Most everyone loves spending time outside and knows it’s good for their mental and physical well-being. But what if you could maximize the healing potential of nature from your very backyard? That’s the goal of wellness yards. Here, we review what they are and how to create one.
What Is a Wellness Yard?
Wellness yards are outdoor spaces intentionally designed to promote health, relaxation, and mindfulness. Unlike gardens that are purely decorative or utilitarian, wellness yards focus on creating a calming environment that supports your mental and physical well-being.
How Nature Improves Your Physical and Mental Health
Did you know that even just 20 minutes outside can improve your health? Before we dive into how to create wellness yards, it’s valuable to understand just how this space will benefit your body and mind.
Physical Benefits
- Better sleep: Exposure to natural light regulates your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality.
- Stronger immunity: Spending time in green spaces can increase white blood cell counts, which fight off illness.
- Encouraged fitness: Having a yard designed for yoga, stretching, or light exercise is excellent motivation to stay active.
Mental Benefits
- Lower stress: The visual and auditory elements of nature, like greenery or flowing water, lower cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone.
- Enhanced focus: Nature has been linked to improved concentration.
- Elevated mood: Spending time outdoors can increase serotonin levels, making you a happier person.
How To Create Wellness Yards
Now that you know what wellness yards are and the evidence supporting the therapeutic effects of nature, the next step is determining how to create this outdoor space.
Step 1: Identify Your Goals
Before you start, think about how you could use your wellness yards. Is it a place for exercise, meditation, gardening, lounging, or all of the above? Understanding your primary goals will guide your design choices, but make sure the space serves a variety of fulfilling activities.
Step 2: Incorporate Greenery
The most important step is thoughtfully filling the space with greenery. When we say thoughtfully, we mean planting in a layout that flows with your activities and pathways as well as contributes to sustainable landscape design. For instance, you should focus on native plants, as these are easier to take care of, use less water, and give you the satisfaction of supporting your local ecosystem.
Step 3: Add Water Features
The sound of running water has proven calming effects. Consider adding a small fountain, pond, or even just a simple tabletop water feature. Its soothing sound will mask urban noise and promote deep relaxation as you enjoy your outdoor space.
Step 4: Create Comfortable Seating
Prioritize your comfort in your wellness yards by including outdoor loungers, hammocks, and chairs with soft cushions. Position them in shaded areas for added comfort on sunny days.
Step 5: Introduce Natural Materials
Use materials like wood, stone, and bamboo for decking, furniture, and decorative items. These elements harmonize with the natural environment.
Step 6: Personalize Your Space
Finally, add elements that bring you joy. It could be wind chimes, small sculptures, a yoga mat, a fire pit, or a combination of these features. Personal touches can make wellness yards unique to your well-being and interests.
Make Your Backyard Work for You
You don’t need a massive budget or extensive landscaping skills to develop wellness yards outside of your home. Simply invest in some planning, planting, and personalization to create an outdoor space that nurtures your mind and body.
This article was written for WHN by Casey Cartwright, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries, from highly technical to consumer and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress
https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/time-spent-in-nature-can-boost-physical-and-mental-well-being/
https://www.gardendesign.com/landscape-design/wellness-garden.html
https://www.thespruce.com/wellness-garden-trend-2024-8418670
