Top 5 Health Rewards from Utilising Your Backyard

To put it mildly, the last couple of years have been difficult, and many people have discovered that preserving their physical and psychological welfare requires them to spend more time away from the house and in their gardens.

We all made an effort to devote more time outdoors whenever we could during the lockdown, and possessing a garden or open environment that we can use to disengage and refresh in the comfort of our own home is now a feature that is remarkably important to many people, and something that they seek after, and with valid cause.

Not only are open spaces wonderful for participating in outdoor pursuits, but the simple act of moving from inside to outside for activities that we would ordinarily perform inside, like alfresco dining or working out, can have additional beneficial consequences.

1. Relaxing and staying calm

Just twenty minutes a day tending to your garden will have a positive effect on your mood by lowering stress levels. There are many reasons why gardening can help relieve stress, but two of the most important are the positive effects of vitamin D on our physical health and the fact that spending time outdoors helps to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for our sweaty palms, foggy brains, and racing hearts when we’re under pressure.

2. Boosting Communication and gaining a Sense of Community

The company of animals, peers, and other loved ones can be a source of solace for many folk. People may find it easier to strike up conversations with strangers when they’re outside, and If you want to have a nice discussion with your friend, regardless of whether it’s just for a few minutes, invite them over for a cuppa and sit outside.

Is there an outdated patio or cobbled gathering spot in your home you want to spruce up? Or have you been pondering over installing artificial grass for a while? If so, now is the time to! The feeling of camaraderie that comes with sipping a cup of tea or coffee in the company of friends is one that should not be underestimated.

If you don’t have a backyard, consider joining a community garden! Community gardens are a fantastic way to get to know your neighbours, as well as getting some exercise and fresh air.

3. Boosting Emotional Health

We’ve established that being in nature can help alleviate stress, which has been related to mental health issues including depression and anxiety as a result of the response it triggers in the mind.

As such, not only do you put forth the effort to spend as much time as possible outside in your yard, but you should also keep in mind to take advantage of the garden’s natural environment as a means of relieving tension and anxiety, as well as pursuing conventional medical and psychological treatment.

4. Enjoying a Break From Work

Since many of us are now leading more sedentary, office-free lives, our gardens are witnessing more action than ever before. The artificial grass lawn at your house is the perfect place to unwind and recharge during your break at work. Put away the computer for a while and relax.

On a sunny day, you may want to do some of your work outside, in which you’ll benefit from the natural lighting and air circulation while getting some much-needed world-view.

5. Improve Your Sleep

Spending time in the garden and gaining fresh air during the daytime can actually improve your sleep at night. The vitamin D you absorb from sunlight exposure helps to regulate the levels of melatonin in your body, which is the hormone that makes you feel sleepy.

Moreover, being in nature has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can keep you up at night if it’s too high. So, if you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep at night, spending some time in your garden during the day may help!

To Finish

The benefits of spending time in nature are vast and varied, as the article above has shown. Whether you’re looking to relax, communicate with others, boost your emotional health, or get a break from work, chances are the garden can help.

So, get out there and enjoy all that your yard has to offer!