can reduce the risk of nearsightedness and other issues. Spending time breathing fresh air and walking at the park will also help you sleep better at night so you wake up mentally refreshed.
Home Improvement Ideas To Get You Outside
If you need an excuse to get outside, then update your outdoor space because doing so could also increase the value of your home. Not only do you get to enjoy your refreshed space, but homebuyers like to get outside, too, and they’ll be looking for a property where they can do so. In addition to the ideas we’ll discuss below, you should also regularly power wash the deck, replace broken shingles, and trim your grass and hedges. Potential buyers will be thrilled to see this clean exterior and may be more willing to make the purchase.
If your budget is a concern, remember that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a whole new look. Sometimes, the simple things can make all the difference, such as installing an awning. It attaches to your home so you can have shade when you step outside. There’s also the option of a retractable awning so it’s not in the way, and you can pull it out when needed.
If you don’t have a patio attached to your home, look into adding one with special amenities, like a BBQ pit and furniture where you can sit and chat with friends. Folks with larger budgets may decide to add a spa or pool where they can swim and relax with or without company.
With that in mind, consider the games and play areas you can add to your backyard to get you excited about getting out there. You could install a bocce ball court, a small backyard putting green, a basketball hoop, or anything else you enjoy doing in your free time. Hobbies are superb for your mental health because they keep your mind occupied and focused on a goal.
Add a Private Eco-oasis
When we spend more time outside, it’s easier to appreciate nature and the world around us that much more, so why not try to preserve it by creating an eco-friendly oasis? Start by adding walkways and seating areas built with green materials, including natural stone and permeable pavers. The path can lead to your deck, made of reclaimed lumber and recycled wood.
Next, you need some furniture. Look for chairs and tables made of materials considered to be environmentally-friendly, such as teak and eucalyptus hardwood. These materials are natural, and make for very comfortable seating. You can purchase budget-friendly solar lights that stick right into the ground along the path for lighting. You can also buy solar lights that can hang on the side of your home.
Those who like to keep to themselves and want privacy in their backyards can get it by adding creative landscaping like thick shrubs or evergreen trees. There’s also the option to build a high fence from that sturdy eucalyptus hardwood. As a final idea, try hanging outdoor curtains from your awesome awning.
These are just the beginning of the stellar ideas that can spruce up your backyard. Take the time to properly create an exterior oasis, and you’ll be more inclined to enjoy the outdoor benefits of mental health.
