Your backyard should be a space for relaxation. Everyone needs a private sanctuary, and you can create a yard you’ll love by making adaptations. These five changes can help you engage your senses, ground yourself and be at peace.
Add Wind Chimes
Wind chimes are an excellent way to relax, with different tones helping you drown out other noises. Traffic, construction and other unpleasant sounds can increase your stress levels. The right wind chime can lower your anxiety and help you be mindful.
The chimes work through vibrations, creating a pentatonic scale that removes unpleasant notes. They can calm you, boost your mood and improve your focus.
Historians speculate that farmers in China first used wind chimes to scare off birds. They later arrived in Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits and encourage meditation.
They continue to encourage relaxation and can drown out surrounding noise.
Create a Water Feature
Flowing water can fill your backyard with pleasant sights and sounds. Water has a calming effect and can turn your yard into a spa-like oasis.
One option is installing a fountain. Fountains can create different noise levels and come in many shapes, sizes and materials. You can even make your own with a pump and some stones. Place your fountain in an open area of your yard, and add a blanket or chair for a lovely meditation space.
A pond could be an excellent option for animal lovers. Spending time caring for fish can relax you and encourage mindfulness. Even if you don’t want fish, the scents and reflections from the water alone can be soothing.
Investing in a pool or hot tub can be a great way to exercise, soak your muscles, and have fun with family and friends.
Add Shade
Your backyard won’t feel like a sanctuary if you’re burning up in the summer sun. Creating shady spaces is key in making your yard a relaxing environment.
There are many ways to make your yard shady. While trees can help, they may not be able to cover as much area, especially as the sun moves. For a patio or smaller space, an umbrella may do the trick in providing a space to escape the sun.
If you want better coverage, consider building an extended roof or awning onto your home. Shade from trees and umbrellas may keep you cool, but they don’t fully protect you from harmful UVB rays. An awning made from UV-protective fabric can block out UV rays and protect your family from the risks of sunburn and skin cancer. You can enjoy the summertime without worrying about the dangerous rays.
Plant Flowers
Aromatherapy uses different scents to calm your body and mind and can be an excellent tool for relaxing in your backyard. Incorporate it into your yard with fresh fragrances and plants. Many scents can calm your mind and body by being around them.
Unpleasant smells can interfere with how you enjoy your backyard. The following plants have strong but not overpowering scents that can improve your experience:
- Lavender
- Jasmine
- Rose
- Eucalyptus
- Chamomile
- Lilac
- Lily
- Sage
You only need a few of these plants to make a difference in your yard. Before you plant them, ensure they can thrive in your planting zone so you can enjoy them continuously.
Encourage Wildlife
You can make your backyard an oasis by allowing wildlife. Birds, butterflies and bees can nourish your plants, and seeing and hearing them make you feel peaceful.
Attract local creatures to your property by including native plants in your landscaping. Keeping dead leaves and nesting materials around provides resources, making your yard valuable. Bird houses and feeders can attract avian friends. Plenty of trees can attract squirrels. A bird bath can give winged creatures an oasis on hot days.
Wildflowers can attract bees and butterflies to your lawn. They add beauty and can help your other plants thrive. Remember to plant them sequentially since different varieties bloom from late spring through early autumn. Keep your buds close together so bees and butterflies don’t have to exert themselves too much. It maximizes your pollination and encourages them to return.
Butterflies enjoy bright colors, and different shapes interest bees. The more variety you add to your home, the more likely they will want to hang around.
You can encourage deer to visit by planting corn or oak trees. Ensure you properly fence any produce you intend to eat so they won’t get to them.
Letting wildflowers and some weeds grow on your property might attract a wild rabbit or two.
Wildlife brings you closer to nature, which can calm your body and boost your mood. Their presence can also bring joy and energy to animal lovers.
Build a Privacy Fence
It’s hard to feel like you’re in a sanctuary if you can see the hustle and bustle around you. A privacy fence can physically block those distractions and let you enjoy your yard.
Fences embrace your yard, encapsulating you in your bubble. They provide security and help you feel like you’re further from civilization than you are. Traditional wooden fences can provide a calming aesthetic, but other options exist. Privacy screens and filled trellises are fantastic alternatives depending on your needs and desires.
You can purchase your fence or build your own. Check with your HOA or any local ordinances ahead of time to ensure it is compliant. Giving yourself that private space can help you release your anxieties.
Taking Advantage of Backyard Design
You deserve a space where you can be fully at peace, and your backyard can create a fantastic sanctuary for rest, relaxation and meditation, allowing you to take just a few minutes every day to breathe and be mindful. Stress relief is a form of self-care that can better your physical and mental state — letting you be present for the people and commitments you love most.
You can improve your backyard in many ways to create a sanctuary for you and your family. Create a space you love by engaging your senses and taking full advantage of your property.
Author bio: Cora Gold is a home decor blogger and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.